The Whippany Railway Museum is a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to the Restoration, Preservation, Interpretation and Operation of Historic Railroad Equipment and Artifacts from New Jersey and the surrounding area. The Museum is a fully operating heritage railroad and features two indoor and outdoor operating model train layouts. The Museum also houses a large assortment of historical railroad exhibits and other memorabilia in its 1904 freight house, including the classic wooden water tank, and dozens of historic railcars and exhibits.
The Museum is home to the largest collection of American-built standard gauge steam locomotives displayed in New Jersey, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the historic steam locomotives, the Museum boasts an impressive collection of other antique railroad artifacts and memorabilia. This collection is not only a valuable resource for the research of railroad history, but provides a fun and educational experience for visitors to see what life was like on America’s railroads.
Aside from a huge collection of trains and other railroad memorabilia, the Museum offers an assortment of activities that are sure to delight all ages. Families can climb aboard one of the Museum’s restored cabooses for a ride that will take them back in time to a time when virtually every freight train in North America was trailed by a caboose. They can also step inside the cab of one of the Museum’s restored steam locomotives, and imagine what it was like to be the engineer in total control of a fire-breathing iron horse.
Every Sunday from April through mid-October, the Museum offers scenic train rides on its mid-1900’s excursion train. Guests can sit back and relax during the 10-mile, 45-minute round trip as they travel through Morris and Essex Counties. The Museum also offers a number of other events and special train rides throughout the year, such as its Easter Bunny Express and Pumpkin Patch trains.
All Museum ticket prices include admission to the Museum, the museum grounds and the Museum building which features a historical railroad, steam ship and memorabilia displays as well as two operating model train layouts. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed on the Museum grounds, but are not permitted in the Museum building or on any of the railway equipment while it is in operation.
Located about 17 miles from the Newark Liberty International Airport, Hyatt House Parsippany/Whippany is designed to meet the needs of business travelers but has many features that appeal to leisure guests as well. The hotel is situated within close proximity to popular local attractions, including the Mennen Sports Arena and Meadowlands Sports Complex. It is also near a number of shopping and dining options, such as the Mall at Short Hills and Willowbrook Mall. There are also plenty of recreational opportunities, such as golfing and the many parks in the area. In addition, the hotel has a 24-hour Guest Market for quick eats, as well as an on-site H Bar that serves up small plates and craft cocktails.
