Dedicated to the preservation of railway history, New Jersey’s museums of railroading offer a glimpse into an important chapter in America’s past. From historic train stations to model railroad museums that showcase miniature fantasy-lands, the state’s trains and railway museums provide a fascinating trip through time.
The Whippany Railway Museum in Hanover is a working railroad museum and is open each Sunday April through October and on special holidays. The Museum carries out its mission of preserving and interpreting the heritage and history of the railroads in New Jersey and its surrounding area through restoration, maintenance and operation of historic equipment. This museum is a great place to bring the kids and the grandparents alike. The Whippany Railway Museum offers many hands-on activities, including the opportunity to ride the rail cars and a full-sized steam locomotive.
You can also experience the roar of a train in action during the Excursions on the Rail Road. This 45-minute train ride takes you on a trip through the remnants of prehistoric glacial Lake Passaic, and you’ll travel over a bridge high above the Passaic River. During your journey, you’ll see the sites of Whippany, East Hanover, Livingston, and Roseland in Morris and Essex Counties. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be able to spot wild turkeys, deer, and other wildlife on your tour.
Kids will love Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum in Sparta, where they can explore a collection of historic train memorabilia. They can also explore the centerpiece of this museum, a massive O-gauge railroad track that’s surrounded by incredibly detailed and whimsical scenes. It’s almost like a real-life Where’s Waldo book, and half the fun is finding all of the bizarre little surprises nestled in the landscape.
Other notable railway museums in New Jersey include the Maywood Station Museum, a historic train station that was built in 1872. The museum is home to a collection of photographs and historical artifacts, as well as restored cabooses that serve as a great way for families to experience a piece of New Jersey’s rich railroading heritage. The museum also features a variety of exhibits, such as how a caboose worked and what was included in the upper class passenger car.
Another family-friendly rail museum is the NJ TRANSIT Railroad Museum in Boonton. This museum displays a wide array of historic rail equipment that’s been donated by the agency itself. This museum was created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of NJ TRANSIT rail operations, and it’s held in conjunction with the annual Boonton Day street fair, which makes for a festive experience that will be sure to thrill the whole family. This railway museum nj is home to a variety of historic train equipment, including the legendary ALP-44 locomotive No. 4424. A mural by local street artist Elan was made specifically for this exhibition, adding even more color and excitement to this exhibit.
