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Southern Arizona Transportation Museum: A Journey Through Time

Explore Southern Arizona's transportation history at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, located in the historic Southern Pacific Depot in Tucson.

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Explore the history of transportation in Southern Arizona at this museum located in the beautifully restored Southern Pacific Depot. See exhibits, artifacts, and a steam locomotive that starred in the movie Oklahoma! Free admission makes it an accessible attraction for all ages.

A brief summary to Southern Arizona Transportation Museum

Local tips

  • Admission is free, but donations are welcome to support the museum's preservation efforts.
  • Check out the Southern Pacific 2-6-0 Mogul No. 1673 steam locomotive and climb aboard for a unique photo opportunity.
  • Visit in March to attend the annual Silver Spike Festival, commemorating the arrival of the train to Tucson.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum is located at 414 N Toole Ave in downtown Tucson. From the Hotel Congress, walk north on Congress St, then turn left onto N Toole Ave. The museum will be on your left, adjacent to the Amtrak station. Walking time is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Sun Link streetcar stops at 6th Ave & Congress St, a short walk from the museum. From the streetcar stop, walk west on Congress St, then turn left onto N Toole Ave. The museum will be on your left. An all-day streetcar pass costs $4.50. Alternatively, several downtown-bound buses stop near the museum. Check the Sun Tran website for specific routes and schedules. A single bus fare is $1.75.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available near the museum. Limited free parking is available in front of the Depot. Metered parking is available on Toole Avenue and in nearby lots; meters run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, at $1.00 per hour. The Pennington Street Garage (110 E Pennington) and the Depot Plaza Garage (45 N 5th Ave) are other options. Hourly rates vary, typically around $2-$3 per hour. The Pima County Public Service Center Parking Garage, located at 38 E Alameda St, offers parking and is accessible from Toole Avenue; hourly rates apply.

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Discover more about Southern Arizona Transportation Museum

The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, nestled in the heart of Tucson within the historic Southern Pacific Depot, offers a captivating glimpse into the region's transportation history. Housed in the former records vault building of the Southern Pacific Depot, which was renovated in 2004, the museum showcases the profound impact of railroads on Southern Arizona's development. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits featuring vintage locomotives, train cars, and artifacts, each telling a unique story of how the railroads transformed the region. The museum highlights the technological advancements of the railway system and delves into the cultural narratives of those who relied on trains for travel and commerce. A key attraction is the restored Southern Pacific 2-6-0 Mogul No. 1673 steam locomotive, which was used in the 1955 movie Oklahoma!. Visitors are welcome to climb aboard, take photos, and even ring the bell. The museum also features bilingual exhibits, art, artifacts, and a reference library. It provides educational information and offers downtown historic walking tours from October to March. The museum's location within the former Southern Pacific Depot, originally built in 1907 and remodeled in 1941, adds to its historical significance. The depot itself is a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Beyond the exhibits, the museum hosts community events and maintains an active collections department dedicated to preserving transportation-related artifacts from Southern Arizona. It also commemorates the arrival of the train to Tucson with the annual Silver Spike Festival in March. Don't miss the statues of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday near the spot where they shot Frank Stilwell in 1882.

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