If you are planning a trip to New Jersey and you love railways, you may want to visit the Whippany Railway Museum. This museum is also a great place to take an excursion train ride. It is located in Whippany, a section of Hanover Township in Morris County, New Jersey.
Whippanong Valley Railroad
The Whippanong Valley Railroad is a model railroad that features an “O” gauge. Many visitors enjoy riding the model passenger and freight trains on the tracks. The track is modeled after the rail lines in North Jersey and features a fieldstone depot, water tank, and freight house. Train enthusiasts can also purchase operating accessories for their models.
The train journey along the Whippanong Trail is a trip into the past. It is a free, half-hour trip that takes in the beauty and history of the area. On the train, you’ll see vintage cabooses and a beautifully restored club car.
Polar Express train ride
If you are looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays, you can take a ride on The Polar Express train. This ride will bring you to the North Pole, where the elves dance and Santa gives the First Gift of Christmas. Guests can also enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while on the train ride.
First class seats have individual cushioned seating. The conductor will greet you when you board. Children who travel in First Class will be given a special gift onboard the train, like a wooden train whistle and engineer’s hat. The train ride is multi-part, and each year the show is updated to add new twists. Guests can purchase tickets for the train ride in either First Class or Standard Seating. First class seats are reserved for groups of four passengers.
Excursions in vintage coach cars
The Whippany Railway Museum is a railway museum and excursion train ride in the town of Whippany, located in Morris County, New Jersey. The excursion train takes you through the scenic countryside of Morris County and past the quaint village of Whippany. It is a unique way to explore the region and learn about the history of railroading.
A ticket to the Whippany Railway Museum includes admission to the museum building and grounds, which feature steam ship and railroad memorabilia displays. The museum also features an outdoor large-scale model railroad. On select Sundays, the museum runs excursion trains, which include rides in restored vintage coach cars.
George Pullman
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has recognized the Historic Pullman Landmark District in Chicago, Illinois. The organization has also awarded money for the preservation and restoration of this important landmark. NTHP President Richard Moe noted that a community’s historic resources help to define its identity. Students will use primary sources to explore the role of Pullman in the development of the railroad and the development of the American community. They will also analyze the benefits and costs of living in the company town and examine the testimonies of workers who participated in the Pullman Strike.
Pullman remodeled old coaches from the Chicago and Alton Railroad to make sleeping cars. In 1863, he finalized his “Pioneer” car design. The company began building sleeping cars in 1864, and they were significantly more expensive than regular railway cars. They featured fine bedding and accordion connectors to keep travelers in their beds.
Special events
The Whippany Railway Museum is an excursion train ride and railway museum in the Whippany section of Hanover Township, Morris County, New Jersey. It is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30am to 4pm. The museum offers guided tours, exhibits, and special events.
The Whippany Railway Museum is known for its annual events, including a free train ride featuring the Easter Bunny. It is one of the original train excursions in the North Jersey area, having begun in 1992. Passengers can tour the museum’s site and view operating model train layouts. They can also enjoy vintage farm tractors on the train ride. Advance ticket reservations are strongly recommended.
