Discover the magic of American railroads with our guide to the 20 best train museums across the U.S. From historic steam engines to interactive exhibits, these museums offer a fascinating journey through the country’s rich railway history. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for a unique day out, these destinations promise an adventure for everyone. All aboard for a tour of the finest railway treasures in the nation!
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National Railroad Museum – Green Bay, Wisconsin
The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a must-visit for its extensive collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Notable exhibits include the Union Pacific Big Boy, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, and the Eisenhower Command Train. The museum’s immersive displays and educational programs provide a deep dive into the history of American railroading.
California State Railroad Museum – Sacramento, California
The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is renowned for its comprehensive exhibits that trace the development of railroads in California and the American West. Visitors can explore meticulously restored locomotives and cars, including the famous Central Pacific Railroad No. 1 Gov. Stanford. The museum also offers engaging exhibits on railroad workers and the impact of railroads on society.
B&O Railroad Museum – Baltimore, Maryland
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore stands out for its extensive collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock, including the first American-built locomotive, the Tom Thumb. Housed in the beautifully restored 19th-century roundhouse, the museum offers interactive exhibits and train rides that bring the rich history of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to life.
Illinois Railway Museum – Union, Illinois
The Illinois Railway Museum, located in Union, Illinois, is the largest railway museum in the United States. Its vast collection includes steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and streetcars. The museum offers a hands-on experience with train rides, restoration projects, and educational programs, making it a paradise for rail enthusiasts.
Colorado Railroad Museum – Golden, Colorado
The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden features an impressive collection of narrow-gauge locomotives and rolling stock, reflecting Colorado’s unique railroad heritage. Visitors can explore the museum’s 15-acre rail yard, ride on vintage trains, and view exhibits that detail the history of railroads in the Rocky Mountain region.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania – Strasburg, Pennsylvania
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, located in Strasburg, offers an exceptional glimpse into the history of railroading in the Keystone State. The museum’s collection includes over 100 historic locomotives and cars, many of which are housed in a state-of-the-art exhibit hall. Interactive displays and educational programs enhance the visitor experience.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum – Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga provides a unique opportunity to experience rail travel as it was in the past. The museum’s collection includes restored steam and diesel locomotives, and it offers regular train excursions through the scenic Tennessee countryside. The museum also features hands-on exhibits and restoration workshops.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum – Durango, Colorado
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. The museum, located at the Durango Depot, showcases the history of the narrow-gauge line and features historic locomotives, passenger cars, and artifacts. The scenic train ride is a highlight for visitors.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – Bryson City, North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City offers scenic train excursions through the beautiful Smoky Mountains. The museum at the depot features exhibits on the history of the railroad and its role in the region’s development. The train rides, which include special themed excursions, provide a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
North Carolina Transportation Museum – Spencer, North Carolina
The North Carolina Transportation Museum, located in the historic Spencer Shops, offers a comprehensive look at the state’s transportation history. The museum’s railroad exhibits include a wide variety of locomotives and rolling stock, as well as the opportunity to ride on vintage trains. Interactive displays and educational programs make it a great destination for families.
Steamtown National Historic Site – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton preserves the history of steam railroading in the United States. The site features a large collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock, as well as a working roundhouse and turntable. Visitors can explore the exhibits, watch restoration work in progress, and take train rides through the scenic Lackawanna Valley.
Nevada Northern Railway Museum – Ely, Nevada
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely offers a unique glimpse into the history of mining and railroading in Nevada. The museum’s collection includes historic steam and diesel locomotives, and visitors can take train rides on the original mainline. The museum also offers special events and hands-on experiences, making it a popular destination for rail fans.
Virginia Museum of Transportation – Roanoke, Virginia
The Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke features an extensive collection of locomotives and rail cars, including the iconic Norfolk and Western Class J 611 steam locomotive. The museum’s exhibits cover the history of railroading in Virginia and the importance of transportation to the state’s development. Interactive displays and educational programs enhance the visitor experience.
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum – Campo, California
The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo offers a fascinating look at the history of railroading in Southern California. The museum’s collection includes historic locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars, and visitors can take train rides through the scenic backcountry. The museum also features exhibits on the region’s railroad history and restoration projects.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum – North Freedom, Wisconsin
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of railroading in the Midwest. The museum’s collection includes steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars, many of which are operational. Visitors can enjoy train rides, explore the exhibits, and participate in special events throughout the year.
Georgia State Railroad Museum – Savannah, Georgia
The Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah is housed in the historic Central of Georgia Railway Savannah Shops and Terminal Facilities. The museum features a variety of historic locomotives and rail cars, as well as exhibits on the history of railroading in Georgia. Interactive displays, guided tours, and train rides make it a popular destination for families and rail enthusiasts.
Western Railway Museum – Suisun City, California
The Western Railway Museum in Suisun City offers a unique look at the history of electric railways in the Western United States. The museum’s collection includes historic electric streetcars, interurban cars, and locomotives. Visitors can take rides on restored electric cars along the museum’s scenic railway, explore the exhibits, and learn about the role of electric railways in the region’s development.
Florida Railroad Museum – Parrish, Florida
The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish provides a hands-on experience of railroading in Florida. The museum’s collection includes historic locomotives and rail cars, and visitors can take train rides on the museum’s mainline track. The museum also features exhibits on the history of railroading in Florida and special events throughout the year.
Texas State Railroad – Rusk and Palestine, Texas
The Texas State Railroad offers a unique historical experience with its vintage train rides between Rusk and Palestine. The railroad’s collection includes historic steam and diesel locomotives, and the scenic train journeys through the Piney Woods of East Texas are a highlight for visitors. The museum at the depot features exhibits on the history of the railroad and its role in the region’s development.
Kentucky Railway Museum – New Haven, Kentucky
The Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven offers a comprehensive look at the history of railroading in Kentucky. The museum’s collection includes historic steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can take train rides through the scenic countryside, explore the exhibits, and learn about the important role of railroads in the state’s history.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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