National Museum of Transportation

What is National Museum of Transportation?

Railroads are the heart of the collection. The grounds are packed with steam and diesel engines, passenger cars and other rolling stock, much of it huge. The museum can collect such heavy pieces because it has its own spur connecting to a working main line, once part of the Missouri Pacific and now run by the Union Pacific.

Beyond the trains there are cars, planes and a boat, along with a research library of transportation papers and memorabilia. Near the parking lot, a miniature railroad runs on its own small loop, and a restored trolley carries riders for part of the year.

History of National Museum of Transportation

The museum was founded in 1944 and has spent the decades since restoring and preserving vehicles of every era. West Barretts Tunnel, dug in 1853, sits at the far southwest corner of the grounds. It and its twin were the first railroad tunnels in service west of the Mississippi River. The tunnel earned a National Register of Historic Places listing in 1978.

Visiting National Museum of Transportation: tips

Allow at least two hours; rail fans can easily spend longer, and comfortable shoes help since the collection is spread across 42 acres. Restrooms are on site, the museum is wheelchair accessible, parking is easy, and it suits children well. Admission is charged. If the family wants more, The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum is about 3 miles away, and Castlewood State Park, about 4.5 miles away, offers trails along the Meramec River.