From historic train stations and steam-powered locomotives to model railroad museums showcasing miniature fantasy-lands, New Jersey offers plenty of things to do and see for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Explore the historical exhibits, or go for a themed ride on one of the numerous train excursions. You’ll find a number of train attractions throughout the state.
Peek into the past at Maywood Station Museum, a carefully restored train station that dates back to 1872. Today, this museum showcases fascinating photographs, historical artifacts and even restored cabooses to keep railroading heritage alive. At Whippany Railway Museum (open Sundays, April through October), learn about Morris County’s rich railroading heritage, with exhibits featuring representative train models, photographs and authentic railroading tools and equipment. This museum also offers special train rides, such as the Easter Bunny Express and seasonal foliage rides.
At the New Jersey Museum of Transportation in Allaire State Park, take a ride on the Pine Creek Railroad, one of the oldest operating narrow gauge railway exhibits in the country. The train runs every weekend from Easter until Christmas. Meanwhile, the Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg offers fun train rides for every season, with special rides such as the Warren County Winery Train, Great Pumpkin Train and River & Steam Train, which chugs along the Delaware River.
Along the southern shore, take a ride to Cape May, a historic seashore town brimming with Victorian charm, when you hop aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines, providing service to and from Richland and Tuckahoe Villages. This historic railway also offers The Santa Express, a beloved Christmas tradition. In Whippany, the Morristown & Erie Railway also offer The Polar Express Train Ride, a magical experience offered every November through December.
No matter what time of year, kids and model train enthusiasts alike will love Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum in Sparta, where visitors will find a history section with memorabilia relating to local history and important figures, such as General George Washington and General Lafayette, as well as the impressive centerpiece of the museum: “The Mountain,” a sprawling miniature mountain with eight trains and two trolley lines running throughout the space. Northlandz in Flemington takes model railroading to the next level, featuring the world’s largest model railroad. You’ll marvel at up to 100 trains traveling along more than 8 miles of track, passing by miniature cities and villages comprised of thousands of buildings.
Made most sense to link to the event website, which won’t expire, unlike an event page on VisitNJ, that way people can see the event no matter what time of year, and they can plan ahead for future trips.
