Whether you’re a train buff or simply interested in New Jersey’s historic railroad heritage, you’ll find a number of rail attractions to keep you busy. From historic train stations to model railroad museums showcasing miniature fantasy-lands, these train attractions will be sure to make your trip a memorable one.
Located in the Whippany section of Hanover Township, the museum features an impressive collection of vintage locomotives and passenger cars. It also offers a variety of exciting excursion train rides, making it an ideal choice for families with kids and train enthusiasts alike.
The Whippany Railway Museum first opened its doors to the public in 1965. It is a non-profit operating heritage railroad and museum, staffed entirely by volunteers. Its mission is to explore the past through historic railway and train exhibits, while its excursion trains offer a unique way to explore the beauty of New Jersey.
The museum’s collection of artifacts is extensive, ranging from a working freight scale to hundreds of old passenger and freight receipts. It also displays a wide range of photographs, maps, and other documents that tell the story of railroads in New Jersey. In addition, the museum houses a 1904 freight house that features a stunning collection of artifacts.
Another important aspect of the museum is its dedication to preserving and restoring its historic artifacts. This is especially evident in its work on the 1907 Southern Railway steam locomotive, which underwent a five-year cosmetic restoration project. The locomotive was restored to its original condition and was made to look like it did when it first rolled off the assembly line.
Aside from its historical artifacts, the museum also has a number of unique and interactive exhibits. The “Story of Transportation” is a particularly interesting exhibit, as it highlights the changes in transportation over time. The exhibit explains how different modes of transport have evolved over the years and how they have affected society. The exhibit also explains how the railroads helped open up our country and how towns developed around their stops.
In addition to its fascinating exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. For instance, it holds a Mega Model Train Gallery every October that features more than 60 historic train cars and locomotives. During this event, visitors can view, admire, and photograph these historic pieces of transportation history. In addition, they can also participate in a variety of other train-related activities, including a live train simulator and a children’s activity center.
The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey will be displaying a large collection of historic trains this Sunday, in conjunction with the Boonton Day street fair. This is a rare opportunity to see and interact with New Jersey’s largest collection of historic railroad equipment, as well as the chance to ride aboard one of its excursion trains. The museum’s locomotives, cars, and rolling stock are all on display for the entire day.
