New Jersey’s rich railroad heritage has played a vital role in shaping the state’s history and development. From bustling terminals to meticulously preserved stations, there are numerous attractions that celebrate this fascinating aspect of the state’s transportation history. Whether you’re a dedicated rail enthusiast or just curious about the past, these 10 must-visit rail museums nj are sure to delight and inspire.
The Whippany Railway Museum is a New Jersey mainstay that has been exploring the state’s railroad past since 1965. Located in the 1904 freight house, the museum has a massive collection of historic train equipment that focuses on the restoration, preservation, and interpretation of historic railcars and locomotives.
Among the most noteworthy items in the collection are one of America’s oldest steam locomotives, Southern Railway No. 385, which is used for freight service, a Texaco fireless cooker, built in 1937 for industrial switching duty, and a U.S. Army No. 4039, which was used in World War II service. In addition to displaying these historic trains, the museum also has a wide range of other equipment and artifacts related to the evolution of railroad technology.
A favorite attraction for kids and adults alike is the model railroad. In fact, visitors to the museum spend a good portion of their time in the building’s main exhibit area watching Lionel trains glide through intricately detailed landscapes that depict the railroads of the past. The rail yard is modeled after the original Morristown and Erie Railroad facility at Whippany, including its fieldstone depot, water tank, and freight house. The main feature of the model railroad is a seven-foot-tall mountain that serves as the backdrop for the model railroad. It was designed by museum founder Louis Molinari’s wife, Wendy, who worked with her husband to make the model realistic and accurate. She said it took two months to construct the mountain, which was modeled after High Point State Park.
Another popular attraction is the exhibit on the history of NJ TRANSIT. The museum features a variety of historic rail equipment, most of which was donated by the agency itself. Some of the most notable pieces on display include a Baldwin 0-4-0T engine, which is the oldest railroad engine in existence, as well as a steam locomotive and a caboose. The museum also features other historic railroad-related buildings, including a crossing shanty, a maintenance shop, a car barn, and an office.
The railroad museum is open every Sunday from April through mid-October. Admission is free for children and $5 for adults, with discounts available for senior citizens and groups. On select weekends from May through October, the museum offers special rides on vintage passenger cars and conductor tours in a restored caboose. The Whippany Railway Museum is accessible via NJ TRANSIT’s Denville-Boonton line, and the museum has partnered with NJ TRANSIT to provide a one-day Railroad Museum shuttle between Denville and Boonton. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
