Located at 1 Railroad Plaza in Whippany, the Whippany Railway Museum has an impressive collection of rail artifacts and representative train models. There is also an extensive gift shop and picnic area. The museum is open on Sundays April through October. This is a great place to take the kids and spend a day learning about the history of trains and railroads.
New Jersey is home to a number of great train museums. From themed rides to miniature fantasy lands, there are a few you should not miss. Whether you want to learn about the history of railroads or experience the wonders of a modern day ride, these attractions are sure to please the entire family.
One of the most intriguing is the Morris County Central Railroad. This museum preserves a steam locomotive that was once part of the Southern Railway. It also features a former freight house and a 1904 railroad station. If you enjoy seeing historical railroad artifacts, this museum is a must.
Another train museum is the New Jersey Museum of Transportation in Trenton. This is an independent organization that works to preserve historic railroad equipment. Their displays include items such as an old-fashioned train ticket machine and a model train.
Also on the list of attractions is the Black River and Western Railroad in Hunterdon County. Featuring vintage steam locomotives, this railroad traces its route from Ringoes to Flemington. You can also experience a fun train ride every season.
In the same county is the Morristown & Erie Railway, which runs along the tracks that were laid in 1902. If you are interested in the history of railroads, this is the place to see it. Several model trains operate at any given time.
Another unique train attraction is the Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Warren County. Here you can experience a special ride to see some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.
A trip to the Morris Museum, located in Parsippany, NJ, demonstrates the history of transportation in the state. The 300 square foot exhibit features a model train set that volunteers dedicate their time to maintain. Not only is it a work of art, it’s a piece of New Jersey history.
In the last century, the Morristown & Erie Railroad was the fastest of its kind, serving northern Maine and New Jersey. In the late 1950s, Earle H. Gil, Sr., a Parsippany resident and aerospace technician, had the idea of running a steam excursion train. He hoped to make it financially successful. Unfortunately, the conventional steam railroad operation was dying out. Luckily, this conscientious group stepped in and preserved the railroad’s history.
The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey is another group that celebrates the legacy of the state’s rail systems. They hold special events and exhibit restored historical railroad equipment. Some of their special exhibitions are in conjunction with the annual Boonton Day Street Fair.
Of course, there are many more train museums in New Jersey. Visit the ones that interest you.
