Visiting a railway museum is a great way to learn about the history of the railways and the people that worked on them. There are many different railway museums around the country. Find one that appeals to you and learn about the history of the railways that shaped your town.
N.C. Railway Museum
Located in Bonsal, NC, the North Carolina Railway Museum is an all volunteer, tax-exempt organization that preserves the heritage of railroading in North Carolina. The museum operates April through December. The museum features more than 30 restored railcars and locomotives. It also offers an Operate-a-Loco program, where participants can drive a locomotive.
The museum’s largest exhibit is a model train room, which recreates 1950s Atlantic Coast Line operations in Wilmington. The room features more than 20 model trains, a train cam, and plenty of buttons to make the trains go.
Empire State Railway Museum
Located in the historic Ulster & Delaware Phoenicia Railroad Station, the Empire State Railway Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of railroads in New York State. The museum offers a variety of artifacts, including full-size trains, locomotives, and historic photographs.
The museum also offers a gift shop, events, and guided tours. Visitors can also attend concerts and lectures. The museum is also pet friendly, so you can bring your dog along on your visit.
Whippany Railway Museum
Located in Whippany, New Jersey, the Whippany Railway Museum is a train museum that preserves the history of the railroad in New Jersey. The Museum is operated by volunteers and offers a variety of historic exhibits. The Museum also hosts special train rides throughout the year.
The Museum has a large collection of antique railroad cars, trains, and artifacts. The museum is a great place to visit for children and adults alike.
The Whippany Railway Museum also operates the Whippany Canal Greenway, an interpreted canal route. The Greenway offers scenic vistas and woodland hikes.
Lost Railway Museum
Located in Grass Lake, Michigan, the Lost Railway Museum is a part of a larger effort to bring the history of Michigan’s interurban railways to life. The museum’s mission is to display and educate its visitors on the history and technology of Michigan’s interurban railways. The museum has a grandiose goal of displaying an actual electric interurban rail car. The museum will also add a virtual train ride experience in the years to come.
The museum’s new executive director, Kim Conant, is an alum of Spring Arbor University, and has 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector. He’s been involved with the Michigan Military Heritage Museum, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson County YMCA.
Bellingham Railway Museum
Located in downtown Bellingham, Washington, the Bellingham Railway Museum displays model trains and other railroad-related artifacts. The museum offers educational and recreational opportunities for the community. It also provides a historical connection to the area’s railroad heritage. The museum is operated by volunteers. It offers a range of memberships, volunteering opportunities and birthday parties.
The museum’s collection features railroad-related artifacts dating from the 1800s to the recent past. In addition to rail memorabilia, the museum exhibits include railroad lanterns, signal lamps, railroad equipment, dining car china, and posters. It also displays a large electric model railroad and a train simulator.
