All railway museums to visit in Iowa

Make a historic journey through railway history at 6 museums in Iowa dedicated to trains and railroads. These museums celebrate the development and impact of rail transport.

Are you a train enthusiast? Here are the best railway museums in Iowa:

  1. Historic General Dodge House1

    Historic General Dodge House

     Council Bluffs, IA
    The Grenville M. Dodge House is a historic house museum located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States. This Second Empire mansion was built in 1869 and was the home of Grenville M. Dodge, a Union Army general, politician, and a major figure in the development of the railroads across the American West. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and is now owned by the city of Council Bluffs and is open for tours.
  2. Midwest Central Railroad2

    Midwest Central Railroad

     Mt Pleasant, IA
    The Midwest Central Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates within McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This narrow gauge railroad is a significant part of the Midwest Old Thresher's Reunion, a popular event in the region. The railroad offers a unique experience of historical transportation, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and railroads.
  3. Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village3

    Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village

     Long Grove, IA
    The Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village is an open-air museum situated at the northern edge of Scott County Park. This location is approximately four miles northeast of Long Grove in Scott County, Iowa. The museum offers a unique opportunity to experience history in a natural and open setting.
  4. Railswest Railroad Museum4

    Railswest Railroad Museum

     Council Bluffs, IA
    The RailsWest Railroad Museum, located at 16th Avenue and South Main Street, is a significant historical site in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Operated by the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County, the museum provides a comprehensive illustration of the history of railroads in the area. It's an ideal destination for those interested in learning about the development and impact of rail transportation in the region.
  5. Restored BN Depot & WWII Museum5

    Restored BN Depot & WWII Museum

     Red Oak, IA
    The Chicago, Burlington Northern and Quincy Depot, also known as the Red Oak Burlington Northern Depot and WWII Memorial Museum, is a historic train depot located in Red Oak, Iowa. This depot is not just a museum but a piece of history itself, having been established by the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. It offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing a tangible connection to the history of railroads in the United States.
  6. Wabash Depot Museum Complex6

    Wabash Depot Museum Complex

     Moravia, IA
    The Wabash Depot Museum, previously known as the Wabash Combination Depot-Moravia, is a historic train station situated in Moravia, Iowa. This museum is a testament to the rich history of railroads in the region, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. It is one of the two remaining standard-plan wooden Wabash combination freight and passenger depots in Iowa, making it a unique destination for history and train enthusiasts.