A Whippany train ride is a fun activity for the entire family to enjoy. It allows kids to explore the history of trains and the state of New Jersey. The train museum was founded in 1965 and has continued to thrive at its Whippany location, even expanding its collection of New Jersey railroad history over the years. This makes it a popular destination for tourists interested in learning more about the state’s historic railway past.
The Whippany Railway Museum features a large assortment of restored rail cars and locomotives, historic railroad exhibits and operating model train layouts. It is a great place to bring the whole family, and the museum also offers a variety of exciting events and excursion train rides throughout the year.
On select Sundays from May to October, you can step aboard one of the Museum’s cabooses and experience the way railroaders traveled and worked for over 130 years when virtually every freight train in North America was trailed by a caboose. This is an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality time together and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Our Excursion Train Rides are a fundraising effort to benefit the Whippany Railway Museum, a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit Operating Heritage Railroad comprised of historic New Jersey-related rail and transportation artifacts and staffed by Volunteers. Donations from the public help to keep the Museum operational, but additional funds are required to support this unique New Jersey treasure. Proceeds from these train rides will further enhance the Museum’s mission and Historic Preservation efforts.
Each year the Museum’s volunteers organize and host a series of exciting events that highlight the different aspects of New Jersey’s railroad history. The Whippany Railway Museum is a member of the National Association of Railroad Passenger Historical Centers and has received national and international recognition for its outstanding programs.
The Museum is dedicated to the restoration, preservation, interpretation and operation of historic railroad equipment and artifacts from historic railroads that operated in New Jersey and the surrounding area. The Museum’s exhibits and collections are displayed in the green and red Museum building, which is housed in a historic 1904 freight house. Other historic buildings on the Museum site include a classic wooden water tank that was once used to fill steam locomotive tenders, and a replica of a railway station.
On September 8, the Museum will be hosting “Touch-A-Truck 2 & Train Ride.” The event is an interactive, educational, family-friendly program where children can climb inside vehicles that serve, protect and provide essential services for our community. Children will be able to touch, honk the horns, flash the lights and creatively explore an array of trucks – fire engines, transport vehicles, construction equipment, public health and safety vehicles and more. The Museum will also be offering a nostalgic train ride through Morris and Essex Counties. For more information, visit the Whippany Railway Museum website.
