For rail enthusiasts, train museums are more than just collections—they’re immersive time machines that showcase the evolution of transportation, technology, and design. From full-scale locomotives to interactive exhibits, these museums offer insights into how rail shaped nations, economies, and communities. Whether you’re a lifelong trainspotter or a casual history fan, here are some of the top rail museums in North America worth adding to your itinerary.
- California State Railroad Museum (Sacramento, CA)
Website
One of the largest and most comprehensive rail museums in the U.S., the California State Railroad Museum offers beautifully restored locomotives, immersive exhibits on rail’s impact during the Gold Rush, and vintage railcars you can step inside.
Highlights:
- Historic engines like the Central Pacific No. 1
- Recreated 19th-century train station interior
- Seasonal excursion rides on the Sacramento Southern Railroad
- Illinois Railway Museum (Union, IL)
Website
As the largest railway museum in the country, the Illinois Railway Museum features over 450 pieces of rolling stock, including electric trolleys, steam engines, and diesel locomotives.
Highlights:
- Operational trains on a five-mile track
- Historic CTA “L” trains and streetcars
- On-site restoration shops and archival collections
- B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore, MD)
Website
Built on the original site of the B&O Railroad’s Mount Clare Station, this museum preserves the oldest collection of American railroad artifacts.
Highlights:
- Civil War-era rail history
- Roundhouse with original B&O engines
- Interactive exhibits for kids and families
- Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden, CO)
Website
Perfect for fans of mountain railroads, this museum showcases Colorado’s rich rail legacy through narrow-gauge locomotives and mining-era rail lines.
Highlights:
- Rotating exhibits
- Model railroads
- Train ride days and hands-on activities
- National Railroad Museum (Green Bay, WI)
Website
With a focus on rail’s social and economic impact, this museum balances engineering marvels with personal stories.
Highlights:
- Dwight D. Eisenhower’s WWII command train
- Union Pacific Big Boy
- Rail-themed events throughout the year
- Canadian Railway Museum – Exporail (Saint-Constant, QC, Canada)
Website
Exporail is Canada’s national railway museum, home to over 160 rail vehicles and a wealth of archival content on Canadian rail history.
Highlights:
- Grand Trunk and Canadian Pacific engines
- Vintage station recreation
- Streetcar rides during summer
Make It a Day Trip—Save Along the Way
Many of these rail museums are located near major train stations or accessible by commuter rail. Plan ahead and look for ways to save on the journey:
- Earn cashback with a Starbucks gift card while fueling up for the visit
- Get Dunkin’ at a discount with Fluz before boarding
- Buy an Amtrak gift card online if you’re booking regional service
You can browse all participating merchants on the Fluz store directory, or download the app.
Final Thoughts
Rail museums preserve more than artifacts—they keep the spirit of innovation and exploration alive. Each museum listed here offers a distinct view of how trains have powered history and continue to inspire curiosity across generations. If you’re looking to combine travel with heritage, there’s no better destination than a place where the past runs on tracks.
