About the Sioux City Railroad Museum
ENGAGEMENT EDUCATION ENTERTAINMENT INSPIRATION
ALL ABOARD!
Whether by yourself or with friends and family, plenty of educational and entertainment opportunities await as you tour our historic site.
We take pride in being a very hands-on and interactive museum.
In addition to all of the outdoor scenery, there are several buildings and structures throughout the complex to be explored. As part of the tour process, you'll be encouraged to follow our interpretive trail system and to take a ride on our grand scale miniature train as well. Along the way you’ll also be welcomed to checkout our ever-growing lineup of vintage locomotives, railcars, machinery, equipment, and a wide variety of other exhibits throughout the complex.
Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers love what they do and will be happy to guide and answer any questions you may have throughout your journey. When not entertaining guests they are continuously putting effort into progressing and developing museum site and it would be a good bet find active construction going on or something new or improved each time you visit.
For a few hours you’ll get a rare glimpse of a bygone era, transported back in time when railroading dominated the landscape and helped forge the futures of not only Sioux City, but the entire country.
We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!
GOALS
Since taking ownership of the complex in 1995 the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association Members (SHRA), along its generous volunteers & donors, have poured their heart and soul into transforming the former railyard terminal and repair shops into a fully operating museum complex, in hopes to pay tribute to the countless railroad workers who contributed so much to the industrial heritage of not just Sioux City but the entire nation.
Because of the association’s dedication, passion, and determination, this vital piece of history can now be preserved for future generations as the Milwaukee Road Shops Historic District was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
This recognition is a testament to our commitment to improving the quality of life in our community and bringing our rich railroad history to life for the nearly 50,000 people who visit us each year – including an increasing number of visitors from around the world.
MISSION
“Our mission is to reach a broad audience and engage people through exhibits, programs, services, and storytelling that educate, entertain, and inspire; fostering an awareness and appreciation for the conservation of the railroad industry’s heritage and historic resources."
Our mission-related activities:
- Preserving the Milwaukee Railroad Shops complex as a national historic district.
- Developing the historic complex as a railroad industrial heritage, science and technology museum.
- Restoring Sioux City’s Landmark Steam Locomotive No. 1355 (“Ironhorse”) for exhibition in the museum.
- Collecting, preserving, and exhibiting railroad artifacts.
- Offering interpretive programs, festivals and special events to entertain the public while furthering their understanding of railroad history and industrial heritage.
- Preserving the natural resources and wildlife habitats surrounding the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District.
Interested in visiting or getting involved?
We’re here to help!
We want to know your interests exactly so that we can provide the perfect solution. Let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to help.