Background

Sioux City Railroad Museum: A Journey Through Rail History

Discover Sioux City's rich railroad heritage at this interactive museum featuring locomotives, exhibits, and a glimpse into the golden age of rail transport.

4.8

Explore the rich railroad history of the Upper Midwest at the Sioux City Railroad Museum. Located on the grounds of a former Milwaukee Road engine terminal and car repair shops, this 32-acre complex features locomotives, rail cars, and interactive exhibits that bring the golden age of rail transport to life.

A brief summary to Sioux City Railroad Museum

Local tips

  • Visit on weekends for guided tours that enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
  • Check the museum's schedule for special events or workshops.
  • Plan to spend at least a couple of hours to fully explore the exhibits and outdoor displays.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum complex covers 32 acres.
  • Consider taking the Grand Scale Train ride for a unique perspective of the museum grounds.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Sioux City Railroad Museum is located at 3400 Sioux River Rd, Sioux City, IA 51109. From I-29, take exit 149 for Singing Hills Boulevard. Head east, then turn south onto Sioux River Road. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available on-site and is free.

  • Public Transport

    Sioux City Transit operates bus routes throughout the city. Check the Sioux City Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the Martin Luther King Jr. Transportation Center in downtown Sioux City, you may need to transfer to a route that serves the কাছাকাছি area of Sioux River Road. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25. Please note that bus service may be limited on weekends and holidays.

  • Walking

    While walking to the Sioux City Railroad Museum is possible from some nearby locations, it's important to consider the distance and the availability of sidewalks. If you are near the Sioux Riverfront, follow the paved path south along the river. The museum will eventually be visible on your left. Please exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, as portions of the route may have limited pedestrian access.

Unlock the Best of Sioux City Railroad Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Sioux City Railroad Museum

The Sioux City Railroad Museum offers an immersive experience into the history of railroading, particularly its impact on Sioux City and the surrounding regions. Situated on the site of the former Sioux City Engine Terminal and Car Repair Shops of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railway (also known as the Milwaukee Road), the museum provides a glimpse into a once-bustling industrial complex. Constructed between 1916 and 1918, the facility served as a vital hub for servicing steam and diesel locomotives and repairing rail cars for over six decades. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including restored locomotives and rail cars, and learn about the different aspects of the railroad industry. The Machine & Blacksmith Shop Buildings showcase the machinery used by shopmen and trade workers, including a newly restored Corliss Steam Engine. A railroad safety exhibit offers an engineer's perspective on rail safety. The Gilchrist Theatre & Learning Center features videos on Sioux City's railroad history. The museum also hosts special events, educational programs, and guided tours. A highlight is the Grand Scale Train ride, a miniature train modeled after the Milwaukee Road's Olympian Hiawatha line, which takes visitors on a near mile-long journey around the museum grounds. The Siouxland Historical Railroad Association (SHRA), a non-profit organization, operates the museum. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed. The museum's creation was spurred by a desire to preserve Sioux City's railroad heritage, after the city considered removing a steam locomotive from its downtown location in 1984. Today, the museum stands as a testament to the importance of railroads in the development of the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains.

Popular Experiences near Sioux City Railroad Museum

Popular Hotels near Sioux City Railroad Museum

Select Currency