National Railroad Museum Green Bay: 70+ Historic Locomotives

Over 70 historic locomotives and railcars, all in one place.

The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay is the only congressionally designated railroad museum in the United States, home to more than 70 pieces of historic rolling stock and over 100,000 small artifacts spanning 70 years of railroad history. A live English-speaking guide leads you through indoor and outdoor exhibits. Parking is included. Plan for 2 to 3 hours to walk the collection and engage with the artifacts and seasonal train rides.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit National Railroad Museum exhibits

• Explore historic locomotives and railcars
• View indoor and outdoor exhibits
• Engage with railroad artifacts
• Enjoy seasonal train rides and programs

The experience

The museum's centerpiece is Big Boy No. 4017, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, displayed alongside dozens of other locomotives and railcars that trace the evolution of American rail transport. You move through both indoor galleries and outdoor yards at your own pace, with the guide available to answer questions and point out details most visitors miss. Over 100,000 small artifacts (tickets, tools, uniforms, photographs) fill the indoor spaces and give texture to the locomotives themselves.

Seasonal train rides operate throughout the year, letting you board and ride some of the historic cars rather than just walk past them. Educational programs and special events rotate through the calendar, so repeat visits often uncover something new. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and families with infants can bring strollers. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving.

What’s included

• Admission to all indoor and outdoor exhibits.
• live English-speaking guide.
• parking.
• access to over 70 historic locomotives and railcars and over 100,000 small artifacts.
• seasonal train rides when operating.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day11 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 19:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 61 years) · Senior (62 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by National Railroad Museum

Is this one for you?The 2- to 3-hour visit suits anyone with a genuine interest in railroad history or engineering, whether you're a dedicated enthusiast or a family exploring how trains shaped America. If you want to linger over details and ask questions, the live guide makes that possible. If you prefer to move quickly through highlights, you can do that too.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is Big Boy No. 4017 and why is it at this museum?

Big Boy No. 4017 is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built and serves as the National Railroad Museum's signature exhibit. It represents a pinnacle of American railroad engineering and is displayed as the centerpiece of the outdoor collection.

How long does it take to see the whole museum?

Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the indoor galleries, outdoor yards, and the collection of over 70 locomotives and railcars. You can move at your own pace, so the time depends on how deeply you engage with the artifacts and exhibits.

Can I actually ride on any of the historic trains?

Yes, seasonal train rides operate throughout the year, allowing you to board and ride some of the historic railcars. These rides are part of the museum's regular programming and rotate with the seasons.

Is the museum accessible if I use a wheelchair or need to bring a stroller?

The museum is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer not to drive.

What does the live guide do during the visit?

The live English-speaking guide leads you through the exhibits and is available to answer questions about the locomotives, railcars, and the artifacts on display. The guide helps visitors understand the historical context and engineering details that bring the collection to life.