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Arizona Railroad Museums: A Complete Guide

Published: April 16, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Arizona, with its sweeping desert landscapes and rich history, is more than just a stunning backdrop; it is a treasure trove of American railroad heritage.

The state’s vibrant railroad past is preserved in several engaging railroad museums. This guide offers an overview of some of the most notable railroad museums in Arizona, revealing a world where history and technology converge, and stories of the rails come to life.

Grand Canyon Railway 2-8-2 #4960 steams northbound near Willaha on Arizona's Kaibab Plateau on May 15, 2011. Drew Jacksich photo.

Arizona Railway Museum

This museum is located in Chandler, somewhat southeast of Phoenix. The organization was launched in 1983 and its collection generally focuses on preserving Arizona's railroad history, as well as that of the entire Southwest.

Their more notable pieces include Homestake Mining 0-4-0CA #5 (manufactured by H.K. Porter in December/1905), Southern Pacific 2-8-0 #2562 (listed by the railroad as a Class C-9 "Consolidation" it was out-shopped by the Burnham, Williams & Company [Baldwin Locomotive Works] in 1906), Chicago & North Western E8A #5022-B (built by Electro-Motive in July/1950), and Magma Arizona Railroad DRS-6-6-1500 #10 (originally built by Baldwin for the McCloud Railway as its #29 in July/1950).

Due to the region's extreme summer heat the museum is closed from late May through early September. Admission is free!

Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum

For those who love trains big and small, the Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum in Tucson offers a whimsical take on railroad history. This museum is more than just toy trains; it's a hands-on gallery of model railway displays.

Exhibits

The museum boasts a wide variety of model railroad layouts that depict different themes and eras. From G scale to Z scale, visitors can explore meticulously crafted miniature worlds. Not only do adults get to relive childhood memories, but children also find endless joy watching the tiny trains whizz through tunnels and across bridges.

Visitor Information

The museum is open on select days, primarily during the cooler months. Check their schedule ahead of your visit to ensure you can access all exhibits and special events.

Paradise & Pacific Railroad/McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

The Paradise & Pacific Railroad, located in Scottsdale, is part of the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The train is based from a Colorado narrow gauge and is exactly 5/12th's the original, carrying passengers on a 1-mile trip around the park.

They also feature a small museum which includes an impressive of collection of preserved wooden depots: one of Santa Fe vintage constructed in 1907 and that once sat at Aguila, North Scottsdale Avenue; a Southern Pacific structure built during the 1930's at Maricopa, North Scottsdale Avenue; and finally another Santa Fe station originally located at Peoria, North Scottsdale Avenue, completed in 1895.

A fourth depot replicates an Arizona & New Mexico Railroad building that once stood in Clifton, Arizona. While there don't forget to see 2-6-0 #6, built for the El Paso & Southwestern by the Burnham, Williams Company (Baldwin) in 1907 and Pullman car "Roald Amundsen," which saw use by every U.S. president from Herbert Hoover through Dwight Eisenhower.

Southern Arizona Transportation Museum

Located in the historic Tucson depot, the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum is dedicated to preserving Tucson’s railroad heritage. This small but engaging museum combines historic artefacts with community storytelling.

Exhibits

Exhibits include photographs, historical documents, and several quintessential artifacts from the Southern Pacific Railroad. Perhaps the crown jewel of the museum is the meticulously preserved Locomotive #1673, a vintage steam locomotive with a storied past.

Visitor Information

The museum offers free admission and is centrally located, making it easily accessible. Docent-led tours are available, providing rich insights into the exhibits and Tucson's railroad history.

Conclusion

Arizona's railroad museums do more than just display relics of the past; they celebrate the state's pivotal role in the rise of railroads across the American landscape. Whether you’re standing beside a grand old locomotive, marveling at a miniature train set, or journeying through breathtaking canyons, these museums provide a captivating look at how the iron horse shaped the story of Arizona and beyond.

When planning your visit, be sure to check each museum's specific operating hours and events, as they can vary by season. Exploring these dynamic and informative venues promises a rail-bound adventure through time, suitable for all ages and interests. So grab your engineer’s cap and start your Arizona railroad journey today!