All railway museums to visit in Michigan

Make a historic journey through railway history at 13 museums in Michigan 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 Michigan:

  1. The Henry Ford1

    The Henry Ford

     Dearborn, MI
    The Henry Ford, also known as the Henry Ford Museum or the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, is a significant automobile museum and one of the largest ecomuseums in the United States. It covers an expansive area of 120 hectares, making it a comprehensive destination for those interested in the history of American innovation, particularly in the automotive industry.
  2. Detroit Historical Museum2

    Detroit Historical Museum

     Detroit, MI
    The Detroit Historical Museum is situated in the heart of the city's Cultural Center Historic District in Midtown Detroit, at 5401 Woodward Avenue. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other cultural and historical sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  3. Durand Union Station - Michigan Railroad History Museum3

    Durand Union Station - Michigan Railroad History Museum

     Durand, MI
    Durand Union Station, located in Durand, Michigan, is a historic train station that currently serves Amtrak Blue Water trains. This station, originally a bustling hub for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad and Ann Arbor Railroad, is now a significant part of Michigan's railway history. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a piece of the past while enjoying modern train services.
  4. Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad4

    Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad

     Flint, MI
    Crossroads Village, located in Genesee County, Michigan, near Flint, is a living history museum that offers a unique glimpse into the past. Operated by the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, the village is also home to the Huckleberry Railroad. This combination of historical village and railroad provides a rich and immersive experience for visitors, transporting them back to the 19th century.
  5. Castle Museum of Saginaw County History5

    Castle Museum of Saginaw County History

     Saginaw, MI
    The Castle Museum, located in Saginaw, Michigan, is a historic structure that holds a significant place on the National Register of Historic Places. Formerly known as Castle Station or Saginaw Post Office, the museum is a testament to the rich history of the region and the United States as a whole. Its unique architecture and historical significance make it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  6. Thomas Edison Depot Museum6

    Thomas Edison Depot Museum

     Port Huron, MI
    The Thomas Edison Depot Museum, located at 520 State Street in Port Huron, Michigan, is a historic site that has been transformed into a museum. This former railway depot offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the history of the railway and its significant role in the region's development.
  7. Steam Railroading Institute7

    Steam Railroading Institute

     Owosso, MI
    The Steam Railroading Institute, located at 405 South Washington Street, Owosso, Michigan, is a significant destination for those interested in the history and operation of steam-era railroads. Founded in 1969 as the Michigan State University (MSU) Railroad Club, the institute has a rich history and has evolved over the years to become a leading organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historical railroad equipment and items.
  8. Southern Michigan Railroad Society8

    Southern Michigan Railroad Society

     Clinton, MI
    The Southern Michigan Railroad Society, located in Clinton, Michigan, is a railway museum that has preserved a significant 13.5 miles of track. The museum also houses a variety of railroad equipment, including the only GMDH-3 locomotive ever built. This unique collection offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of railroads and their impact on the region.
  9. Castle Farms9

    Castle Farms

     Charlevoix, MI
    Castle Farms is a unique events venue situated in Charlevoix, Michigan. This historic site was built in 1918 by Albert Loeb, who was then the Vice President of the renowned Sears, Roebuck and Company. The architecture of the buildings, inspired by French Normandy castles, adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the place.
  10. Coopersville Area Historical Society10

    Coopersville Area Historical Society

     Coopersville, MI
    The Coopersville Station, which was originally built as the Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Muskegon Railway Depot, is a historic railway station that was once used by the Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Muskegon Railway. Today, the Coopersville Area Historical Society and Museum is housed in this station, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
  11. Michigan Transit Museum11

    Michigan Transit Museum

     Mount Clemens, MI
    The Mount Clemens station, located at 198 Grand Street in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, is a historic railroad depot with a rich history. It is particularly notable as the place where the young Thomas Edison learned telegraphy. This significant historical connection adds a unique layer of interest to the site, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, technology, and the life of Thomas Edison.
  12. Almira Historical Society12

    Almira Historical Society

     Lake Ann, MI
    The Almira Historical Society was formed in 1992 by a group of citizens devoted to collecting and preserving the history of the Village of Lake Ann and Almira Township. Through the efforts of many individuals, funds were raised to purchase land and build a museum where more than 1,500 local artifact
  13. Fort Saint Joseph Museum13

    Fort Saint Joseph Museum

     Niles, MI
    The Henry A. Chapin House, also known as Chapin Mansion, is a historic house located in Niles, Michigan. It has been recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site since 1976 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. This recognition underscores the historical significance of the mansion and its contribution to the heritage of Michigan.