Western America Railroad Museum
- Museum
- In Barstow, California
- 0.4 mi from Route 66
The Western America Railroad Museum, run by a non-profit, sits in Barstow, CA, at the east end of the historic Harvey House depot. Its aim is to collect, preserve and share the story of the railroads that crossed the Pacific Southwest. Exhibits fill rooms inside the depot, and locomotives and rolling stock stand outside, making it a strong stop for anyone curious about the railroads of the desert towns along Route 66.
What is Western America Railroad Museum?
Inside the depot, the displays cover the everyday side of railroading: artifacts and artwork, printed timetables, crew uniforms and tools, plus a wide range of other memorabilia. It is a collection that rewards slow browsing, especially the paperwork and uniforms that show how the railways were run day to day.
Outdoors, full-size equipment fills the yard. Look for Santa Fe engine #1460, a locomotive known as the Beep; a Union Pacific EMD SD40-2 numbered 9950; and Santa Fe FP45 #95. General operating equipment from the railroads rounds out the outdoor display.
History of Western America Railroad Museum
The museum dates from 2001 and is run by a non-profit organization. Its setting adds to the visit: the Harvey House depot is itself a historic railroad building, so the displays sit inside a piece of the story they tell.
Visiting Western America Railroad Museum: tips
The museum is a short drive from the old road through Barstow. Restrooms are on site, parking is available, the site is listed as wheelchair accessible, and it is considered good for kids. Allow about an hour, more if you like to study the locomotives up close. Opening days vary, so check the schedule before you go.
Del Taco is about 0.3 miles away for a quick meal, and a Route 66 motel is listed about 0.5 miles off. Nearby stops include the Mitchel Range, about 2.9 miles away, the Waterman Hills about 4.6 miles, and Calico, about 9.6 miles off.
Practical info
- Address
- 685 North 1st Avenue, Barstow, CA 92311
- Phone
- +1 760-256-9276
- Website
- barstowrailmuseum.org
- Hours
- Mon, Fri, Sat 11–3 · Sun 12–3
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
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Stops near Western America Railroad Museum
All of California
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1.1 mi from Western America Railroad Museum
1.2 mi from Western America Railroad Museum
2.9 mi from Western America Railroad Museum
4.6 mi from Western America Railroad Museum
8.6 mi from Western America Railroad Museum
Questions about Western America Railroad Museum
Where is the Western America Railroad Museum?
It is in Barstow, California, at the east end of the historic Harvey House depot.
What can you see there?
Indoor displays of railroad artifacts, timetables, uniforms and tools, plus outdoor locomotives such as Santa Fe #1460, the Beep.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. The museum is listed as good for kids, with restrooms and parking on site.
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