Nevada Railroad Museum

Carson City, Nevada

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A Visit to the Past in Carson City

Our journey took an unexpected yet delightful turn when we decided to stop by the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. What we thought would be a brief stopover turned into a memorable experience for train enthusiasts like us.

First Impressions

After a quick visit to Target, we headed to the museum, expecting to see the usual display of aging trains and decaying railcars that we’ve encountered at many other railroad museums. To our pleasant surprise, this museum was top-notch, boasting historic locomotives in excellent shape. The museum has spent over a million dollars restoring individual locomotives, a testament to their commitment to preserving railroad history.

Inside the Museum

We began our visit inside, where a beautiful collection of rolling stock was on display. Among the highlights was the V&TRR No. 9 Caboose, an impressive piece of railroad history. The meticulous restoration work was evident in every detail, making the exhibits a joy to explore and photograph.

Outdoor Adventures

Stepping outside, we were treated to a rare sight: steam locomotives being turned manually on operating turntables. Despite the 100-degree summer heat, the staff, mostly retirees, worked with impressive dedication and enthusiasm. Watching these historic trains come to life with real wood-burning steam engines was truly a treat for any train aficionado.

A Ride on the McKeen Motor Car

The highlight of our visit was a short ride around the property on the Virginia & Truckee McKeen Motor Car No. 22. This motorcar, with its unusual porthole windows, was a fascinating piece of history. As the conductor blew his horn, we set off on our journey. An old rail buff aboard regaled us with the extensive history of the car, noting that while hundreds were built, this is the only one that remains. It was a unique experience that combined the charm of vintage rail travel with a rich historical narrative.

A Call to Stay

As our visit came to an end, the museum staff implored us to stay and take a ride on the steam train. Regrettably, we were out of time and had many miles to drive before reaching our next destination. With a sense of longing, we left the museum behind, promising ourselves to return someday for the full steam train experience.

Onward to California

Next on our itinerary was California, where we planned to visit Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. Although our time at the Nevada State Railroad Museum was short, it left a lasting impression. The dedication and passion of the staff, the pristine condition of the locomotives, and the immersive experiences made it a standout stop on our journey.

If you ever find yourself in Carson City, we highly recommend a visit to the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for a unique historical experience, this museum offers something special for everyone.