One more place to enjoy near Green Bay in Wisconsin
The National Railroad Museum stands as one of the largest and most acclaimed railroad museums in the United States, located in Green Bay along the historic Fox River. Founded in 1966, the museum occupies a spacious campus that includes both indoor exhibition halls and expansive outdoor exhibit areas where massive locomotives and rail equipment are displayed in their full scale. The institution is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of railroading in America, and its collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars, and railroad artifacts is recognized as among the finest in the world. The museum serves as a vital educational resource, drawing families, historians, and railroad enthusiasts from across the country to learn about the role railroads played in shaping the American landscape and economy.
The museum’s campus is anchored by two primary structures: the Transportation Hall, a large indoor exhibit space that houses artifacts and interactive displays, and the Hall of Railroad Culture, which explores the social and cultural impact of railroads on American life. Outdoor exhibits fill the surrounding grounds and include some of the most significant locomotives ever built. The museum also maintains a restoration shop where volunteers and staff work to preserve and restore equipment from the collection, many pieces of which have been returned to operating condition for special events and excursions.
One of the museum’s most celebrated acquisitions is the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, a massive steam locomotive that was painstakingly restored to operating condition after decades of static display. The Big Boy represents the pinnacle of American steam locomotive engineering, and seeing it up close conveys the enormous scale and power that defined the golden age of American railroading. Another highlight is the Milwaukee Road 261, a beautifully restored 4-8-4 Northern-type locomotive that operates excursion trains on select dates throughout the year, giving visitors the rare opportunity to experience a working steam train firsthand. The Santa Fe 3751, also maintained in operating condition, is another crown jewel of the collection and regularly hauls excursion trains for the museum.
The collection includes more than 200 locomotives and railroad cars, spanning the full arc of American railroading from early steam engines to mid-century diesel locomotives. Notable equipment includes the Southern Pacific 4449, one of the few surviving Daylight-styled locomotives, and the Chesapeake & Ohio 614, a George H. W. Bush-era locomotive that has been restored to operating condition. The Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 No. 4800, an iconic electric locomotive that pulled passenger service along the Northeast Corridor for decades, is also part of the collection and provides insight into the electrification of American railroads. These locomotives represent not only engineering milestones but also the aesthetic ambition of railroad designers, who shaped these machines with an attention to beauty that matched their mechanical performance.
Inside Transportation Hall, visitors find richly curated exhibits that trace the technological evolution of American railroads. The Railroad Technology exhibit examines the engineering breakthroughs that made railroads possible, from the development of the steel rail to innovations in steam pressure, valve gear, and braking systems. The Railroads and the American Economy exhibit explores the profound economic impact of the railroad network, showing how rail lines opened new markets, enabled urbanization, and connected the vast American continent in ways that transformed daily life. Interactive displays allow visitors to simulate operating a locomotive, understanding the complex coordination required to safely move trains across thousands of miles of track.
The Hall of Railroad Culture takes a broader view, examining how railroads shaped American society, art, music, and the popular imagination. Exhibits explore the romance of train travel, the role railroads played in westward expansion, and the cultural traditions that grew up around railroading communities. Railroad safety is a central theme throughout the museum, with dedicated programs for children and adults that teach safe behavior around tracks and trains. The museum also hosts an annual Day Out with Thomas event, where children can meet Thomas the Tank Engine and enjoy train rides, making it a highlight of the summer calendar for families in the Green Bay area.
The museum grounds include expansive outdoor display tracks where full-size locomotives and rail cars are arranged in chronological and thematic groupings. A walking path loops through the outdoor exhibits, providing close-up views of massive steam and diesel locomotives that visitors can explore at their own pace. Benches and shaded areas along the path make the walk comfortable even on warmer days, and signage throughout provides historical context for each piece of equipment. The outdoor exhibits are particularly striking in fall and spring, when the surrounding landscape provides a vivid natural backdrop against the patina of historic locomotives.
Visiting the museum is a full-day experience for most families, and the on-site cafeteria offers a selection of food and beverages for refueling throughout the day. The museum gift shop stocks an extensive selection of railroad-themed merchandise, from model trains and books to apparel and collectibles, making it easy to take home a memento of the visit. Wheelchair and stroller accessibility is available throughout the indoor exhibits and outdoor paths, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the museum’s offerings. The museum is open daily except major holidays, and guided tours are available for groups of ten or more with advance reservation.
The museum is situated on NW Railroad Street in Green Bay, with ample free parking available on site. The site is easily accessible from Interstate 43 and U.S. Highway 41, making it a convenient stop for visitors traveling through northeastern Wisconsin. The nearby Fox River Trail connects to the museum campus, allowing cyclists and walkers to combine a visit with a broader exploration of Green Bay’s waterfront. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website before planning their trip, as operating hours, excursion schedules, and special event availability can vary by season and are subject to change throughout the year.