Whether you’re an old train buff or just looking for a fun day out, New Jersey has several unique railroad museums to visit. Some offer train rides, while others showcase a large collection of historic railway artifacts. In addition, some also have interactive exhibits for children that teach them about the history of trains in America and beyond.
The Whippany Railway Museum is an excellent place to start if you want to learn more about New Jersey’s rich railroad history. This museum, housed in a 1904 freight house, has dozens of historic railway cars and exhibits on display. The museum also has an operating O-Gauge model railroad layout that visitors can walk through.
A popular attraction at the museum is a steam locomotive, Southern Railway No. 381. This engine was built in 1907 for fast freight service, and it is one of the oldest surviving steam locomotives in the country. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it still runs occasionally for special excursions at the museum.
Other attractions at the museum include a miniature train ride, a replica of a railroad depot, and a restored caboose. These items help people understand what life was like in the past and how railroads helped shape the American West. For instance, the caboose demonstrates how the railroad made it possible for small towns to thrive. It also shows how the railroad helped open up the country for development.
For those who love to be outside, Allaire State Park has its own “railroad.” Its Pine Creek Railroad is a narrow gauge railway that chugs around the park’s public area. It offers various trains for every season, including the Great Pumpkin Train and River & Steam Train. The railway is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers and operates in partnership with the county parks system.
In addition to trains and cabooses, the Waldwick Station Museum displays interesting photographs and historical artifacts from the local community. The museum is a historic landmark, and it has been carefully restored to preserve its original features. It is a beautiful representation of Queen Anne architecture and is on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The museum also offers a variety of unique events, such as the Easter Bunny Express and seasonal foliage rides. Guests can also purchase railroad-themed souvenirs at the gift shop. The station is open Sundays from April through October.
