Whippany train is a historic train museum and excursion train ride located at 1 Railroad Plaza in the heart of downtown Whippany, NJ. We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit Operating Heritage Railroad comprised of historic New Jersey-related rail and transportation artifacts staffed by volunteers. Proceeds from our Excursion Train rides support our Museum and Preservation efforts.
The Whippany Railway Museum was first opened to the public in 1965 and has since demonstrated that a quality operation is possible through the hard work of its volunteers. The Museum explores the past through historic railroad and train exhibits and is a unique way for people of all ages to learn more about the history of our nation.
It is home to the largest collection of American-built standard gauge steam locomotives displayed in New Jersey, including one of America’s oldest, Southern Railway No. 385 built in 1907. The Museum also features a restored 1904 freight house with a remarkable collection of rail and transportation artifacts, the classic wooden water tank and dozens of historic railcars.
Visitors can also tour the Museum’s newly-completed Lackawanna Subscription Car #2454 and view progress on our current restoration project, Central Railroad of New Jersey Coach #1001. The Museum also has two operating model train layouts, both indoors and outdoors. There is also a gift shop, snack depot and full restroom facilities.
I was very impressed with the Museum and how well it was organized. There is a very detailed display on how trains function and the equipment necessary to run them. They have an excellent display on the different ways to communicate between trains. There is even a section that talks about the advancement of Blacks in Pullman coaches as porters and later supervisors. It also touches on how the workers were able to make such a big impact on their working conditions.
