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Arizona Railway Museum: A Journey Through Arizona's Rail History

Explore Arizona's railway heritage with historic locomotives, passenger cars, and artifacts at this Chandler museum. Open weekends, September to May.

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The Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler is a non-profit, volunteer-operated museum dedicated to preserving the history of Arizona and the Southwest's railroads. Visitors can explore a collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars, and artifacts, including two railway pieces listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A brief summary to Arizona Railway Museum

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the outdoor train yard is surfaced with crushed rock.
  • The museum is open weekends only, from September to May.
  • Consider visiting during Arizona Railway Day for special events and access to more train cars.
  • Note that the railcars are not wheelchair accessible due to the original door widths and stairs.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Arizona Railway Museum is located at 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286. It's located off the 202, near the intersection of Arizona Avenue and E Germann Road. From the 202, exit onto Arizona Avenue and head south. Turn east onto Ryan Road. The museum will be on your right, inside Tumbleweed Park. Parking is available in the paved parking lot inside Tumbleweed Park; enter from Ryan Rd, Germann Rd, or McQueen Dr. Follow Pioneer Parkway around the ballfields to reach the lot. Parking is free. Note that the Ryan Road Improvement Project is estimated to continue into 2026.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Arizona Railway Museum via public transport, use Valley Metro. From central Chandler, take the Route 156 bus south. Transfer at Chandler Blvd & McClintock Dr to the Route 108 bus heading east. Get off at Ryan Rd & Arizona Ave. Walk north on Arizona Ave, then left onto Ryan Rd. The museum is on the right. A one-way fare on Valley Metro is $2.00.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Chandler Fashion Center, walk east along Chandler Blvd until you reach Arizona Ave. Turn right (south) on Arizona Ave and continue for about 1.5 miles. When you reach Ryan Rd, turn left (east) and walk for about 0.5 miles. The Arizona Railway Museum will be on your right at 330 E Ryan Rd.

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Discover more about Arizona Railway Museum

Step back in time at the Arizona Railway Museum, a treasure trove of railroad history located in Chandler, Arizona. Founded in 1983, this non-profit museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the railways of Arizona and the Southwestern United States. Operated entirely by volunteers, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore a fascinating collection of railway equipment, artifacts, and memorabilia. The museum's exhibits include a variety of historic locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and cabooses. Among the standout pieces are the Southern Pacific Railroad Locomotive No. SP 2562, built in 1906, and the Railroad Steam Wrecking Crane and Tool Car, assembled in 1949; both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can walk through several passenger cars and a caboose to experience the interiors and see displays of smaller historical artifacts. The museum also features a re-creation of the original Chandler Depot, housing exhibits of rail company glass, china, and other railroad artifacts. The Arizona Railway Museum provides an engaging experience for train enthusiasts of all ages. It offers a glimpse into the past and highlights the significant role railroads played in shaping Arizona's economy and culture.

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