Children's Museums
National New York Central Railroad Museum
📍 721 S Main St, Elkhart, IN 46516🌐 www.cityofelkhartin.gov/departments/national-new-york-central-railroad-museum
🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About National New York Central Railroad Museum
Museum about multistate rail travel. This museum in a freight yard celebrates travel on the historic 11,000-mile NY Central Railroad. The New York Central Railroad System was once the second-largest railroad in the US, operating 11,000 route miles of track across multiple states. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 465 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Railroad Museum
- Founded
- 1987
- Focus
- New York Central Railroad System heritage
- Admission
- Adults $6, Children 4-12 $5, Under 3 free
- Hours
- Wednesday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM
💡 Did You Know?
- The New York Central Railroad System was once the second-largest railroad in the US, operating 11,000 route miles of track across multiple states
- The museum offers visitors the ability to get up close and even inside historic railroad cars, including the notable E8 Diesel locomotive
- Admission is extremely affordable at $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 4-12, with free admission for children 3 and under and museum members
- The museum is celebrating ElkhartRail175 with year-round commemorative programming, marking 175 years of railroad history
💬 What Visitors Say
- Request volunteer Taylor or another knowledgeable volunteer for a guided tour of the rail yard to learn detailed history about the engines and railcars, especially the E8 Diesel which visitors can get inside
- Plan outdoor exhibit visits for warmer weather and bring hats and sunscreen for the open-air mini train rides, as the train cars lack covers and can get quite warm in direct sun
- At $5-6 per ticket with children 3 and under free, membership ROI is strong for frequent visitors; download the free printable calendar (April-December 2026) to plan visits around ElkhartRail175 celebration events and special programs like Storytime and 175 Series educational sessions
- Allocate time for both indoor exhibits (model train displays and interactive toy areas) and outdoor rail yard exploration; some visitors need multiple trips to fully experience all exhibits
- The museum is ideal for all ages from toddlers to rail enthusiasts; prioritize interactive exhibits and hands-on access to rolling stock like the E8 Diesel locomotive for maximum engagement
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