Train museums from coast to coast showcase the history of America’s railroad expansion and vintage cars. scenic rides This allows guests to climb aboard themselves. We compiled this list with the help of some train travel experts.
The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, located in Chicago Illinois
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“I love” The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum It shares the same Black history behind train travelSojourner white, travel vlogger who calls herself the “Train Travel Queen”, tells us. Sojournies. The museum honors the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters, and shows how they were the first Black union in the U.S. It also highlights the importance of Black women and men as porters and maids during the Pullman Era. Although the museum has been closed to allow for an expansion project, it is set to reopen later this year. 2025 will mark the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters’ 100th Anniversary and 30th Anniversary.
Steamtown National Historic Site at Scranton, Pennsylvania
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“Steamtown The National Park Service manages the park, which offers indoor and outdoor displays, special tours, train rides and demonstrations of railroad technologies. Greg StoutAuthor of 20 books about the history American railroads,. Watch the 18 minute orientation film “Steel and Steam” before exploring the rolling stock at the roundhouse. Take a guided tour of Locomotive Repair Shop and buy a ticket to the “Scranton Limited”, which is a three mile round trip shuttle ride across the Lackawanna River and stopping at the University of Scranton.
California State Railroad Museum Sacramento, California
California State Railroad Museum
“The California State Railroad Museum “The museum features and collects a wide variety of railroad gear used by California and Nevada railroads. This includes the Southern Pacific Cab Forward locomotive that operated in the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains,” Daphne O. DeLeon is the director of The Museum. Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City. “Must-see exhibits Include the Golden Spike Exhibit Gallery and the Chinese Railroad Workers’ Experience. Farm-to-Fork is a Public History. Stout also favors the California State Railroad Museum, noting how it’s “especially kid-friendly, with music, stories of the past—including the building of the original transcontinental railroad—and a toy train exhibit.”
Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois
“The Illinois Railway Museum Stout claims that it is located off Interstate 90 about 45 minutes west from O’Hare Airport. “It is the largest railway collection in the United States,” he says. “Depending on the day, you can take an interurban car or steam locomotive for a ride. Nebraska Zephyr A League of Their Own ‘).”) – a streamlined passenger rail (as seen in the film). DeLeon also loves the IRM. The collection includes a variety of railroad equipment including steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars and interurbans. Some of the highlights are: Electroliner. Union Pacific turbine locomotiveThe operating system is a Shay steam locomotive“, she replies.
National Museum of Transport St. Louis, Missouri
The National Museum of Transport
“The National Museum of Transport It is located in the suburb of Kirkwood, just west of St. Louis. Stout says the museum’s name is an indication of its many historic locomotives including steam, diesel and electric. It also has freight and passenger equipment. “However, NMOT also offers a unique look at other modes, such as military aircrafts and historic automobiles. the custom ‘Dream Car’ “Once owned by the entertainer Bobby Darin. Plus transit buses, railway cars, and even a Mississippi River Towboat.” This museum, which has more than 200 exhibits, offers something for everyone. In fact, they are described as having “the largest collection of transportation vehicles” in the entire world.
Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, Nevada
Nevada State Railroad Museum
Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City focuses on Nevada railroad history—specificallyThe Virginia & Truckee Railroad, the short line railroad incorporated in 1868. The railroad was once a major transporter of gold, silver and other goods to the residents in the area. Its last run took place in 1950. The collection includes locomotives and cars that have appeared in Hollywood films, TV shows and other media, including ‘Union Pacific’, ‘The Harvey Girls’, and The Wild WestDeLeon. “During summer holiday weekends, visitors can ride in a restored railroad car that is pulled by a steam locomotive built in 1875. Plus, she says, the McKeen Motor CarBuilt in 1910, it is the only building of its type in the world.
B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland
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It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. B&O Railroad Museum Stout also recommends this attraction. This institution, located in Baltimore, is a popular attraction for those looking to experience a little bit of history. Here, you can ride on the first commercial mile of railroad in the US. The Mile One Express is a seasonal experience that takes about 40 minutes to complete. The rolling stock of the museum includes also the No. 147 Thatcher Perkins Steam locomotive used by the Union Army during the American Civil War for transporting troops and supplies.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Strasburg Pennsylvania
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The museum has more than 100 locomotives, railroad cars and other items to view. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania This museum should be on any railway enthusiast’s list of must-visit places. Stout describes the museum as a climate-controlled, indoor display that includes steam, diesel and electric locomotives. It also features freight and passenger cars. There is a large model railroad that operates and there are also nearby access points to the Strasburg RailroadThe train offers scenic 45-minute rides through Lancaster County.” You can’t get to this part in Pennsylvania? There are many other museums in Pennsylvania. virtual tours You can choose from a selection of equipment.
National Railroad Museum at Ashwaubenon in Wisconsin
White recommends a visit to the Green Bay Children’s Museum if you are ever traveling with children in Green Bay, Wisconsin. National Railroad Museum. “This is interactive and you can walk through the cars. This is my favorite for kids because it has a train car. short train ride She says, “There’s plenty of room for them to play.” You can see more than 70 train vehicles, including the only A4 Class loco in the country. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Visitors can also align their trip with one of the museum’s various special events—the Dinner Train, The Polar Express Train RideIf you want to know more about a specific topic, please click on the link. Holidays On The Rails.
