- Attraction: National Railroad Museum
- Location: 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://nationalrrmuseum.org/
Wisconsin’s crown jewel of railroad history sits proudly in Green Bay, where locomotives the size of city blocks transport you back to America’s golden age of rail travel.
The National Railroad Museum doesn’t just showcase trains – it resurrects an entire era when these iron giants ruled the countryside, carrying everything from presidents to prairie families across a growing nation.
Since 1956, this congressionally-designated museum has grown into one of America’s largest and most respected railroad institutions. With over 70 pieces of rolling stock spread across 33 acres, you’ll discover everything from luxurious passenger cars to the world’s mightiest steam locomotive.
What sets this place apart from other museums is simple: you can actually climb aboard most of these magnificent machines and experience firsthand how Americans once traveled in style.
Historic Locomotives & Rolling Stock
The Legendary Big Boy: Weighing in at 1.1 million pounds, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4017 commands instant respect as one of the world’s largest steam locomotives ever built. You’ll stand in awe beneath this mechanical marvel that once hauled massive freight trains over Wyoming’s treacherous Sherman Hill. The sheer scale becomes overwhelming when you realize this beast stretches longer than most city buses.
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Keep Exploring →Eisenhower’s Presidential Train: Step aboard the actual locomotive and cars used by General Dwight D. Eisenhower during World War II. This British Railways Class A4 No. 60008 “Dwight D. Eisenhower” served as the Supreme Allied Commander’s mobile headquarters throughout Europe. Walking through these restored cars feels like stepping into a wartime strategy meeting where history’s biggest decisions were made.
The Futuristic Aerotrain: Marvel at General Motors’ bold 1950s vision of high-speed rail travel with their sleek, bus-bodied Aerotrain. Only three were ever built, making this one of the rarest trains you’ll ever see. Despite its space-age appearance, the Aerotrain’s ride quality proved too rough for passenger service, making it a fascinating footnote in transportation history.
Luxury Passenger Cars: Explore beautifully restored Pullman cars that once carried wealthy travelers in absolute luxury. The rich wood paneling, plush seating, and intricate details showcase an era when train travel was the height of sophistication. You’ll peek into sleeping compartments and dining cars that rival today’s finest hotels.
Freight Train Giants: Discover massive freight locomotives that powered America’s industrial growth. From steam engines that belched coal smoke across the prairie to early diesel units that revolutionized railroading, each locomotive tells the story of America’s economic expansion.
Special Experiences & Activities
The Museum Train Ride: Board vintage cars for a 25-minute journey around the museum’s perimeter, where your conductor shares fascinating stories about railroad safety, hobo culture, and the significance of various locomotives.
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Discover MoreThe route winds through wooded areas along the Fox River shoreline, offering beautiful scenery alongside railroad education. Don’t be surprised if you spot a bald eagle soaring overhead as you chug past the river.
Last of the Giants Theater: After your train ride, settle into the museum’s theater for an engaging film about the Big Boy locomotives. This presentation brings the golden age of steam to life with vintage footage and expert commentary that deepens your appreciation for these mechanical marvels.
Hands-On Exploration: Unlike many museums where you’re kept behind ropes, here you can climb into locomotive cabs, walk through passenger cars, and truly experience how these trains operated. Kids especially love pretending to be engineers while adults marvel at the intricate controls and gauges.
Children’s Discovery Depot: Young train enthusiasts can engage with interactive exhibits designed specifically for curious minds. This hands-on area lets children explore railroad history through play and discovery, making it perfect for families with little ones.
Atmosphere & Setting
Indoor Climate-Controlled Halls: The Frederick J. Lenfestey Center houses the museum’s most prized locomotives in a massive, temperature-controlled environment. Walking into this 26,000-square-foot space feels like entering a cathedral dedicated to American ingenuity. The dramatic lighting showcases each locomotive like a work of art while protecting these irreplaceable machines from Wisconsin’s harsh weather.
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Keep Exploring →Outdoor Exhibit Areas: Large, partially-enclosed barns shelter additional rolling stock while maintaining that authentic railroad yard atmosphere. These open-air structures let you experience the trains much as railroad workers once did, though you’ll want to dress warmly during Wisconsin’s frigid winters.
The 80-Foot Observation Tower: Climb this wooden tower for spectacular panoramic views of the Fox River, Green Bay, and even Lambeau Field in the distance. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the museum’s full scope while enjoying beautiful river valley scenery.
Peaceful Picnic Grounds: The museum’s 33 acres include numerous scenic spots perfect for family picnics. The combination of historic trains, river views, and mature trees creates a uniquely peaceful setting that families love.
Other Considerations
Excellent Value Pricing: At $15 for adults and $10 for children, the museum offers tremendous value compared to many tourist attractions. The optional $5 train ride adds significant value to your experience. College students and seniors receive discounts, making this an affordable family destination.
Accessibility Matters: The museum provides complimentary wheelchairs and has made significant efforts to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. While climbing into vintage train cars presents natural limitations, viewing platforms and ramps allow most visitors to see inside the locomotives and cars.
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Discover MoreSeasonal Train Operations: Train rides operate daily from May through September, with weekend-only service in October. Winter visitors miss this experience but enjoy smaller crowds and the cozy indoor exhibits. Special events like the popular Polar Express rides sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
Ample Free Parking: The large parking lot easily accommodates cars and tour buses, with convenient accessibility spaces near the entrance. No need to worry about downtown parking hassles or meters.
Educational Programs: The museum excels at group tours and educational programming, welcoming over 12,000 school children annually. Scout groups can even earn railroading merit badges here.
Perfect Half-Day Experience: Most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring everything the museum offers. This makes it ideal for combining with other Green Bay attractions like Lambeau Field or the Bay Beach Amusement Park.
Special Events Throughout the Year: From murder mystery dinners to holiday celebrations, the museum hosts creative events that bring railroad history to life in new ways. The Polar Express experience has become a beloved holiday tradition that sells out within days of tickets going on sale.
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Keep Exploring →National Railroad Museum
📍 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304
