Railroad Museums By State (2024): A Complete Guide

Railroad museums are fascinating places of history, whether you carry a particular interest in trains or not. They teach us about one of America's oldest industries, how it functions, and its continued importance within today's economy.

Many in the public have no idea that many of the everyday products and items found on their store shelves were transported, at least part of the way, by train. Many museums today are non-profit organizations relying on donations and volunteer help to remain open each year.

Overview

State Guide

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin

Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, Inc.

Illinois Railway Museum

Notable Organizations

Events

Finding One Near You

However, there are some which receive either federal or state subsidy (such as the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin; California State Railroad Museum; and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

Because of the equipment's size and complexity, collections are incredibly difficult not only to restore but also maintain. If you may ever be interested please consider assisting a museum near you; their hard work preserves many noteworthy pieces which would otherwise be forever lost.

There is no doubt railroads have changed much since the first entered service in the 1820's The industry peaked from 1880 through World War I and then slowly declined until 1980's deregulation witnessed a renaissance.

Museums are virtually the only place you can get an up close look at the equipment and preserved structures.

Overview

The railroad museum is not a new phenomenon although the number of preservation organizations have grown considerably since the 1970's. The oldest is the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, Inc. founded in 1921. In 1934 the first "fan trip," or train excursion was hosted by a railroad.

In his article from the September, 1969 issue of Trains Magazine entitled "Are These People Embalmers Or Enthusiasts?," noted editor David P. Morgan described the term "railfan" quite poignantly.

It carries a range of sub-interests, from photography to modeling, but generally refers to folks who simply enjoy trains. Various clubs/organizations sprang up throughout the 1930s, '40s, and '50s.

There were 65 such groups in 1934 and 96 by 1959 as noted by the "The Railfan, Inc.," edited by Rosemary Entringer from the June, 1959 issue of Trains. The next important organization to appear was the National Railway Historical Society which formed in 1935.

But again, the modern movement of museums and tourist railroads sprang up in postwar times as diesels replaced steam and railroads disappeared through merger.

State Guide

Arizona

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.

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

This organization is based in Tucson and features a caboose on the property and an indoor pavilion, which houses a large operating model train layout.

The caboose is of Denver & Rio Grande Western lineage; given #01433 it was manufactured by the company's shop forces at the Burnham Rail Yard in Denver, Colorado between June/July, 1944. It remained in active service until 1986.

After spending many years awaiting an uncertain fate, it was privately purchased by a hobby shop owner in Arizona City and restored (even the blanked-out windows were replaced). In 2005, Gadsden-Pacific acquired the car where it remains on display today.

In addition to their indoor layout the group also has an outdoor garden railroad and large-scale trains. They are closed during July and August due to the extreme heat but otherwise remain open every second and fourth Sunday the rest of the year. Admission is free.

The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum is housed in the restored Southern Pacific/El Paso & Southwestern depot in Tucson (At its peak the EP&SW reached over 1,200 miles in length. It was acquired by Southern Pacific in 1924).

Located at 414 North Toole Avenue, the brick/adobe structure was built in 1907 and also acts a stop for Amtrak on Union Pacific's main line. While there be sure to visit their preserved steam locomotive, Southern Pacific 2-6-0 #1673.

The little Mogul (listed as Class M-4b) was built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works (forerunner to the modern American Locomotive Company of Schenectady, New York) in 1900 and is housed beneath a large outdoor pavilion.

Inside there are various interactive historical exhibits, not all of which relate to railroad history. Admission is free although hours vary.

California

Not surprisingly, scenic train rides can be found at one of the state's biggest train attractions. Perhaps few other museums, except the Illinois Railway Museum, rival the California State Railroad Museum in terms of size, scope, and collection.

With a history dating as far back as 1937, it's based in Sacramento and remains one of the city’s top tourist destinations, seeing over a half-million visitors annually (a testament to just how interesting and engaging railroad museums can be).

Given the sheer size of CSRM's collection it would not be possible to cover it all here in a brief paragraph. Thanks to the numerous resources available, of which few other museums are privy, CSRM is large enough to contain a number of various operating departments.

While it tends to spotlight and feature historic pieces related to California, or western railroads overall, it also highlights railroad history in general (including the Transcontinental Railroad).

Finally, you can catch a train ride while there! They offer excursion trips using an 0-6-0 steam locomotive, operating from the spring through late Summer, every hour on Saturday and Sunday.

This organization, located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles looks to preserve Walt Disney's vast collection of scale model trains, one of his longtime interests.

The barn in which these displays are housed holds particularly historical significance. It was built in 1950 by Disney, himself, at his home in Holmby Hills, California, replicating a similar structure at his family's farm in Marceline, Missouri.

The building acted as a workshop, used to maintain his 1/8th scale live-steam railroad, the so-called "Carolwood Pacific Railroad."

A few years later he went on to build the now world-renowned attraction, Disneyland, although the barn always remained on his property.

Today, it continues to feature his original works and is open the third Sunday of each month from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission and parking to the museum are both free of charge.

This organization, which launched in 1993, is housed within the Southern Pacific's restored wooden depot in Colma, originally completed between 1863-1870.

They are open throughout much of the week and there is no admission. The entire grounds include three additional buildings; the main museum, freight depot (built between 1904-1905), and blacksmith’s shed.

While they do have some displays relating to trains it also features historic embalming equipment, blacksmithing items, typewriters, and information concerning Colma's 14 different cemeteries.

There are also quilts on display, vintage buttons, telegrapher items, period clothing, and numerous photos from year's past. It is an interesting place with a little of everything to see!

Based in Eureka, this state park (since 1977) carries the goal of preserving the region's logging history.

Specifically their mission statement is "...to create awareness and appreciation for the impact of timber, logging, and railroads on the settlement and growth of Humboldt County."

In addition, since the grounds are within a former Army fort, military history is presented here as well. Of their many attractions the group offers scenic train rides, or speeder trips, during the summer months.

They also have two small, standard-gauge (4 feet, 8 1/2 inches) steam locomotives on displa:

This museum (operated by the Bishop Museum & Historical Society) is based in Bishop and housed within the city's preserved Carson & Colorado Railway depot (built in 1883).

The C&C was a very noteworthy narrow-gauge (3-foot) system that, according to Dr. George Hilton's book, "American Narrow Gauge Railroads," operated some 293 miles from Mound House, Nevada to Keeler, California.

Construction on the project began from the Virginia & Truckee's (the C&C's parent company) main line at Mound House on May 31, 1880 and had reached Keeler three years later in July, 1883.

Like the V&T, it was built primarily to handle the silver mining boom and then later served a quick flurry of gold mining activity.

In March, 1900 the Southern Pacific acquired the property for $2.75 million, converted it to standard gauge, and reincorporated it as the Nevada & California Railroad (May 11, 1905).

Afterwards, the line was extended to Mojave in 1910. The museum's most significant display piece is Southern Pacific 4-6-0 #9, a narrow-gauge steam locomotive manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1909.

This museum, housed in a beautiful replica (constructed in 1966) of Boston & Maine's depot that still stands in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

They have also built a full-scale water tank on the property, a device commonly used by steam locomotives to gather water along the tracks.

Finally, several pieces of rolling stock can be found on the grounds including a Southern Pacific tender, Union Pacific caboose (built in 1910), Santa Fe caboose, Union Pacific boxcar, and Union Oil tank car.

Their featured attraction is preserved Southern Pacific 2-6-0 #1765 (M-6) which sits on display next to the building. This little "Mogul" was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1902.

In addition to these there are various displays on-hand to peruse. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, offering tours for groups and schools.

This organization is based in Nevada City and its mission is to preserve the region's narrow-gauge history, which was predominantly centered around the logging industry.

They have a rather substantial collection on the premises with many pieces restored. Of particular note is their preserved 2-6-0 #5, built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming in 1875.

They also feature another steamer, 2-6-2 #5, manufactured by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1911 for Williamson & Brown Land & Lumber Company (a few years later, in 1916, it was sold to the Argent Lumber Company Railroad of Hardeville, South Carolina).

Other pieces of rolling stock include a pair of small Plymouth diesel switchers, a modern 0-4-0 steam locomotive, an operating "rail bus" car, and various other freight cars.

This museum is located in Pomona at the Fairplex and operated by the Southern California Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (the oldest railroad preservation society in the United States, the R&LHS was founded in 1921).

They have a large outdoor collection available to see and peruse. The group's most famous piece, Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" #4014, was reacquired by UP in 2013 for restoration and operation as part of its heritage steam fleet.

As its name implies this museum tells the rich history of San Francisco's cable cars, which were first put into service in 1873.

While these machines are not traditional railroads they have played an important role in the city's transportation needs for well over a century.

Today, they function largely for nostalgia/tourism purposes. The museum contains two notable cars within its collection; a former Sutter Street Railway grip car and trailer manufactured in the 1870's and another grip car belonging to the Clay Street Hill Railroad.

The latter company holds the distinction as the first to be successfully put into service when it began running on August 1, 1873 along Clay Street.

Its construction was financed by Andrew Smith Hallidie while the line was engineered by William Eppelsheimer. In 1888 it became part of the Ferries & Cliff House Railway. The system remained in operation until February 15, 1942. Admission is free with varying opening hours.

This organization, established in 1999, is located in Santa Maria and has a small collection of equipment on hand, including a small miniature railroad offering rides to the public.

According to their mission statement they are "...dedicated to the preservation of the railroad heritage of California, the Central Coast, and the Santa Maria Valley." The museum is open every second and fourth Saturdays of each month from Noon to 4 PM.

Another one of the most scenic train rides available is found at the Southern California Railway Museum, formerly known as the Orange Empire Railway Museum.

This organization has a substantial collection of preserved equipment and also offers excursions powered by steam locomotives, trolley cars, and diesel locomotives.

There are also historic streetcars originally belonging to the Pacific Electric and Los Angeles Railway (LARy). Finally, they offer excursions over 1.5 miles of right-of-way as well as a 0.5-mile dual-gauge "Loop Line."

Based in Goleta this museum is situated inside the former Southern Pacific's beautifully restored two-story wooden depot built in 1901.

The structure is not at its original location and is currently on display at 300 North Los Carneros Road in the Los Carneros County Park).

During the railroad's construction of its so-called "Coast Line" linking San Francisco with Los Angeles (a corridor that continues seeing considerable usage today).

This particular depot is based from SP's standard "Combination Station No. 22 plan," a design widely used by the company during the late 19th through early 20th centuries.

The museum contains a few pieces of rolling stock and states their primary goal is to "focus on the history, technology, and adventure of railroading" within the local region.

If interested in planning a visit they are open during Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 pm.

This organization is housed within a beautiful replica of a Southern Pacific, single-story wooden depot. It was completed in 2009.

The attractive facility features a very large collection of historic artifacts inside, all of which is presented to a very high quality.

What's more, it's free to the public. While there be sure to take a moment and watch the countless Union Pacific and BNSF Railway trains passing by on a regular basis.

This very busy route has remained a vital rail corridor dating back to the SP and Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Santa Fe) era, a setup which persists under UP (owner) and BNSF (leaser).

The line's most striking feature is a grand loop whereupon trains pass over themselves (originally featuring 15 tunnels) to keep grades manageable.

Just as they proclaim the organization truly does have the largest collection of preserved steam locomotives in the western United States with some fourteen pieces on display.

The museum if free and open to the public. The heritage of this organization dates back to the 1940's when Charley Atkins and a group of railfans wanted to display an authentic steam locomotive next to the miniature train ride at the park.

They ultimately began with two pieces; Los Angeles Harbor Authority 0-4-0T #31 built by the Davenport Locomotive Works in 1921 and Consolidated Rock Products 0-6-0 #1 built by Alco's Cooke Works in 1925.

On December 14, 1952 the Travel Town Museum opened and their collection slowly grew from that point forward.

The Western America Railroad Museum (WARM) is based in Barstow with an aim to preserve rail history in the Pacific Southwest (Southern California) region.

The organization is housed within the preserved brick Harvey House (these facilities were spearheaded by the legendary Fred Harvey during the 1870's as a means of providing passengers meals during their trips in a time that pre-dated the modern dining car) and Santa Fe station, originally built in 1911.

The building carries a wide range of functions including being an active Amtrak stop, home to the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, and location of the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.

The WARM features a wide range of railroad artifacts such as timetables, uniforms, tools, and even artwork. Also be sure to see their collection of preserved rolling stock outside!

In junction with static displays you can also find scenic train rides at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. Located in Portola the WPRM is the premier organization preserving the memory of the Western Pacific.

They have a very large collection of original WP equipment on hand, many of which are not only preserved but also in operable condition.

The history of the Western Pacific Railroad Museum begins in 1983 when the Feather River Rail Society was formed to preserve the history of the Western Pacific, which only a year earlier had disappeared into Union Pacific.

A year later the society created the Portola Railroad Museum as a means of having a permanent site to both display their growing collection of equipment as well a place where visitors could come to see and learn about the WP.

The original museum was named after the town of Portola, which was once a locomotive servicing and maintenance facility for the WP along the eastern edge of its "Feather River Canyon" route in northern California (east of the famous Keddie Wye and "Inside Gateway" route).

Today, the organization features a collection of over 35 locomotives and 80 pieces of rolling stock. It is well worth the visit!

The Western Railway Museum, led by the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association (BAERA), operates trolley service on a former segment of the Sacramento Northern Railway's main line near Suisun City.

The history of BAERA began long ago when a local group of railfans from San Francisco loosely started the group in 1946 to preserve the region's interurban and streetcar history.

In 1958 they obtained a collection of used traction equipment following the Key System's closure and subsequently acquired former SN property at Rio Vista Junction.

With property secured, they formally launched the BAERA, a non-profit organization.

The operating arm of the group was known as the California Railway Museum, which later became the Western Railway Museum to eliminate confusion with the California State Railroad Museum.

Today, they have since acquired 22 miles of the former SN trackage and opened a visitor's center in 2001.

Colorado

This museum is part of Windsor's historical exhibits related to the area's history.

Part of their collection includes a preserved/restored Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific Railway (Organized on January 17, 1881, the GSL&P was financed by the original Union Pacific Railroad. Following its bankruptcy, it became a part of the Colorado & Southern in 1898, which itself was acquired by the growing Chicago, Burlington & Quincy on December 19, 1908.) wooden depot built in 1882, a caboose, and other railroad displays.

Additional exhibits to peruse within the greater Boardwalk Park include the Eaton House, a schoolhouse, a German-Russian farmhouse, a beet-shanty, and a prayer-meeting house.

The museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each season from Thursday through Sunday (please visit the town's website to find out exact hours of operation). Admission is free although donations are welcome.

The Castle Rock Museum is operated by the Castle Rock Historical Society, housed within the town's preserved and restored Denver & Rio Grande stone (rhyolite) depot completed in 1875.

The building does not sit at its original location, however, and was moved from its trackside perch in 1970. In 1974 it was placed on the National Register Of Historic Places and Castle Rock's Register Of Local Landmarks in 1994.

According to the historical society, formed in 1991 to preserve the structure, it still carries its original interior, ticket window, baggage area, and more than a century of "graffiti on its walls."

There are various exhibits on display and admission is free of charge. The museum is open year-round although only on select days of the week. To learn more and plan a visit please visit the society's website.

One of the most enjoyable of scenic train rides can be found at his museum in Golden; the state's largest such facility which aims to keep alive its fascinating history with the iron horse.

The organization was formed in 1959 and has grown considerably over that time. They currently feature two replica depots and preserve thirteen steam locomotives of either standard or narrow-gauge.

A few are operational to host train rides around the grounds (along with other special events during the year). These include:

Other equipment include diesel locomotives, rare "Galloping Geese" rail cars originally operated on the Rio Grande Southern, and several passenger cars.

This organization, established in 1961, is located along Brighton Boulevard in Denver with more than 600 transportation-related artifacts.

Their slogan "Anything on Wheels" rings quite true as you can see everything from locomotives and automobiles to airplanes and bicycles.

The latter is the group's prized piece and one of the largest steamers ever built. Their were 25 of these giants constructed in the early 1940's to tackle the stiff grades over the Wasatch Mountains and Wyoming's Sherman Hill.

Today, eight are preserved with one, #4014, owned by Union Pacific. Except major holidays the Forney Museum is open throughout most of the year.

This group's goal is to preserve and restore the Union Pacific's former roundhouse in Hugo, Colorado. They eventually plan to open a museum on the grounds. To learn more about their efforts please visit their website.

Located in the town of Limon this museum is housed within the preserved Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and Union Pacific union depot built in 1910.

Originally constructed from wood it was later modernized in 1936 and is currently listed on the National Register Of Historic Places.

While the latter railroad served much of eastern Colorado and directly reached Denver, the former was somewhat of an outlier.

It also enjoyed service to Denver and Colorado Springs (its main line split at Limon) but only via a single route running west across Kansas.

According to the museum they currently feature several displays along with a Union Pacific caboose and boxcar dating from the 1890's.

While you are there also be sure to see other exhibits on display such as lunch counter-diner, sheep wagons, a Cheyenne tipi, working chuck wagon, and a one-room schoolhouse. Their open season runs from Memorial through Labor Day.

The Moffat Road Railroad Museum, located in Granby, is a relatively new organization located adjacent to the former Rio Grande main line (now operated by Union Pacific).

Their growing collection includes a few pieces of rolling stock, a 1913 steam derrick (maintenance), 1,100-square foot O scale model railroad layout.

Their featured display is West Side Lumber 3-truck Shay #8 that will be showcased at the museum.

This museum is located in Craig and, as its name suggests, focuses on the history of northwest Colorado. Most of their collection focuses on subjects not related to the railroad.

However, some noteworthy displays include a small model layout based on David Moffat's Denver & Salt Lake Railway as well as his private business car, named for daughter, Marcia.

It has been beautifully restored and is available for tours. Moffat's D&SL began in 1902 to build a secondary route from Denver to Salt Lake City. However, he ran out of money in 1913 having only reached Craig, Colorado.

According to Mike Schafer's took, "Classic American Railroads," part of the D&SL crossed 11,680-foot Rollins Pass.

It was situated somewhat northwest of Denver and was only surmounted via a series of tortuous switchbacks, carrying grades as high as 4%. So difficult was this stretch that 23 miles of railroad were required to connect two points just 8 miles apart.

To improve operations the city agreed in 1922 to help fund a new tunnel under James Peak. Following six years of work the $18 million project was completed in 1928 and named for D&SL's founder. Moffat Tunnel was 6.1 miles in length and reduced the trip from hours to a mere 15 minutes.

The Pueblo Railway Museum is based in Pueblo, Colorado and one of the state's growing such facilities.

Its home is next to the beautifully restored Pueblo Union Depot, a large three-story stone building that opened in 1890 and originally used by the Denver & Rio Grande Western, Missouri Pacific, Colorado & Southern, and Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe.

The museum's featured displays are located outdoors on its storage tracks. It houses one notable steam locomotive, Santa Fe 4-8-4 #2912, a late-era design manufactured by Baldwin in 1944.

In addition to these locomotives the group maintains a fleet of preserved freight and passenger cars. Admission is free.

The Ridgway Railroad Museum, based in Ridgway states its primary mission as preserving the railroad heritage of Ouray County.

Along with its collection of mostly narrow-gauge equipment the museum also offers train rides.

The group does not have a steam or diesel locomotive preserved within its collection but does house one of the rare "Galloping Geese" operated by the Rio Grande Southern (RGS).

This railroad was one of Colorado's largest and most interesting narrow-gauges. It was the last endeavor built to serve the mining boom within the San Juan Mountains, running from a connection with the Rio Grande at Ridgway to a Durango, utilizing a network that formed a rough "C."

By the late 19th century the D&RG had acquired full control of the system. Much of it was abandoned and dismantled between August and September of 1952.

While there is no restored depot on the grounds they do feature an RGS outhouse/coal storage building (the Denver & Rio Grande's depot in Ridgway is preserved albeit is currently a private residence).

The museum is open only during the summer months from June 1st through September 30th.

Delaware

This museum is maintained by the Felton Community Historical Society inside the town's preserved, single-story brick depot that was completed around 1868 by the Delaware Railroad, a future component of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

It was added the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 1981 and trains to continue to rumble past the building today. Its opening hours are unknown.

This museum, led by the Harrington Historical Society, is located in Harrington, in the south-central part of the state along the former PRR's Delmarva Peninsula Lines.

The term Delmarva is a combination of state names Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia which occupy the peninsula immediately east of the Chesapeake Bay.

Mike Schafer and Brian Solomon's book, "Pennsylvania Railroad," notes that PRR's then-Vice President, A.J. Cassatt (who was later famous for landing the railroad in downtown Manhattan and constructing the breathtaking Pennsylvania Station) conceived the idea of forming the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad.

Its purpose was to control or construct all rail lines along the peninsula to serve agricultural interests, seafood companies, and the naval/commercial port of Norfolk, Virginia.

The task was largely complete by 1884 and the NYP&N was merged into the PRR during the 1920's. The preserved interlocking tower in Harrington, the heart of the museum complex, was opened in 1920. Also be sure and visit a preserved PRR caboose on display.

Hawaii

Hawaii's only railroad museum, which provides no excursions of any type, is the Laupahoehoe Train Museum, located in Laupahoehoe on the north shore of Hawaii (the Big Island).

This little organization's mission is to generally preserve the local history of North Hilo and Hamakua while also maintaining Hawaii's railroad heritage, once quite rich and diverse!

The museum is open on select days of the week, year-round (except major holidays), or by appointment. There are a few pieces of rolling stock on the grounds; most noteworthy include a wooden caboose that originally operated on the Hawaiian Consolidated Railway and a small diesel switcher which originally came from a local plantation in Haina.

This little unit was manufactured by the Plymouth Locomotive Works and was in very poor condition when located.

It has since been restored to operable condition. Although there is no place to run the locomotive it is housed beneath a shed, protected from the elements.

Indiana

Based in New Haven this organization is the official caretaker of the restored and operational Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #765.

They operate numerous excursions east of the Mississippi River throughout the year while their downtown facility in Fort Wayne keeps the locomotive ready for service.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is based in North Judson and aims to preserve the region's rail history. In railroading lore this town's story is particularly noteworthy.

Until the 1970's it was a major junction with four trunk lines intersecting there which included the Chesapeake & Ohio, Erie, New York Central and Pennsylvania.

The location was once so busy that up to 125 trains every day passed through the area, protected by an intricate interlocking arrangement.

In a microcosm of just how far railroads have declined in importance since the 1970's, incredibly only a short segment of the C&O's former Chicago main line remains active today. It is abandoned just east of North Judson but is still in place as far as Malden.

All other corridors lay empty today. The C&O section currently plays host to excursions, using a combination of cabooses and open air cars for passengers to enjoy the journey.

This organization is housed within the Linden Union Depot, a wooden structure built in 1909, playing host to the Toledo, St. Louis & Western Railroad (a future component of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis or "Nickel Plate Road") and Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville (Monon).

The building closed for railroad purposes in 1973 and did not reopen as a museum for another twenty years.

It was officially dedicated on April 13, 1993. They have numerous artifacts on display which includes many models (O, HO, and N) along with two impressive N-scale layouts and an HO-scale layout.

Their mission statement is "to preserve and protect the historic 1909-built Linden Depot and its railroad memorabilia as well as to promote its related railroad history. The mission includes the acquisition, restoration, preservation and display of railroad equipment, artifacts and mementos related to railways past and present."

Also be sure and visit their preserved caboose and four, century-old semaphore signals.

This museum, based in Madison, is housed inside the town's restored Pennsylvania depot (constructed of brick and opened in 1894 under the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, & St. Louis Railroad name, a PRR subsidiary).

The facility is operated by the Jefferson County Historical Society and is open during select days throughout the year featuring historic displays both indoors and out.

One of the largest museums dedicated to the history of the New York Central is this facility located at Elkhart, once a busy terminal on the railroad.

The organization opened in 1987 and has put together a nice collection of historic equipment over that time.

Their most notable pieces include one of only two surviving examples of New York Central's 4-8-2 "Mohawk" steam locomotives, #3001 (Class L-3a), manufactured by American Locomotive in 1940.

They also house New York Central E8A #4085; built in August, 1953 it is historically significant as the lead locomotive of the final, eastbound run of the 20th Century Limited on December 2, 1967.

Finally, one of Pennsylvania Railroad's successful line of GG-1's electrics is on display there, #4882 (built by the railroad in 1939). The museum is open throughout much of the year.

The Wabash Valley Railroader's Museum, which began during the 1990's, is located in Terre Haute, Indiana and sits next to a very active CSX Transportation main line.

This town is similar to North Judson in that it was once served by multiple railroads including the Milwaukee Road, Chicago & Eastern Illinois, New York Central, and Pennsylvania. Many of these lines remain in service today.

The museum is operated by the Haley Tower Historical & Technical Society (a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization) and among their collection is two preserved interlocking towers, Haley Tower and Spring Hill Tower, along with a small depot from Turner that was originally built in 1884 for the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad (Pennsylvania).

The group's so-called "Master Plan" is to build an impressive facility with a large indoor facility housing their equipment and a small, scale-railroad attraction.

Missouri

Not to be confused with the Association of American Railroads (an industry trade group that has been in operation since 1934), this organization was first launched in 1967.

They look to generally tell the history of the nation's railroad industry. They do not have a physical location in which equipment or artifacts are available for display but they do host charters, excursions, and weekend tours.

This society looks to preserve the history and tell the story of the caboose, once an important car that normally operated at the rear of freight trains. The group occasionally sponsors trips with restored cabooses.

This museum is housed inside the extensively restored Chicago & Alton depot located in Independence, a two-story wooden structure which originally opened in 1879.

The Chicago & Alton Railroad began as the Alton & Sangamon, formed in 1847 to link Alton with Springfield, Illinois, the state capital.

In 1857 it was renamed as the St. Louis, Alton & Chicago, and then again as the Chicago & Alton in 1861. After arriving in Chicago and St. Louis, the system reached Kansas City in 1878.

With so much competition the C&A struggled for many years. According to the book, "Baltimore & Ohio Railroad," by Kirk Reynolds and David Oroszi the B&O acquired the bankrupt C&A in 1929, renaming it as the Alton Railroad.

Unfortunately, the B&O was also in financial straits due to the ongoing economic downturn of the 1930s.

It allowed the Alton to enter bankruptcy in 1942, after which time it was acquired by the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio. Inside the museum there are numerous historic displays and artifacts to see within the two-story building.

Additionally, a few events are held each year. The museum is open from April through late October each year.

The Museum Of Transportation at St. Louis features one of the most impressive collections of rolling stock and locomotives anywhere in the country.

While they feature many transportation-related artifacts their rail exhibit is second to none!

There are nearly 200 pieces in all (which includes a magnificent collection of preserved steam locomotives), some of which include interurban and streetcar equipment.

This historical museum complex, located in St. Joseph, is housed within a former 140-room, 4-story upscale hotel complex.

It was built by John Patée and opened in 1858 as a means of serving travelers utilizing the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad.

This system was chartered on February 16, 1847 and was the first to complete an east-west route across Missouri, opening on February 15, 1859.

The railroad connected its namesake cities and interchanged with another Forbes road, the Quincy & Palmyra, at Palmyra.

The museum generally tells the local area's history. However, also on the premises is the restored Hannibal & St. Joseph (the railroad would go on to join the much larger Chicago, Burlington & Quincy) depot completed in 1877.

Finally, displayed in the town is Hannibal & St. Joseph 4-4-0 #35 (a Class A-2 "American" built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1892) as well as Chicago Burlington & Quincy 4-8-4 #5614 (this Class O-5a "Northern" was built by the company's own shop forces in Aurora, Illinois in 1937).

This museum is located in Springfield, featuring a collection of rolling stock to peruse which includes a dual-level, gallery car (used in commuter service) and caboose.

They also house a very well preserved steam locomotive; St. Louis-San Francisco Railway 4-8-4 #4524 which is under-shed and cosmetically restored.

It was part of a group of 25 (numbered 4500-4524) the railroad acquired from the Baldwin Locomotive Works between 1942 and 1943, the most modern steamers within its fleet.

The "Frisco" was medium-sized, Midwestern/Southeastern system linking Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri with Arkansas, western Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and even Florida's western panhandle.

It would join the growing Burlington Northern in 1981. The museum is typically open during the warmer months each year.

This unique museum, located inside the town of Marceline's restored Santa Fe depot (a two-story, brick building completed in 1913), looks to tell the story of Walt Disney, himself, and what he meant to so many folks.

Disney grew up in this town and had a great love for trains. There are two other attractions throughout the country which also highlight his interest in railroads:

Aside from the museum, the busy BNSF main line lies just outside the depot's front door while you can also explore the downtown area.

The Big Bend Railroad Club, the oldest model railroad club in the country (formed in 1938), is housed inside the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway's (Frisco) depot in Webster Groves, a brick/stucco structure originally completed in 1910.

The building remains at its original location where the former "Frisco" line is still an active part of the BNSF Railway's enormous western network.

This segment of the former SLSF was originally part of the Pacific Railroad's Southwest Branch, the first component of what later became the St. Louis-San Francisco (the original Pacific Railroad main line would go on to form part of the modern Missouri Pacific).

During its height of construction what was then the St. Louis & San Francisco attempted to reach the west coast via New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California but unfortunately was blocked by the more powerful Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe.

Nevada

The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City preserves and showcases the rich history of railroading in Nevada. Established to celebrate the vital role of railroads in the state’s development, the museum features an impressive collection of historic locomotives, rolling stock, and railroad artifacts.

Highlights include the Virginia and Truckee Railroad’s iconic No. 22 "Inyo" and the unique McKeen Motor Car. Visitors can enjoy seasonal train rides, engaging exhibits, and special events.

The museum offers a comprehensive, immersive experience that educates and entertains, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.

New Hampshire

This organization has preserved the original Northern Railroad depot in Andover, constructed in the Victorian design that opened in 1874.

This system was chartered in 1844 by the state legislature to "construct a line running from Concord to some point along the Connecticut River."

In total, the Northern Railroad stretched nearly 70 miles, running from Concord to White River Junction, Vermont it opened for service in 1847 and was acquired by the Boston & Lowell in 1884.

The latter became an important interchange point with the Central Vermont during the Boston & Maine era (one of three key junction points along the Connecticut River, with others being Bellows Falls and Wells River).

The town's freight depot is also preserved. Along with historic displays inside the station there is also a small collection of rolling stock located outside, along with a handful of other historic buildings.

This museum is located inside the small Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad depot completed in 1869.

The BC&M was incorporated in 1844 and eventually opened between Concord and Wells River, Vermont on May 10, 1853 (this later became a connection point with the Canadian Pacific and Barre & Chelsea).

The Boston & Maine first acquired control of the BC&M in 1887 but soon spun-off the railroad to form the Concord & Montreal on July 24, 1889.

The C&M was a consolidation of the BC&M and Concord Railroad, remaining independent for only a few more years. It later rejoined the B&M network in 1895.

The preserved building houses a collection of historic artifacts and documents. It is only open to the public during July and August of each year.

However, the little single story building, which still sits at its original location (next to the active tracks of the Hobo Railroad) offers free admission to the public.

This museum, located in Gorham, is located within the town's restored Grand Trunk Railway (Canadian National) stone depot constructed in 1907.

The tracks next to the building are still active, operated by the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad, a division of Genesee & Wyoming.

It is maintained by the Gorham Historical Society featuring a collection of artifacts and displays inside.

They also house a model railroad inside a boxcar, featuring a small collection of rolling stock on the premises, including a preserved steam locomotive; dressed for the Grand Trunk it was actually built for the New England Gas & Coke Company.

The little switcher carries an 0-6-0 wheel arrangement and was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1911. For many years it was located at the original Steamtown attraction in Bellows Falls, Vermont.

Located in Intervale this organization features a large collection of model railroads with layouts HO and Z to G-scale and Lionel products.

They also showcase many pieces within display cases. Finally, outside is a small operating, scale-train operation. They are open on select days year-round.

Located inside the Boston & Maine's restored depot here (built in 1893) this museum features a collection of displays and artifacts related to the area and railroad in general.

They also have a small collection of rolling stock on the grounds (which includes a refrigerator car, caboose, and small Whitcomb diesel switcher lettered for the Portsmouth & Concord Railroad).

The former B&M line here has been abandoned for many years and now hosts the Rockingham Recreational Trail.

The non-profit Raymond Historical Society, which oversees the depot, was formed in 1969 and eventually acquired the building before the B&M abandoned the tracks.

In addition to this structure they also have preserved a small maintenance shed and observation building. While there be sure and also visit their tools museum and one-room school house.

Throughout the year they host various special events, largely aimed at raising funds for preservation efforts.

This museum is located within the restored depot in Sandown, completed in 1873/74 by the Nashua & Rochester Railroad, a future component of the Boston & Maine.

It is operated by the local historical society and offers handcars to view along with a collection of historic documents and displays.

New Mexico

This small museum is based in Clovis and housed inside the town's beautifully restored, Santa depot completed in 1907. While you can view model trains there the organization also tells the Santa Fe's role and history within the area.

Today, its main line, notably the Belen Cutoff, remains busy under BNSF today. Inside the building you will find several artifacts and other items on display.

Also, they currently operate 11 different layouts covering most of the popular model railroad scales (HO, O, N, etc.). Finally, peruse their gift shop or just check out the train action right outside!

This organization is based in Albuquerque and is restoring Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 4-8-4 #2926 (manufactured by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1944) back to operational status. To learn more about planning a visit or volunteering to help in their efforts with the impressive locomotive please visit their website.

This organization is based in the town of Alamogordo and noteworthy as New Mexico's very first train museum.

Their building is a preserved El Paso & Northeastern (later El Paso & Southwestern which became a part of Southern Pacific 1924) depot built in 1899.

The building was originally located in Torrance and later moved to Corona before arriving at its current location. Inside are several historic displays, artifacts, and documents while the foundation also offers rides on their "Alameda Park Narrow Gauge Railway," a 16-inch gauge scale attraction.

Finally, they were recently donated a caboose located nearby. The museum is open on select days throughout the year.

New York

Managed by the Dunkirk Historical Society this display (with free admission) is located in Dunkirk on the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, featuring a few pieces of rolling stock, including Boston & Maine 0-6-0 #444 (Class G-11b) built by Alco's Brooks Works in 1916.

As the name suggests this museum, maintained by the Western New York Railway Historical Society, is housed within a preserved Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh brick depot located in Orchard Park near the northern/eastern terminus of the railroad's system. It was originally built in 1912.

This museum is located inside the preserved New York, Ontario & Western/New York Central union depot at Central Square.

The building houses several artifacts, historic documents and displays inside while outside can be found a rather impressive collection of rolling stock.

These include Pennsylvania Railroad (Penn Central/Conrail/Amtrak) GG1 #4926 (#926), two 0-4-0T switchers of different heritage, a 45-ton switcher, and a 25-ton switcher.

This organization has preserved the Erie's depot in Chester among its other historical buildings, which generally looks to keep alive the local area's history. The museum is open from June through October.

This museum is located inside the Ulster & Delaware's small restored depot which once served the local area.

Along with historic artifacts displayed inside the group owns former Lake Superior & Ishpeming 2-8-0 #23, which they hope to restore one day. Additionally, they offer rides on their scale train located nearby. The museum is open from late May through October.

Located in Buffalo, this museum's stated purpose is to tell the city's rich history in all aspects. They state, "The museum will offer interactive, educational opportunities for young and old by providing a center of learning about railroad, industrial and maritime history."

This museum has preserved the New York Central's depot in Hyde Park built in 1914. The building primarily displays artifacts related to railroads which served the local area. It is open on select days year-round and hosts special events and activities throughout the year.

As its name implies this organization has preserved the Erie's impressive station in Jamestown. While tours of the building/grounds are offered the station also plays host to many events throughout the year and is even available for businesses for lease.

This small museum is housed inside the NYC's beautifully restored Victorian era, brick depot that was originally constructed in 1881.

It houses several displays and historic artifacts inside. As with the Central Square Station Museum it is maintained and operated by the Central New York Chapter of the NRHS. It is open from May through October.

The Medina Railroad Museum's mission statement is to preserve the area's railroad history, notably the New York Central.

The museum is housed in the railroad's former freight depot and also operates a 34-mile round trip excursion along the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor during the warmer months. The trains also host special trips throughout the year such as Santa and wine trains.

This transportation museum, located in West Henrietta, aims to preserve transportation history in Upstate New York.

They feature numerous pieces of railroad and streetcar/interurban rolling stock, some of which is operational for rides around the grounds. Additionally, the museum is home to several artifacts, displays, and a large operating model layout.

This facility is located in Brooklyn and has a large collection of historic artifacts, interactive displays, and other material which tells the history of the New York City's many transit systems.

They are described as the largest such facility anywhere in the United States. The museum is open throughout much of the year.

Based inside the depot at North Creek is is this depot which houses a great deal of artifacts related to the Delaware & Hudson Railway.

Their mission statement is highlight the region history with railroads and also to tell the Gore Mountain's story in general.

This museum looks to preserve the history of Oyster Bay's railroading past as well as that of the entire Long Island region.

They currently have a large collection of rolling stock on hand along with many artifacts and displays. The museum has future plans to greatly expand their presence by constructing a large complex in the area to further draw in visitors.

Another railroad museum located on Long Island at Greenport and Riverhead, this organization has a number of exhibits to see along with an operating layout to peruse.

Their long-term goal is to fully restore and operation Long Island Rail Road 4-6-0 (Class G5s) #39.

Located in North Tonawanda within the town's restored, 1922 Erie freight depot, the museum is operated by the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS).

It is the only such museum in the Buffalo area and its mission is to keep alive the history of railroading in this region. Along with artifacts and displays the museum has several pieces of rolling stock on-hand.

Affiliated with the New York Museum of Transportation, this museum has been in operation since 1971, located at the Erie's restored depot at Industry. Along with several pieces of rolling stock and numerous locomotives within its collection they are home to many artifacts and displays.

This facility is a division of the Ontario & Western Railway Historical Society. It is located in Roscoe and has artifacts relating to the New York, Ontario & Western. The museum is open during the warmer months each year.

This Salamanca Rail Museum is located at the restored brick depot built by the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh. It is open during warmer months and features displays and artifacts related to the BR&P, other railroads, and the area in general. There are also a few pieces or rolling stock on display.

The Saratoga, Corinth and Hudson Railway is a heritage railroad based in Corinth, New York, renowned for its rich history and contributions to the local transportation landscape.

Operating along a historic track originally owned by the Delaware & Hudson, the railway represents a bygone era of rail travel, offering a unique window into 19th and 20th-century American railroad history.

Providing a critical link between Saratoga Springs and Hudson Falls, the SC&H facilitated local trade and transport during its operational years, playing a vital role in different aspects of community life.

The railway transitions through primeval steam locomotion to mature diesel technology offer an evolving narrative of technological progress in the railway industry.

Today, with a focus on preserving and showcasing the historical essence, SC&H delights train enthusiasts and history buffs alike with its nostalgic rail excursions.

In its modern avatar, the Saratoga, Corinth and Hudson Railway elegantly combines education and leisure, offering train rides that transport passengers back in time.

Passengers can experience antiquated train travel in authentically recreated carriages, while absorbing the scenic landscapes of upstate New York. The SC&H remains a local icon and serves as a testament to the influential role of railways in shaping America's historical and cultural tapestry.

Founded in 1955, Trolley Museum Of New York features the state's only operating trolley at Kingston. The museum operates on 1 1/2-mile of trackage and uses the former yards of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad to store and display equipment.

North Carolina

This small organization is based inside Cherryville's restored Seaboard Air Line brick depot (completed in 1921). There is no cost to view their layouts although they do accept donations. The club normally operates on select days of the week.

This small museum is located at Hamlet inside the Seaboard Air Line's beautifully restored depot which opened in 1900.

It has been open since 1976 and tells the local railroad history via numerous exhibits, displays, and various other artifacts. The facility is normally open each weekend.

The one place in the Tarheel State where both scenic train rides and a fabulous collection of preserved equipment can be experienced is at the North Carolina Transportation Museum.

It is located in Spencer, situated on the former Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair shops.

Today the museum sees tens of thousands annually and is housed in three of the former shop buildings (currently); the Bob Julian Roundhouse, the Flue Shop, and the Master Mechanics Shop.

As part of the museum they operate excursion trains on the museum grounds and is one of just two locations in the United States to feature the live steam locomotive version of Thomas the tank engine.

This museum is located in Valdese and operated by the Piedmont & Western Railroad Club. They offer tours during the weekend of their extensive model layouts, by appointment only.

This relatively recent organization was formed in 2017 to preserve the rail history of central and eastern North Carolina.

While the state was served by big names in this region such as the Southern, Atlantic Coast Line, and Seaboard Air Line there were also several mid-sized systems or short lines located there; names like the Norfolk Southern, Carolina & Northwestern, Atlantic & East Carolina Railway, Durham & Southern, and Piedmont & Northern.

The group has plans to feature a museum and library named the Piedmont Model Railroad Park which will be open to the public.

For the time being you can visit their hobby shop called the Piedmont Model Railroad Park Store at the Cary Towne Center.

This small organization is located in Bryson City in the western part of the state, which is also home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The museum features an impressive collection of Lionel model trains and is open during select days of each week.

The Wilmington Railroad Museum is located in the port of Wilmington near the coast. It first began in 1979 and in 1983 acquired the former Atlantic Coast Line freight depot, in which the organization is still housed today.

They have several artifacts on-hand, a model train layout, as well as a small collection of rolling stock (this includes Atlantic Coast Line 4-6-0 #250 built by Baldwin in 1910).

North Dakota

This historic tourist attraction is based in West Fargo, featuring a substantial collection of buildings and artifacts related to the history of North Dakota.

It is operated by the Cass County Historical Society. Their collection currently includes 12 acres, 43 historic buildings, and more than 400,000 artifacts.

Their railroad pieces include an original Northern Pacific depot from Kathryn which houses layouts of the Spud Valley Railroad Club, another Northern Pacific depot from Embden (built in 1900), a Great Northern gate house, and a small railroad museum.

The latter features Northern Pacific 4-4-0 #684 (Class C-1) built by the New York Locomotive Works in 1883.

The museum is housed within the two-story depot of the Midland Continental Railroad, the last of its kind still in existence. The depot feature exhibits which tell the history of the MCRR as well as trace the career of Peggy Lee and her connection to Wimbledon.

The state's official railroad museum located in Mandan is housed within the former Northern Pacific's yard office.

The organization has also preserved the former NP wooden depot from Steele, North Dakota which sits on display.

Along with artifacts the museum has a collection of equipment to peruse on the grounds.

Located inside the restored Soo Line brick depot (constructed in 1912) in Minot. It is open during weekdays throughout the year.

Also located in Minot this museum preserved the history of railroads serving the town from 1886 until present day. They are open during much of the year and have a nice collection of historic artifacts and displays.

Oregon

Owned by the Canby Historical Society this museum is situated within the town's restored Southern Pacific depot.

Inside are several historic displays to peruse while a caboose is displayed on the grounds nearby.

This operation is located in Coos Bay with a selection of historic equipment on the grounds to see, much of which was used in the logging industry. The group also owns Coos Bay Lumber Company 2-8-2 #104 and Alco S2 #111, built in 1949 for the Longview, Portland & Northern Railway.

Opened on September 22, 2012, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center stands as a tribute to Portland's rich railroading past, offering visitors an immersive experience into the world of vintage locomotives and the history of rail travel. Situated in southeast Portland, this dynamic museum is home to three historic steam locomotives: the Southern Pacific 4449, the Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700, and the Oregon Railroad & Navigation 197. Each locomotive is a testament to the engineering marvels of the early 20th century, meticulously restored and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Within the Heritage Center, visitors can explore interactive exhibits and gain insights into the development of railroads in the Pacific Northwest. The center features a working restoration shop where the art of locomotive preservation comes to life, allowing guests to witness the intricate processes involved in maintaining these iron giants.

In addition to its static displays, the center hosts special events and train excursions throughout the year, fostering a community of rail enthusiasts and history aficionados. By blending education with hands-on experiences, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center not only preserves the legacy of railroads but also inspires future generations to appreciate this transformative era in transportation history.

South Dakota

This historic museum is located near Madison, South Dakota on the shores of Lake Herman.

It spans 120 acres and features more than 40 buildings which display hundreds of artifacts from the early 20th century.

Among their collection includes preserved chapel cars, numerous tractors, two depots, and three locomotives.

They also operate the "Prairie Village, Herman & Milwaukee Railroad" which maintains about 2 miles of track.

Trains are pulled by a restored 0-6-0, #29, originally built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1944 for the Duluth & Northeastern Railroad.

In 2017 the organization also brought another steamer back to life, 0-4-0T #11, manufactured by American Locomotive in 1924. Finally, be sure to stop by for their "Railroad Days" event held each summer!

Maintained by the same group which operates the 1800 Train, this organization is the state's only official railroad museum.

The museum was launched in 1994 and is located in Hill City. Due to the Dakotas' harsh winter weather, it is only open seasonally.

"...operate a railroad museum which will serve as a central location from which to collect, interpret, preserve and display any and all objects, documents, photographic images, and artwork related to the various railroads that operated in the region now known as South Dakota; and to use any and all of these items to educate and inform the public of the vital role of railroads in South Dakota’s history in the past, present, and future."

Thanks to the 1880 Train's success, the museum has grown too and is now housed in a facility which opened only in 2010. If you are visiting the railroad be sure to also stop by the museum!

Texas

This museum, located in the Northern Panhandle, is located at 3160 I Avenue near the former Santa Fe main line and along a former industrial park siding.

They are housed within a large building and feature an impressive 48-feet x 75-feet layout set in the era between 1952 - 1970s.

"The former Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe railroad depot in Clifton has been restored with the old passenger section of the building being transformed into a railroad museum.

The original depot building was built in 1880 but burned in 1901 and was replaced with the current building. The Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe originated in Galveston and many Texas towns along the route were created by the railroad and named after various personalities within the railroad including Rosenberg, Sealy, Cameron, Temple, Moody, Kopperl and Morgan, to name a few.

Like many railroads in the era, the GC&SF encountered financial difficulty and was subsequently bought by the larger and more famous "Santa Fe", the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1888.

In that era, the railroad was an economic juggernaut and was the cause for a migration of the town of Clifton from its original location, a bit north on the Bosque River, to be next to the rails.

Equipment, furniture and other goods and supplies, both large and small, arrived on a railhead directly behind the major store fronts.

Local farmers shipped their crops and cattle by rail; a grain elevator, a dedicated cotton bale loading platform and a cattle corral were all located on Clifton's rails just south of the depot.

At its peak, Clifton had seven active sets of rails passing through town, distributed on both sides of the depot building."

"With the rapid growth of the highway system and more affordable and reliable automobiles combined with the dawn of the airline industry, national demand for railroad passenger service plummeted after World War II and in 1953 scheduled passenger service in Clifton was terminated. Santa Fe's "Texas Chief", which operated between Galveston and then Houston and Chicago, continued to pass through Clifton with the closest stop being in McGregor.

In 1967 the U.S. Postal Department terminated the vast majority of mail contracts with America's railroads.

Those mail contracts were the lifeblood of the passenger train service and after the contract cancellation, the railroads rushed to drop unprofitable passenger service all across the country.

In 1971 Amtrak assumed nearly all passenger rail traffic in the United States with Santa Fe's "Texas Chief" being ultimately replaced by Amtrak's Texas Eagle which still passes through Clifton to and from Chicago.

In 1983 local freight traffic had also diminished substantially and the Santa Fe closed the agency in Clifton, donating the depot building to the City of Clifton with the proviso that it be moved off the AT&SF right-of-way.

The City moved the depot to about two blocks north and two blocks west of its original position and converted it into the headquarters for the Clifton Police Department, a capacity in which it served for over 25 years.

The railroad industry went through yet another series of financially trying times.

Many railroads were failing and mergers and acquisitions became commonplace throughout the industry as the railroads worked to survive in an environment where the many operational interfaces between the customers and the various railroads produced huge inefficiencies.

A proposed merger of the Santa Fe with the Southern Pacific was blocked by the federal government.

Although still profitable, the Santa Fe needed a partner and in 1995 the Santa Fe was acquired by the Burlington Northern, giving birth to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe or BNSF. BNSF still uses sidings in Clifton for occasional local freight shipments but most of the trains now simply pass through town on their way to other destinations.

After the police department moved into a more spacious and modern home, the depot fell into ill repair. Very little maintenance had been done in 30 years.

So, in 2016 the family of Edwin Olsen, a long time Clifton resident and a die-hard railroad enthusiast, generously offered to finance much needed repairs and improvements to the depot including a new roof, carpentry repairs, new heating and air conditioning, electrical work and both interior and exterior paint, interior lighting, landscaping and display cases and many items for those cases.

So in April, 2017 Amtrak's Texas Eagle made the first scheduled passenger stop in Clifton in over 54 years and de-boarded over 60 passengers to help celebrate the grand opening of the Edwin Olsen Railroad Museum.

While naturally focused on the Santa Fe, the museum houses historical railroad items from many other famous railroads. A fully functional HO-scale model railroad layout exposes a new generation to model railroading while kindling fond memories for many other railroad fans.

The City of Clifton owns and operates the museum, which is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the each month, except for holiday weekends, from 10am to 2pm. The museum is also open to school tour groups, civic organizations and others by special arrangement through the City offices."

This attraction is located in Flatonia and features the area's railroad history. It maintains a small pavilion, museum, original switching tower, and caboose on the grounds.

One of the state's largest railroad museums, the facility at Galveston features an impressive collection of rolling stock and preserved locomotives along with a wide range of displays and artifacts.

Some of their noted pieces include a pair of cosmetically restored Santa Fe F7's (ex-Southern Pacific) and SP/T&NO 4-6-0 #1 built by Alco in 1892. There is also an operating model layout and short train rides on the grounds.

The History Center, located in Diboll, is an organization which keeps alive the history of the East Texas region.

They feature a small collection of rolling stock, including Texas Southeastern/Southern Pine Lumber 4-6-0 #13 built by Baldwin in 1920, and a large exhibit of historic photos relating to the area's lumber industry.

This museum, located in Plano, tells the area's interurban/streetcar history.

These rapid transit services were once maintained by the Texas Electric Railway, formed in 1916 through the merger of predecessor carriers.

It was very large for an interurban with three branches radiating away from Dallas. The museum features numerous displays and a preserved interurban car.

Another of the state's larger railroad museums the Museum Of The American Railroad, now located in Frisco, features an impressive collection of rolling stock including Union Pacific "Big Boy" 4-8-8-4 #4018, Frisco 4-8-4 #4501, Frisco 2-10-0 #1625, and one of only two preserved Alco PA's still in the United States, former Santa Fe PA-1 #59-L (under restoration).

This museum, located in New Braunfels, features a collection of artifacts and displays related to the railroads which serve the region including the Missouri Pacific/International-Great Northern and Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy).

They are home to a few pieces of rolling stock including Florida Portland Cement 0-6-0T #7 built by H.K. Porter in 1942.

This museum is located inside San Angelo's beautifully restored Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railway (later Santa Fe) depot. Inside they feature numerous displays as well as an operational model train layout.

Also, be sure to check out their 44-ton switcher and GP9 road-switcher (former Northern Pacific #211 but preserved as South Orient #103).

The Texas & Pacific Railway Museum is located inside Marshall's restored, two-story brick Texas & Pacific (Missouri Pacific) depot built in 1912, which is also used as an Amtrak stop.

The facility preserves the history of the T&P and has a large collection of artifacts and displays on-hand; outside be sure to visit the Union Pacific caboose.

This historical organization is located inside the beautifully restored 1911 Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railway (Santa Fe) in Temple.

The museum tells the history of railroads within the region and the role they played. Inside are several exhibits and historic artifacts while they also feature an archives and library wing.

The Texas Transportation Museum, located in San Antonio, has several pieces on-hand to peruse from fire trucks to farm tractors.

They also feature a large collection of rolling stock and locomotives, including a few steam locomotives and operational diesel switchers that pull short excursion trains. Along various other artifacts be sure to check out all of their model layouts on display.

This museum has been in Wichita Falls since 1980 and features a nice collection of rolling stock and locomotives to exhibit including Fort Worth & Denver 2-8-0 #304 built by Alco in 1906. They are open most Saturdays of each week.

Wisconsin

This museum, launched in 1975, is located inside the town's restored Milwaukee Road depot. The facility houses lots of displays and artifacts inside while outside a caboose and Milwaukee Road H10-44 #781 (a diesel locomotive switcher built by Fairbanks Morse in March, 1950) are on display. It is open on select days of the week, May through September.

Located in the town of Colfax within the preserved Soo Line depot built in 1919, the museum has a growing collection of equipment and artifacts with a focus on the "western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota region."

Their notable pieces include GP30 #703 (ex-Soo Line) and a 2-6-2T steam locomotive manufactured by H.K. Porter in 1911 for Coronet Phosphate.

This facility is housed at the town of Monroe's restored Milwaukee Road depot. It is used as the their welcome center and also home to the National Historic Cheesemaking Center. It is open from early April through late October.

This attraction is located in New London and is home to several historic buildings telling the history of the local area and region.

One such building is the preserved Chicago & North Western depot built in 1923, which is home to several artifacts and exhibits. Also, be sure and check out the rolling stock on display at the grounds.

This museum is housed within the town's preserved depot built by the Mineral Point Railroad, circa 1857. The system later became a part of the Milwaukee Road. They are open seasonally from May through October.

This organization, located in Platteville, aims to preserve the history of lead and zinc mining within the Upper Mississippi Valley. You can tour the 1845 Bevans Lead Mine, headframe building and hoist house, and finally ride within an original mine train pulled by a restored locomotive built in 1931.

This small museum is located within the town's restored Milwaukee Road depot. For more information and plan a visit they can be contacted at 310 South Pratt Road, P.O. Box 147, Monticello, Wisconsin 53570-0147 or call 608-938-4383.

Launched in 1956, the National Railroad Museum has been recognized by Congress as the "national" such facility in the country, although this is mostly in name only. The NRM of today has a nice collection of rolling stock at their facility in Green Bay. The organization also hosts scenic train rides around the property.

Located in Manitowoc, the primary mission of this historical center is to highlight what life was like in Manitowoc County circa 1900.

They feature several historic buildings including a cheese factory, firehouse, general store, and blacksmith shop. In addition, visit the preserved wooden depot from Collins, built by the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway (Soo Line) in 1896.

Also on display is an 1886 wooden caboose built for the Wisconsin Central and 0-6-0 #321 built by the Rhode Island Locomotive Works in 1887 (also for the Wisconsin Central).

This museum is housed at the restored, 1902 Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway ("The Omaha Road," later acquired by the C&NW) depot in Spooner.

The museum features lots of displays and artifacts while also displaying a caboose outdoors. It is open to the public from late May through early September.

Some railroads recognized their own history by creating museums to house preserved collections such as the Baltimore & Ohio's facility in Baltimore (opened on July 4, 1953); later, Union Pacific did the same in Council Bluffs, Iowa, unveiling its museum there on May 10, 2003.

In 1956 the National Railroad Museum of Green Bay, Wisconsin was born; in 1958, it was recognized as such by the United States Congress. Two other noteworthy national organizations include the Smithsonian and Steamtown National Historic Site of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The latter began as a non-profit founded by F. Nelson Blount in 1964. It was officially known as the "Steamtown Foundation For The Preservation Of Steam And Railroad Americana" which would operate Steamtown, USA based in Bellows Falls, Vermont.

Blount was an affluent individual, whose family had owned the largest seafood processing company in the country. His collection was quite impressive, which included Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" #4012 and Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #759.

Altogether, he owned twenty-five examples of U.S. and Canadian designs, ten other locomotives, and twenty-five pieces of rolling stock. After passing away due to a tragic airplane accident on August 31, 1967, his collection became part of today's federally-owned Steamtown National Historic Site.

A number of facilities, like Steamtown also host excursion trains in addition to static displays as a means of drawing greater interest and visitorship, enabling the public to view this equipment up close and as it would have been seen in everyday service.

Depending upon the length of trackage, rides can last anywhere from a half-hour (a few miles) to all day (more than 100 miles within climate-controlled cars). Whatever your interest in trains, taking such a trip can be quite enjoyable with memories lasting a lifetime.

Today's museums range from the Illinois Railway Museum's impressive collection in Union to the relatively small West Virginia Railroad Museum based in Elkins.

If you know where to look you can locate rail history in the most unlikely of places. For instance, the town of Wheeling, in the Mountain State's northern panhandle, was once a thriving terminal of the venerable Baltimore & Ohio.

The location was also reached by the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) over a short branch winding its way southward from the steel hub of Weirton, as well as the Wheeling & Lake Erie.

Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, Inc.

The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, Inc. (R&LHS) is the oldest organization in the country dedicated to the preservation of railroad history. From this group, formed in 1921, sprang every modern museum and related organization.

The R&LHS currently operates ten local chapters throughout the country and has received multiple awards over the years for their efforts.

The association, specifically the Southern California Chapter, made headlines in recent years by working out a deal with Union Pacific for the Class to reacquire 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" #4014 for restoration and operation.

This massive, articulated locomotive was a product of the American Locomotive Company delivered in September, 1941. During #4014's time it regularly handled heavy freights over Wyoming's Sherman Hill and through Utah. During its twenty years the locomotive logged 1,031,205 mile.

According to Union Pacific its last major overall was in 1956 and logged another 41,000 miles before retirement came in December, 1961.

By then most of the "Big Boys" had been dropper their fires although the last held out until July of 1962 (a few even remained serviceable at Green River, Wyoming until September that year).

Only a month after retirement, #4014 was donated to the Southern California Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society where she arrived on January 8, 1962 in Pomona at the Rail Giants Train Museum.

In July of 2013 it was announced Union Pacific and the Southern California Chapter had reached an agreement. The "Big Boy" returned to operation in 2019 and celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad's completion (May 10, 1869).

The R&LHS has been involved in other noteworthy endeavors, such as the grand railfan tour of 1938 when the group sponsored a 6,000-mile journey that July across fifteen states and eight different railroads (Manitou & Pike's Peak, Virginia & Truckee, Milwaukee Road, Missouri Pacific, Northern Pacific, Southern Pacific, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific).

It was quite an experience that spent considerable time along the Milwaukee Road's now-abandoned Pacific Extension.

Today, railroads loathe hosting any public excursion due to insurance premiums and fears of litigation. What a trip it must have been in 1938!

According to the article, "The Great 6000-Mile Railfan Tour Of 1938" from the August, 1980 issue of Trains Magazine and authored by Jack A. Pfeifer:

For a price of $125.45 (coach-only) or $205.85 (lower-berth sleeping accommodations) one could experience the trip of a life-time seeing the western United States (the journey departed from Chicago's Union Station, reached Seattle's Union Station, wound its way south through California, back east to Salt Lake City and Denver, then finally returned to the Windy City).

The W&LE accessed the city via the Wheeling Bridge & Terminal Railway (WB&T), a small belt line serving the area. At a point slightly north of Martins Ferry known as Terminal Junction, W&LE trains swung onto the WB&T, passed through the town, and then crossed the river just above Wheeling Island.

Its tracks passed over the PRR and Wheeling Creek before following this tributary southward to a connection with B&O at Benwood Yard. Near Jacob Street the W&LE built its own spur off the WB&T that extended 1,300 feet to the south, near Market Street.

Here, it constructed a modest depot not far from the B&O's ornate three-story facility). Wheeling, originally part of Virginia and the birthplace of West Virginia (as well as the state's first capital), completed the B&O's charter when the railroad reached the eastern bank of the Ohio River in 1852.

While the company's future main lines to St. Louis and Chicago bypassed the town it was still an important location with considerable freight and passenger business arriving to and from Parkersburg/Huntington, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. The city was also the home offices of a major B&O division (Wheeling Division).

Alas, with manufacturing's decline, the steel industry's collapse, and the B&O's failing financial health Wheeling's importance faded. By the 1990's the city had, incredibly, lost virtually all of its railroads and the fabled B&O was no more, dissolved into the much larger CSX Transportation.

Today, there are only a few minor attractions related to trains in the area; the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum houses a large collection of model trains in different gauges (from O and G to HO).

In addition, the Oglebay Good Zoo operates an impressive, 1,200 square-foot O-gauge layout as part of the famous resort.

However, keen eyes will detect there is far more to see here; the B&O's beautiful depot in downtown Wheeling still stands, restored as part of the West Virginia Northern Community College.

If you have old maps handy you can also track down the railroad's long-abandoned rights-of-way which featured stone-arch bridges and tunnels, needed during the 1850's to carve a route through the rugged topography.

Illinois Railway Museum

There are many fabulous railroad museums across the United States. One of the largest and most unique is the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) based in Union.

This organization was started entirely from scratch and has received virtually no public subsidy in growing the impressive collection it currently displays. In terms of its collection, IRM is the largest railroad museum in the U.S.

The organization began humbly with a history dating back to 1941 when a group of individuals looked to preserve the region's fading interurban network.

With the onset of World War II the idea for an interurban/trolley museum was shelved. Twelve years passed before it was renewed and in 1953 the Illinois Electric Railway Museum was created.

The organization's first acquisition was Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway's interurban car #65 (both the car and railroad are still in operation).

However, without a permanent home the museum had no way to showcase its equipment or attract visitors. They searched long and hard for a location and ultimately found 26 acres near Union, Illinois. The purchase was finalized in the spring of 1964.

Two years prior they had also made another significant change when the organization was renamed as the Illinois Railway Museum to more accurately reflect their goal.

Their new mission was to preserve the state's and country's railroad history. With the help of numerous volunteers the new museum began to take shape, moving equipment from various stored locations.

Over time a new railroad, yard, and storage buildings sprang up on the grounds, which has continued growing over the years.

Currently, the organization maintains a collection totaling in the dozens broken down from steam, diesel, and electric locomotives to various interurban equipment.

They are constantly restoring or overhauling pieces and also have a project underway to construct a small-town scene from the Midwest, dated circa 1958.

According to IRM: "The Entrance Building will be a two-story structure with 36,000 square feet of space featuring dedicated permanent and revolving exhibits, lecture and film presentation halls, educational learning centers, archival storage, offices, and expanded public facilities."

The point here is that, sadly, there are Wheeling's all over the United States; towns which had one or more railroads and all are now abandoned.

These ribbons of commerce were once vitally important to the health and economy of such communities and should be remembered for the role they played in this regard. In addition, the iron horse provided a very good living for thousands of family, and still do for many. Exploring abandoned infrastructure can be a fun hobby.

However, please make sure to never trespass and do so only if it is absolutely safe! Never explore tunnels which have not been authorized for use as part of a rail-trail or walk out onto abandoned trestles/bridges, which can be very unstable.

Finally, if you have time consider volunteering or donating to a local museum. Money is always an issue; their overhead costs can be astronomical which says nothing of maintaining/restoring the equipment they own.

For instance steam locomotives are extremely expensive to overhaul (usually costing millions and several years of volunteer effort). In turn, they provide history in motion and nothing draws a crowd quite like a living, breathing steam locomotive!

Notable Organizations

Events

Finding One Near You

Locating a railroad museum can sometimes be a difficult prospect; they are scattered around the country and not always in the most easy-to-reach locations. In addition, few are widely advertised or promoted within their local communities.

If you visit this section of the website there are articles, broken down by state, highlighting all known museums and excursions throughout the continental United States as well as Alaska and Hawaii.

Another great resource is Trains Magazine's, "Tourist Trains Guidebook," released annually through Kalmbach Publishing.

The paperback title has been in print for several years which highlights every known museum, excursion, and railroad attraction throughout the country with a brief description and background of each.

If you are a subscriber the magazine puts out something similar each spring in its May issue. Although it does not provide the same level of detail the piece does offer an up-to-date list which is quite handy.

Railroad Museums By State (2024): A Complete Guide

Overview

State Guide

Arizona

California

Colorado

Delaware

Hawaii

Indiana

Missouri

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Oregon

South Dakota

Texas

Wisconsin

Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, Inc.

Illinois Railway Museum

Notable Organizations

Events

Finding One Near You

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