The Whippany Railway Museum is located in Whippany, New Jersey. This museum houses an impressive collection of railroad artifacts, including the largest collection of American-built standard-gauge steam locomotives in the state. It also features the 1904 freight house, a working model train set, and a 1905 Scale House. Aside from the historic rail cars and models, visitors can also participate in a track-laying demonstration.
Visitors can purchase tickets at the ticket counter. Generally, there are three trains per day, though occasionally, additional departures are scheduled. Guests can also take advantage of the museum’s Excursion Trains. These trains run on the Morristown & Erie Railroad and feature restored vintage cabooses.
The museum has a large collection of antique rail artifacts, including a 1911 watch box, a restored freight house, signal gates, and dozens of other historical railroad cars. Guests can participate in cab tours of some of the vintage steam locomotives. Additionally, the museum has a large O-Gauge model train layout.
Visitors can purchase train tickets in advance online or at the ticket counter. Ticket prices for adult and child coach tickets range from $40 to $60. For younger children, the cost is lower. However, they must still pay tax and service fees. Those who wish to make a donation to the museum can do so. All proceeds will help the Whippany Railway Museum in its mission to preserve railroad history in New Jersey.
Whippany Valley Railroad is a 30-foot-long model train layout. Children enjoy this attraction. It features interactive accessories and is featured in O-Gauge Railroading magazine. There are two operating model train layouts at the museum, with full restroom facilities. They can also enjoy a picnic area and gift shop.
For a truly magical experience, visit the Polar Express Train Ride. This ride departs from the Whippany Railway Museum and includes audience interaction, live singing, and dancing. It is based on the 2004 film adaptation of the book by Chris Van Allsburg. The characters are modeled after those in the movie. Guests can even wear elf ears and reindeer antlers.
In addition to the train rides, the Whippany Railway Museum also hosts concerts and programs. On Thursdays, guests can experience a dinner theater with group caroling and a dance party. Guests can also visit the Military Transport Association of North Jersey and view classic military vehicles.
The Whippany Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of the rail industry in New Jersey. Its main building houses the museum, as well as a working model train set and a 1905 freight house. Despite the museum’s need for further funding, it is staffed by volunteers and has been operating for over 50 years. During its existence, the museum has exhibited a quality operation and has gained tremendous support from the public.
In 1965, a group of Morris County Central employees established a tourist railroad. This steam-powered excursion train ran from Whippany to Morristown, NJ. Until the railroad’s closure in 1980, it was used by the museum to display small collections of railroad memorabilia.
