Nevada Northern Railway Museum
4.7(1.7K)google
4.5(81)yelp
TrainHistory
Overview
Recognized as one of the best-preserved historic railroad facilities in North America, this operational heritage yard in Ely transports visitors straight back to the golden age of steam travel. The museum features an authentic collection of working early 20th-century steam and diesel locomotives, a historic working machine shop, and regular excursion passenger trains that allow visitors to ride historic passenger cars over historic copper mining tracks.
Practical Info
Mon–Wed8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu–Sat8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeBest visited on weekends from May through October, when the museum operates its legendary, fully-functioning century-old steam or diesel excursion trains; seasonal themed night rides like the 'Ghost Train' in October and the 'Polar Express' in November/December offer the most magical immersion.
Getting ThereLocated at 1100 Avenue A in Ely. As Ely is deeply embedded in rural Nevada, it requires a 4-hour drive north from Las Vegas via US-93 N, or a 4.5-hour drive east from Reno along US-50 (The Loneliest Road in America). Massive complimentary parking is available directly outside the historic depot.
Travel Tips
- Live coal-fired steam and heritage diesel train tickets sell out weeks in advance; advanced cab-ride experiences require months of lead time and strict safety clearance.
- This is an active historic railyard with heavy industrial remnants, pooling grease, and iron layout hazards; wearing durable enclosed steel-toe or rigid hiking boots is required.
- Winter temperatures often fall below 5°F (-15°C) and vintage railcars lack modern insulated heating; riding winter excursions demands sub-zero arctic parkas and thermal gear.
Reviews
Positive
- A living time capsule! The trains, engine house, and machine shops remain exactly as they were a century ago, filled with steam oil smells—rail buffs will go crazy.
- Highly recommend their authentic steam train ride (Ghost Train). You ride vintage cars through Nevada deserts and tunnels while the conductor narrates passionately.
- Management offers hardcore experiences; you can even pay to 'Be the Engineer' and drive a real steam locomotive under expert guidance—worth every penny.
- The indoor museum and outdoor yards are organized with clear signs, clean restrooms, and a gift shop stocked with exquisite, retro railway souvenirs and books.
Heads up
- Admission and train excursion tickets are quite expensive compared to standard museums. Premium guided or driving tours run hundreds of dollars, high cost barrier.
- The machine shops and yards are active industrial spaces. The ground has oil slicks, rail hazards, and sharp metal, lacking accessibility for wheelchairs or strollers.
- Steam trains do not run daily; most weekdays offer static visits only. If you don't cross-check departure dates online before coming, you'll only see a cold engine.
- Located in remote Ely, it requires a long 4-hour drive from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, resulting in poor transport convenience and a tiring itinerary.