Museum of the American Railroad: Nebraska's Celebration of Locomotive History and Technology in the Great Outdoors
Traveling through Nebraska offers a mix of scenic landscapes, unique attractions, and open spaces that lend themselves to exploration and adventure. For those who enjoy exploring the intersection of history, technology, and the American West, the Museum of the American Railroad is a hidden gem in the Cornhusker State. With a vast collection of historic locomotives, educational programs, and outdoor exhibits, the museum presents a detailed look at the significant role railroads have played in shaping the nation's past.
Located near the intersection of Interstate 80 and US-275 in the city of Omaha, the museum showcases an impressive array of historic locomotives, including the gleaming Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4023, a stunning example of the massive articulated steam locomotives built during World War II. The collection also includes early American diesel locomotives like the EMD SD7, and an Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway 0-8-0 switch engine, manufactured in 1902 by the Pennsylvania Railroad's Juniata Shops.
Beyond the impressive array of iron and steel exhibits, the museum also features several educational programs and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. These programs include guided tours of the locomotive collection, exhibits on the evolution of railroad design and engineering, as well as lecture series and multimedia presentations on various topics, such as women in railroading, the interplay of railroads and Native American culture, and even railroad signaling systems.
In exploring the interplay of the railroad and the great outdoors, visitors can walk through a replicated early 20th-century train depot and view exhibits on the adaptation of railroad technology to varying climate and topographic conditions. Visitors may also learn about the impact of the railroad on the natural environment and wildlife, as well as the efforts of the railroad industry to reduce its ecological footprint.
Furthermore, the museum regularly partners with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America to engage in outdoor adventure activities and provide STEM based learning. Offering educational summer camps, hands-on exhibits, and educational event, the organization preserves the physical space and ambiance that sparks curiosity about railroad history and the role of locomotives in the development of American society.
Outdoor exhibits and activities make use of approximately 15 acres adjacent to the museum's main building. There are historic steam locomotives on site, each being restored gradually, periodically taking passengers on train rides, where available on most summer weekends. In addition, guided walks that cover several restored heritage structures – old platforms, interlocking towers, historical buildings, offer additional topics for exploration.
Outdoor walking and viewing areas also allow for attendees to explore the history of major rail lines operating across Nebraska such as, Union Pacific Railroad, Illinois Central, BNSF and present insights on several major Nebraskan railway development instances and projects.
Visitors from within and outside of Nebraska can access educational opportunities, programs in history and engineering innovation while immersively walking through century-old artifacts.
Located near the intersection of Interstate 80 and US-275 in the city of Omaha, the museum showcases an impressive array of historic locomotives, including the gleaming Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4023, a stunning example of the massive articulated steam locomotives built during World War II. The collection also includes early American diesel locomotives like the EMD SD7, and an Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway 0-8-0 switch engine, manufactured in 1902 by the Pennsylvania Railroad's Juniata Shops.
Beyond the impressive array of iron and steel exhibits, the museum also features several educational programs and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. These programs include guided tours of the locomotive collection, exhibits on the evolution of railroad design and engineering, as well as lecture series and multimedia presentations on various topics, such as women in railroading, the interplay of railroads and Native American culture, and even railroad signaling systems.
In exploring the interplay of the railroad and the great outdoors, visitors can walk through a replicated early 20th-century train depot and view exhibits on the adaptation of railroad technology to varying climate and topographic conditions. Visitors may also learn about the impact of the railroad on the natural environment and wildlife, as well as the efforts of the railroad industry to reduce its ecological footprint.
Furthermore, the museum regularly partners with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America to engage in outdoor adventure activities and provide STEM based learning. Offering educational summer camps, hands-on exhibits, and educational event, the organization preserves the physical space and ambiance that sparks curiosity about railroad history and the role of locomotives in the development of American society.
Outdoor exhibits and activities make use of approximately 15 acres adjacent to the museum's main building. There are historic steam locomotives on site, each being restored gradually, periodically taking passengers on train rides, where available on most summer weekends. In addition, guided walks that cover several restored heritage structures – old platforms, interlocking towers, historical buildings, offer additional topics for exploration.
Outdoor walking and viewing areas also allow for attendees to explore the history of major rail lines operating across Nebraska such as, Union Pacific Railroad, Illinois Central, BNSF and present insights on several major Nebraskan railway development instances and projects.
Visitors from within and outside of Nebraska can access educational opportunities, programs in history and engineering innovation while immersively walking through century-old artifacts.
