Visiting a railroad town can take you on a journey through not only the town itself, but also its railroading’s past, present, and even future. Whether you’re just passing through or have an opportunity to stay for an extended getaway, consider these 10 must-visit historic railroad towns that’ll range from the OG of railroad towns to a railroad capital.
Baltimore
This is the OG of railroad towns, given its recognition as the birthplace to the oldest railroad in the United States: the Baltimore & Ohio, chartered in 1827. That first railroad is long gone — most of its lines are today part of CSX Transportation — yet the city remains an active hub and crossroad for both freight and passenger service. For those looking to take in the rich history during a visit, the B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore Streetcar Museum, and Irish Railroad Workers Museum must be on the docket. May we also suggest penciling a date sometime in 2027, during the B&O’s bicentennial year?
Altoona, Pa.
This town was both the gateway to the Pennsylvania Railroad’s conquest of the Allegheny Mountains for westward expansion, and overall heart of the former railroad. Today, Altoona sees up to 50 freight and helper movements by successor Norfolk Southern, along with Amtrak’s daily Pennsylvanian between New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Historic engineering landmarks — nearby Horseshoe Curve and Gallitzin’s Allegheny Tunnel — host rail traffic along what is now the Pittsburgh Line, and provide public spaces for visitors to safely view the trains. Downtown’s impressive Juniata Shop continues to serve NS, with a section of the complex redeveloped as the interactive Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. The museum also operates the visitors center at Horseshoe Curve and offers a combo ticket for both attractions.
Roanoke, Va
The Star City was a center for the Norfolk & Western and Virginian railways. The East End Shop was the birthplace to many of the N&W’s prolific locomotives, while photographer O. Winston Link made regular pilgrimages to document steam’s final days on the railroad. Today, home-built steam locomotives J-class No. 611 and A-class No. 1218 call the Virginia Museum of Transportation home, while many of Link’s masterpieces are showcased at the O. Winston Link Museum. The facilities reside at the former N&W freight and passenger stations, respectively. Meanwhile, NS and Amtrak keep the high iron hot in and out of the city, continuing the tradition of mainline mountain railroading across the heart of the Blue Ridge.
Learn more about visiting the Roanoke area.
Fostoria, Ohio
The small town was once known for its glass production, and at one point, was a top supplier of the railroads’ dining car services. It was also where the nation’s first centralized traffic control was installed on a now-abandoned New York Central main line. Along a crossroads of multiple railroads, the city today sees three double-track main lines — two of CSX and one of Norfolk Southern — form what is called the “Iron Triangle.” The Fostoria Rail Park resides within the heart of the triangle and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Learn more about visiting Fostoria.
Chicago
There’s so much to see and do in the city that is the center of the American rail network. Hot spots include Roosevelt Road, which provides overhead views of three rail lines, including the routes at the south portal of Chicago Union Station; and BNSF Railway’s triple-track Chicago Subdivision, commonly called “The Racetrack,” to Aurora, Ill. Amtrak, Metra and the Chicago Transit Authority provide convenient rail travel in, out, and around the city. Pullman National Historical Park preserves America’s first company town; while the Illinois Railway Museum, about 60 miles from The Loop in Union, Ill., helps document Chicago’s railroading history.
Learn more about this rail hub in Trains’ updated special edition of Chicago: America’s Railroad Capital.
Minneapolis-St. Paul
The Twin Cities of the upper midwest were home to James J. Hill’s empire and other railroads, which sought expansion to the Pacific Northwest. Those days are long gone, but plenty of rail activity remains. Amtrak, Northstar commuter rail, and Metro Transit light rail provide daily service. Hot spots for train watching can range from the popular Lafayette Avenue overpass near Westminster Junction; to scenic Dayton’s Bluff Mounds Park in St. Paul, with the Mississippi River and city skyline in the background. For historical pilgrimages, there’s the Minnesota Transportation Museum’s Jackson Street Roundhouse in Minneapolis and the occasional excursions of Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 No. 261.
Learn more about visiting the Twin Cities.
North Platte, Neb.
North Platte and the Union Pacific Railroad have long gone hand in hand. UP’s Bailey Yard, which opened in 1866 as part of the first transcontinental railroad, is now the world’s largest classification yard. Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center gives the public a birds-eye view of the historic facility’s day-to-day operations. Be sure to also visit nearby Cody Park, home to preserved UP equipment including Challenger No. 3977.
Learn more about North Platte’s rise as a railroad town.
Cheyenne, Wyo.
Like North Platte, Cheyenne and the Union Pacific are closely connected. Today, the city serves as a focal point for both UP and BNSF freight connections. UP’s Overland Route main line is busy and impressive, with multiple routes over Sherman Hill between Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyo.; a Trains map can help you navigate the area. UP Big Boy No. 4014 and 4-8-4 No. 844 have been known to put on impressive shows on the hill. And don’t forget to visit the city’s 1886-built depot, now a museum.
Durango, Colo.
Narrow gauge railroading has kept this town, nestled in the San Juan Mountains, alive and well — regardless of whether the trains were hauling silver, performing for motion pictures, or transporting tourists. The former Denver & Rio Grande Western’s Silverton branch — today the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — is a premier tourist railroad operating year-round, with seasonal service to the high-country town of Silverton. The draw of the railroad’s 3-foot gauge steam locomotives keeps this town a must-visit, no matter the season.
Learn more about how to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Portland, Ore.
The Rose City’s rail network weaves in all directions. Union Pacific, BNSF, and short lines have a significant freight presence, and Amtrak operations include the Empire Builder and Coast Starlight, along with Amtrak Cascades corridor service. Transit agency TriMet’s expansive Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail service has supplemented downtown by the loops of the Portland Streetcar. As summarized by Classic Trains editor Brian Schmidt in Trains’ Dec. 2016 issue: “Both offer convenient and safe service and can serve as both photographic targets and primary transportation during a visit.” Don’t forget to stop by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, home to steam locomotives Southern Pacific No. 4449, and Spokane, Portland & Seattle No. 700.
Learn more about a Portland day-trip rail experience.
Of course, along with these 10 must-visit historic railroad towns, there are many more out there waiting to welcome you on your next adventure. Do you have a personal favorite?
