Located at 1 Railroad Plaza in Whippany, New Jersey, this non-profit museum has become the leading train attraction in the state. The train rides are fun and educational for both kids and adults. The trains are operated by a dedicated volunteer crew.
The museum has a large collection of rail cars and other artifacts on display. These include the oldest steam locomotive in America, Southern Railway No. 385. Other attractions are a restored caboose and an outdoor G-scale model railway. The trains and the exhibits are open on Sundays from April to October 12-4 PM.
For over a half-century, the Morris County Central Railroad (MCC) thrilled untold hundreds of thousands of children and families with nostalgic trips into railroading’s colorful past. And for a good portion of that time, no other steam locomotive in the world did more to make train-riding an American tradition than Old Number 385.
Each year, this iconic train takes passengers on a trip into the spirit of the season aboard The Polar Express. The trip is a great way to celebrate the holidays with your family and friends. During the trip, characters on board lead you in caroling and onboard entertainment. Passengers also get to enjoy onboard snacks and drinks. The trip ends with a visit from Santa himself. Each passenger receives a silver sleigh bell as a keepsake.
The trains are operated by a dedicated volunteer staff of the Whippany Railway Museum, which is a nonprofit organization. The Museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of railroads in New Jersey. It accomplishes this through the restoration, preservation, and interpretation of historic railroad equipment and artifacts from New Jersey and its immediate vicinity.
There is a lot to see at the Museum including a 1904 freight house with a unique collection of rail and transportation memorabilia, a classic wooden water tank, and dozens of historic railcars. The Museum also houses one of the largest collections of standard gauge, American-built, steam locomotives in the country.
Guests can also ride a real railroad caboose or experience the life of the conductor in our restored railroad club car. The museum also has a large, outdoor G-scale model railway (weather permitting).
The Whippany Railway Museum is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit institution and relies on donations to operate. This makes it a great place to take the whole family to learn more about railroad history and to ride a train. The Museum is also home to a large collection of railcars that have been donated by local individuals and businesses. It is open every Sunday from April through October, with the exception of holiday weekends. The Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
