Located on a former railroad freight house, the Museum exhibits one of the largest collections of historic railroad locomotives, rolling stock and operating model train layouts in New Jersey. The Museum also has a gift shop, snack depot and full restroom facilities.
Our mission is to preserve, restore and display an outstanding collection of railcars, locomotives, equipment and memorabilia from the historic Morristown & Erie Railroad. The Museum also provides visitors with the opportunity to ride an excursion train ride, allowing them to step back in time and experience the sights and sounds of the past.
The Museum is the result of over 50 years of preservation experience. In 1965, several employees of the Morris County Central RR banded together and founded the Morris County Central Railroad Museum in order to bring to life the railroad heritage of this unique area. They began displaying their small collection of railroad artifacts in half of the classic Morristown & Erie freight house, which was situated directly alongside the Whippany station building. Threatened by development, this railroad freight house was saved in 1967 when it was moved across four sets of tracks to its current location adjacent to the Museum.
Each year, the Museum grows and expands its collection and its ability to offer a train ride to the public. Today the Museum is home to more than a dozen historic railroad locomotives, numerous railroad cars and other railway equipment – including one of America’s oldest steam locomotives – Southern Railway No. 385, built in 1907 for fast freight service; Texaco Fireless Cooker No. 7240, built in 1937 for industrial switching duty; and a WWII U.S. Army No. 4039, built in 1942 for World War II service.
In addition to these historic pieces of railway equipment, the Museum features a large indoor and outdoor “O” gauge model railroad which is operated by our volunteers and is constantly expanding. It is the centerpiece of our Museum Building and a favorite place for families to gather and enjoy the many trains that race over the rails.
The Museum’s Touch-A-Truck 2 & Train Ride event allows children of all ages to creatively explore and learn about the work of our local emergency services, transportation, construction and public health and safety vehicles and their people. Kids can climb into the cabs, honk the horns, flash the lights and creatively explore their working equipment. This event is a fundraiser for the Whippany Railway Museum, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit operating heritage railroad staffed entirely by volunteers. Proceeds will further enhance the Museum’s mission and historic preservation efforts. Coach Class seating accommodates approximately 100 passengers inside restored commuter coaches adorned with festive holiday decor. Seating is arranged in a 2-2 configuration. Designated wheelchair spaces are available in select coaches and may be booked online during ticket purchase. First Class seats seat 48 or 54 passengers inside beautifully restored 1940’s era coaches from the golden age of rail travel. First Class passengers receive a collectible THE POLAR EXPRESS ceramic mug to take home.
