Model trains are the source of endless fascination for children. Some have moving components and can even be activated with the push of a button. Other exhibits feature recognizable elements of the New Jersey landscape, such as street signs from NJIT, NJPAC, or the Turnpike. Train museums in New Jersey have plenty of things to keep children occupied for hours.
Whippany Railway Museum
The Whippany Railway Museum is a railway museum with a fun excursion train ride. The museum is located in the Whippany section of Hanover Township in Morris County, New Jersey. It is open daily and is free for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of trains or simply enjoy a relaxing train ride, the Whippany Railway Museum is a great option for the entire family.
The Whippany Railway Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to preserve and promote the railroad history of New Jersey. It’s staffed entirely by volunteers and features a unique collection of rail artifacts and equipment. Visitors can take an excursion train ride during the winter and enjoy a Bunny rail express during Easter. The museum has an extensive collection of railroad cars and railroad equipment from the past, including vintage steam locomotives.
Maywood Freight House
The Maywood Freight House is home to a unique train museum, the Maywood Station Museum. This restored train station is full of artifacts, photographs, and working model trains. Visitors can get a virtual timeline of the town’s history and learn about the railroad’s early history. The Maywood Station Historical Committee is a volunteer organization that maintains the museum. Members of the museum’s membership work on museum restorations and archival projects. The museum constantly updates its exhibits to reflect the history of the local area. It is home to a restored ALCO S-2 locomotive and caboose and an operating model train layout.
The Maywood Freight House was built in 1872 as a train station. Today, the museum features authentic railroading tools and artifacts from the area’s history. It is open to the public on Sundays from April through October. The museum also offers special train rides on the weekends. You can purchase tickets in advance or at the ticket booth.
Morristown & Erie Railway Museum
The Whippany Railway Museum is a railway museum and excursion train ride located in the Whippany section of Hanover Township, Morris County, New Jersey. The Whippany Railway Museum is open daily from 9:30 am until 5 pm and is a must-see attraction if you’re in the area.
The Morristown & Erie is a short-line railroad that serves northern New Jersey and parts of Maine. The railroad has been operating on the same tracks since 1902. In fact, Trains Magazine has featured the Morristown & Erie twice since 1951. During the first issue, the Morristown & Erie covered a ten-mile segment between Essex Falls and Morristown.
Northlandz model railroad museum
The Northlandz model railroad museum was built by Bruce Williams Zaccagnino. It is a unique museum and model railroad layout. Bruce’s passion for trains and model railroading led him to create this amazing structure. He has spent years constructing the museum and layout. The museum is open to the public to visit.
The museum has three levels and features enormous displays of bridges, mountains, and more. It also has a bucolic still life. There is also a huge display of model trucks, aircraft carriers, and more.
Black River & Western Railroad
The Black River & Western Railroad operates in Hunterdon County, New Jersey between Flemington and Lambertville and Ringoes. The railroad features vintage steam and diesel locomotives. You can ride a train and get a feel for the era. It’s a wonderful place for families to explore and learn about the history of the railroad.
The Black River & Western Railroad museum in Newark offers a variety of events throughout the year. These include birthday parties, corporate meetings, and private caboose charters. Groups can take advantage of the affordable rates.