National Railroad Museum
4.7(2.0K)google
4.4(45)yelp
HistoryScienceKidsSenior-FriendlyIndoorOutdoorInteractiveEducational
Overview
As one of the oldest and largest institutions dedicated to preserving America's rich railroad history, this Green Bay museum features a massive collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock. Highlights include the massive Union Pacific 'Big Boy,' one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower's World War II command train. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic train ride around the property.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeOne of the oldest and largest rail museums in the US, open year-round, but best visited from May to October between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This period guarantees that the museum's outdoor standard-gauge heritage train ride is operating around the expansive grounds, bringing the indoor historic diesel and steam locomotives to life.
Getting TherePerched on the west bank of the Fox River. Drivers should exit WI-172 at South Oneida Street, travel north, turn right onto South Broadway, and proceed directly to 2285 S Broadway where the museum entrance and its large free parking lot reside. Green Bay Metro bus route 2 runs along South Broadway, requiring a 5-minute walk to the ticket lobby.
Travel Tips
- Standard admission covers static indoor/outdoor locomotive galleries (e.g., General Eisenhower's command train). Riding the vintage diesel train around the perimeter track requires an extra wristband add-on. The train runs weekends only in spring/fall, daily in summer, and halts for thunderstorms.
- The outdoor rail yard features active gravel ballasts and monumental rolling stock (including the massive Union Pacific Big Boy). Selected cabs permit interior boarding via industrial steel steps; these historical objects have grease residues—avoid skirts and long coats, and wear high-traction footwear.
- The seasonal Polar Express and Great Pumpkin Train events in autumn/winter are top-tier regional draws. During these event weeks, general daytime museum access is heavily restricted or blacked out completely. These special tickets sell out in July/August; no walk-up gate tickets are issued.
Reviews
Positive
- A train lover's paradise! Showcases national treasures like the giant Big Boy locomotive and Eisenhower's WWII train; visually epic.
- Great interactive fun; you can pay a small extra fee to ride an authentic vintage diesel train around the property, a hit for kids.
- The massive indoor pavilion protects against elements, restrooms are spotless, and most trains and halls have great accessible ramps.
- The staff and elderly railroader volunteers are fantastic, sharing deep historical anecdotes with amazing warmth and hospitality.
Heads up
- General admission excludes the train ride; riding the train or watching the theater requires extra fees, reducing overall value.
- Some outdoor rolling stock lacks weather shelters, showing heavy rust from exposure, and their interiors are locked away from the public.
- During school field trip spikes, the hollow steel pavilions echo with immense noise, disrupting the historical learning experience.
- Public transit schedules are rare; driving is the only reasonable way, and while the parking lot is big, signs can be hidden by trees.