Nevada State Railroad Museum
Nevada State Railroad Museum
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Train buffs will love this museum which features a diverse collection of photographs and artifacts that trace Nevada's railroad history. Highlights include a 19th-century rail equipment exhibit and five steam locomotives.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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181 within 3 miles
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67 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- geralyn hSouthbury, Connecticut163 contributionsGreat Resource on Nevada HistoryActual locomotives and train cars highlight the historical displays. Especially enjoyed the historical timeliness and maps. Volunteers provide a wealth of knowledge and everyone was so friendly and helpful. Most fun fact - the origins of time zones was due to the need to coordinate single track railroads. Spend an hour or two. Train rides available seasonally on the weekends.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 14, 2023
- seetheWowIrvine, California210 contributionsGood and short visitIt’s an interesting museum. It’s not very large. A bit of an outdoor area with a couple coaches and there are a few indoors in 2 sections. It does have a few descriptions of the development of railroads in the area. However, this is where I feel the descriptions could be a bit better. Also, the outside area does not have descriptions. They could potentially add some. Another thing is the lighting in some areas is not good. It was too dark. The museum store is interesting with lots of railroads related models and stuff. It is worth a look. The staff were very friendly and guided us well.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 11, 2024
- Rock HMakawao, Hawaii240 contributionsTake a trip back into railroad history 💕Very nice train museum. The restoration quality of there trains is next to none. The selection of trains is very special. The most special is the (McKeen Motor Car # 22) only surviving running car on earth. This car is running and does take passengers on a short 1 mile ride. The staff is great and very informative. Thanks for your aloha.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
298 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
89
Average
23
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Melissa
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Couples
Went yesterday. The train was not running. They charged $8.00 a person to see 2 trains inside one building. They have out buildings where they are restoring trains. Unable to get inside to see anything. Not worth $8.00 a person. Some of the little items were not even original. It actually said replica. Took 15 minutes to see. Don't waste your money.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Sierra Madre, CA1 contribution
Jul 2022
This was an interesting museum, but it was small and not well organized or presented. You needed to talk with one of the volunteer docents to get any real information about the exhibits as there was little presented on posters or plaques. The trains they have on display are nice, but very little is presented and most are difficult to view as there is limited access to those not in the main building. I feel the admission price was too high for what was on display. If you do go, I suggest you go early as they were shutting down the back building just a couple hours after opening.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JKOzarks
Signal Hill, CA37 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Nice museum, interesting railroad map on the floor (which can only be viewed when the museum is near empty), some interesting history, numerous authentic artifacts. In the main museum itself you cannot touch things not board rail cars which is disappointing. Being from out of state I was surprised a state allowing so much personal liberty when it comes to vices doesn’t allow people mask freedom at this point in the covid experience. Be sure to go outside to the annex where you can board a restored train car. If you’ve been to a great railroad museum like the one in Sacramento you can skip this one.
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geralyn h
Southbury, CT163 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Actual locomotives and train cars highlight the historical displays. Especially enjoyed the historical timeliness and maps. Volunteers provide a wealth of knowledge and everyone was so friendly and helpful. Most fun fact - the origins of time zones was due to the need to coordinate single track railroads. Spend an hour or two. Train rides available seasonally on the weekends.
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seetheWow
Irvine, CA210 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
It’s an interesting museum. It’s not very large. A bit of an outdoor area with a couple coaches and there are a few indoors in 2 sections.
It does have a few descriptions of the development of railroads in the area. However, this is where I feel the descriptions could be a bit better. Also, the outside area does not have descriptions. They could potentially add some. Another thing is the lighting in some areas is not good. It was too dark.
The museum store is interesting with lots of railroads related models and stuff. It is worth a look.
The staff were very friendly and guided us well.
It does have a few descriptions of the development of railroads in the area. However, this is where I feel the descriptions could be a bit better. Also, the outside area does not have descriptions. They could potentially add some. Another thing is the lighting in some areas is not good. It was too dark.
The museum store is interesting with lots of railroads related models and stuff. It is worth a look.
The staff were very friendly and guided us well.
Written January 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jsknight20
Austin, TX220 contributions
Jun 2022
The best train museum ever! Why - well because all their trains are working and they use them regularly. Also there is a real working turntable. I took lots of pics and videos of all of it for my 4 yo grandson who loves trains. Now he wants to go there. I'd go again.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
giestecke
YUBA CITY , CA11 contributions
I found this Railroad museum was very disappointing and over $ for what was on display. Rude counter person in shop would not recommend at all; better attractions in area to spend your $ on
Written May 8, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmarzy
Whittier, CA88 contributions
First - at $4 admission how could the reviewer say the museum is overpriced and there are better ways to spend your money? There is an old saying that nothing is good or bad until it is compared to something else. Compared to the State Railroard museum in Sacramento, you might be disapointed. But truthfully who goes to a Railroad museum? My guess is people who like Railroad stuff. I love history, so this museum is fasinating for me. Several trains to view that are fully restored. Many, many more are in a state of suspended deterioration, waiting for funds to arrive. 5 stars in you like anything about Virginia and Truckee Railroad History.
Written July 21, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerryskc
Kansas City, MO553 contributions
Jun 2021
Stopped in on a road trip to California and well worth the detour and at $8 entry fee, a steal in my opinion. There are two main sections to the museum, the main displays and the annex. Be sure to visit both.
In the main hall the centerpiece consists of two wonderful steam locomotives that really represent the stereotypical American railroad train that is so well represented in the movies. Indeed, there is a section on the Hollywood connection to many of these items. There is a fair bit of text to read should the visitor so desire but it is by no means overwhelming. If you are here with a group it seems that you can organize a tour guide but I was self-guided and was under a bit of time pressure.
There are a several examples of rolling stock in this hall too. I understand that these items are rare and fragile but it is a little frustrating that visitors are not able to clamber aboard of even see inside the items in question. I would love to have seen the footplate of the locos for example but when one stands on the ground, it is really impossible to see inside. A viewing platform or two would really enhance the experience if going inside is not possible.
Go to the annex which is next door and if you can, engage one of the volunteer engineers who are there. I went early (which I recommend) and I was the only visitor in the annex and was able to chat with a staff member there who told me all about what I was seeing and told me the fascinating history behind the exhibits. One of these you can climb onto and it makes all the difference. I strongly suggest not missing the annex and rally, make sure you talk to the people there who are very knowledgeable and, at least judging by my experience, bring it all to life. There are some fascinating exhibits here.
I was there for a little over an hour. You could spend longer there but you can see everything in that time. It is a gem. I would go back and although I am by no means a railroad enthusiast, I am a history buff and this is right up my alley from that point of view. I'd go again for sure
In the main hall the centerpiece consists of two wonderful steam locomotives that really represent the stereotypical American railroad train that is so well represented in the movies. Indeed, there is a section on the Hollywood connection to many of these items. There is a fair bit of text to read should the visitor so desire but it is by no means overwhelming. If you are here with a group it seems that you can organize a tour guide but I was self-guided and was under a bit of time pressure.
There are a several examples of rolling stock in this hall too. I understand that these items are rare and fragile but it is a little frustrating that visitors are not able to clamber aboard of even see inside the items in question. I would love to have seen the footplate of the locos for example but when one stands on the ground, it is really impossible to see inside. A viewing platform or two would really enhance the experience if going inside is not possible.
Go to the annex which is next door and if you can, engage one of the volunteer engineers who are there. I went early (which I recommend) and I was the only visitor in the annex and was able to chat with a staff member there who told me all about what I was seeing and told me the fascinating history behind the exhibits. One of these you can climb onto and it makes all the difference. I strongly suggest not missing the annex and rally, make sure you talk to the people there who are very knowledgeable and, at least judging by my experience, bring it all to life. There are some fascinating exhibits here.
I was there for a little over an hour. You could spend longer there but you can see everything in that time. It is a gem. I would go back and although I am by no means a railroad enthusiast, I am a history buff and this is right up my alley from that point of view. I'd go again for sure
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phavorite
Carson City, NV26 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
We loving riding on the historical trains and the lovely museum. Not to go without mentioning rolling down the grass hill! The museum store has always been filled with great items and everyone is friendly and informative.
Written February 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Our son and his wife and our 3 year old grand daughter will be visiting this summer. Would a 3 year old enjoy the museum? Is there much to hold her attention? Activities? Thanks.
Written June 23, 2017
Adam M
Carson City, Nevada
Thanks for your interest in the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Young children visit the museum all the time. Children enjoy seeing the cars and locomotives up close because they are so big. Also, we have a small Thomas the Tank Engine table that kids love. A scavenger hunt is available, as well. I would recommend coming in during a summer weekend, because the museum offers a steam train or motor car ride on most weekends. Please see our website for the current operating schedule. Also, adults are $6 and children 17 and under are free.
Written June 24, 2017
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