Housed in the former Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe headquarters on Galveston Island’s east end, the museum features a 5-acre yard full of fascinating rolling stock, including a pair of EMD F7s painted in AT&SF’s classic warbonnet scheme.
Choices
After a tour of the static displays, take a trip on the Harborside Express, a 15-minute excursion aboard an open-air ex-Missouri Pacific caboose that runs from 11 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. most Saturdays. In the station’s waiting room, you’ll see Ghosts of Travelers Past, full-sized plaster figures of people congregating there as it appeared in 1932.
When to go
The museum is open daily year-round, but summers on the Texas Gulf Coast tend to be hot and humid. The other three seasons are usually more pleasant when spending time outdoors.
Good to know
In spring, the museum hosts a train show weekend, complete with model railroads on display, caboose rides, and other activities.
Worth doing
Like in New Orleans to the east, Mardi Gras is a big deal on the island. The center of all the activity takes place near the museum on The Strand, Galveston’s historic downtown district. The Lone Star Rally, held the first weekend in November, ends at the museum’s 25th Street entrance.
Don’t miss
No trip to the island would be complete without a visit to a beach. Galveston has 32 miles of beaches, most operated by the city. If you want to avoid crowds but still enjoy the surf, head to Galveston Island State Park, 2,000-plus acres that offer camping, birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and swimming.
Getting there
From Houston, take I-45 south to Exit 1C. Turn left onto Harborside Drive, then turn right on 25th Street/Rosenberg Street, turn right on Santa Fe, and then right again to the museum.
Location: 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX
Phone: 409-765-5700
Website: galvestonrrmuseum.org
E-mail: info@galvestonRRmuseum.org
