Tickets and Hours - National Railroad Museum

Tickets / Hours

Daily Admission Tickets

Free: Members
Train rides are $5 per person. Everyone must have a ticket to ride the train
$15: Adults and children 13 and older
$12: College Students (with valid college ID)
$12: Seniors ages 62 and older
$10: Children 2-12 years old
Free: Children younger than age 2

* 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

Mondays: Closed
Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays – Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sundays: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

During the days of the Polar Express Train Ride event in mid-November through mid-December, the Museum closes one hour before the start of that day’s first show. This year’s shows will be held from November 20th, 2025, to December 14th, 2025 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

April through December

Mondays – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays – Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Museum is closed on these holidays:

Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve (closes at 2 p.m.)
New Year’s Day
Easter

Train Rides

The train ride is $5, plus regular admission costs. Train rides are held daily from May 1st through September 30th, and only on weekends in October. We do not offer daily train rides from November to March. Passengers are asked to be at the Children’s Discovery Depot at least 10 minutes before departure time.

Train ride times are:

10:00 a.m. (except Sundays)
12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. (only on Tuesdays)

During the ride, the conductor describes various rolling stock, points out highlights of the Museum, talks about railroad safety, and discusses hobo culture. Each ride takes about 25 minutes and covers two miles (two loops of a one-mile circuit, traversing wooded areas, the Fox River shoreline, and other Museum property areas).

The train ride does not exceed 10 MPH. There is no restroom aboard the train ride. The train is pulled by a diesel locomotive, which may be overwhelming for some guests sensitive to loud noises. Noise-cancelling headphones are available at the Museum Store.

We have a wheelchair lift available upon request. Please let one of our staff at the Museum Store know if you will require the lift.

Following the train ride, a theater presentation called Last of the Giants is available inside the main Museum building and spotlights the Union Pacific “Big Boy” locomotives.

Accessibility

Parking

Our museum has a free parking lot located within the museum grounds that is open during museum business hours. There are five parking stalls with accessibility placards located conveniently next to the museum entrance.

Wheelchairs

The National Railroad Museum has complimentary wheelchairs available for guests to use while visiting. If you require the use of one of our wheelchairs, let Museum staff at our Museum Store know or reach out to the museum before your trip at 920-437-7623.

Lenfestey Center Exhibit Accessibility

Some trains within our Lenfestey Center and McCormick Pavilion have ramps or stairs that allow individuals with different mobility to be level and look within the cars. The insides of the train cars themselves may be difficult for some individuals with mobility issues, as many of our trains were designed before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was ratified. To accommodate this, almost all of our educational programming occurs outside the train cars. Our Lenfestey Center, along with our Fuller and Bauer Halls, are temperature-controlled.

Museums For All

We offer admission for $3 per person to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and a valid form of photo ID. Museums for All admission rates are offered for up to four individuals per EBT card. This admission rate is available during all normal operating hours. The Museums for All admission rates do not apply to special events or programming.

Dementia Friendly

The National Railroad Museum staff is Purple Angel certified. This training from the Aging and Resource Disability Center (ADRC) teaches businesses and organizations in our community to recognize, communicate with, and create a welcoming and safe environment for people with dementia and their caregivers. The Museum is accessible and safe for people with dementia.

View our Walking & Grounds Accessibility Map HERE!

What to Bring

Comfy Shoes: There is a lot to explore inside and outside of the National Railroad Museum!
Your camera or smartphone: Make sure to share your favorite scenes or trains with loved ones (or us)!
Snacks or a Picnic: There are numerous great picnic spots at the Museum!
Dress for the weather: We have exhibits inside and outside so make sure you’re dressed appropriately! If the forecast calls for a warm day, remember your water and sunscreen!

What to Leave at Home

Carry-in alcoholic beverages: Only licensed vendors may sell or serve drinks on the premises
Nicotine products and vapes: We are a smoke and vape-free environment
Weapons: Firearms are not allowed on the National Railroad Musem property
Pets: We gladly welcome your service animals to the Museum but please leave Emotional Support Animals and pets at home!

Guest Photography & Video Permission

By visiting the National Railroad Museum (or participating in one of our Museum programs/events) you understand that you may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped, and you hereby give permission and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, or photo (collectively, “image”), without compensation, for broadcast, or exhibition in any medium, and to put the finished pictures/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation.

Children’s Discovery Depot

Please Note: The Children’s Discovery Depot may be unavailable during special events such as The Polar Express™, The Great Pumpkin Train, private celebrations, and more. To ensure availability during your visit, we recommend checking in advance by calling us at (920) 437-7623. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to the National Railroad Museum!