About the Museum Our Mission The National Railroad Museum inspires lifelong learning by providing dynamic educational opportunities through the preservation of railroad objects, engaging exhibits, and innovative programs. Our History Established in 1956 by several local businessmen, the National Railroad Museum began as a Steam Locomotive Committee aimed at preserving a favorite steam locomotive and […]
Festival of Trees November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027 You’re invited to celebrate our community and those who live and work here! Come see dozens of uniquely decorated trees created by local businesses and organizations as you stroll through our historic exhibits! The Festival of Trees enchants more than 20,000 visitors each year. Our […]
October 10 & 11, 2026 Tickets on sale in July 2026 Join us on Saturday, October 10, or Saturday, October 11, 2026, for a family-friendly, fun-filled day celebrating all things fall. Tickets are $20 per person. Everyone over the age of 2 years old needs a ticket. Children under 2 years old do not need […]
About The Museum Our Mission The National Railroad Museum inspires lifelong learning by providing dynamic educational opportunities through the preservation of railroad objects, engaging exhibits, and innovative programs. Our History Established in 1956 by several local businessmen, the National Railroad Museum began as a Steam Locomotive Committee aimed at preserving a favorite steam locomotive and […]
Health and Safety Protocols The National Railroad Museum is committed to the health and safety of our visitors, including, but not limited to, COVID-19 issues. We have more than 100,000 square feet of covered exhibit space plus 33 acres and an outdoor observation tower along the Fox River, allowing you and your family to comfortably […]
Group Tours Explore group tour opportunities at the National Railroad Museum! We welcome both youth and adult groups for engaging tours tailored to each audience. Please note: “Youth Tours” include school groups, homeschool groups, after-school programs, and any other organized group of young participants. All final decisions about group classification rest with our Education Department, […]
Tickets / Hours Daily Admission Tickets * Admission costs vary on days of special events. * Tickets may be purchased via the calendar link on this webpage, or tickets may be purchased in person at our main entrance ticket desk. Hours The National Railroad Museum is open year-round. Hours are as follows: January through March […]
Have a train lover in your family? The National Railroad Museum is a great place for a wedding or a birthday party! Tickets for Rails & Ales, Mystery Express: Spring in Bloom, AND Tales on the Rails are now on sale! We are celebrating our 70th Anniversary with Family Days, a Drumhead Competition, and more! […]
