Museums and attractions
At least 60 former railroad depots, many beautifully restored, are in use around the state as local history museums or for other purposes. Iowa also has a number of railroad attractions devoted to model railroading, and a number of sites where antique railroad locomotives are displayed, or where excursion rides are provided. Listed below are a few of Iowa’s railroading attractions.
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- Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum in Boone
- Burlington Northern Depot and World War II Memorial Museum in Red Oak
- C.B. & Q. Restored Depot in Creston
- Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Depot in Wilton
- Delmar Depot Museum
- Depot/Caboose Riverfront Park in Parkersburg
- Dows Welcome Center
- Eldora Welcome Center and Railroad Museum
- Gowrie Depot Historical Museum
- Grafton Heritage Depot/Museum
- Historic General Dodge House in Council Bluffs (national historic landmark)
- Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines
- Hobo Museum and Hobo Gift Shop in Britt
- Hub City Heritage Corp. Railroad Museum in Oelwein
- Illinois Central Railroad Depot in Independence
- Kate Shelley Railroad Museum and Park in Moingona
- L. M. & O. Railroad Museum in Marathon
- Midwest Central Railroad in Mount Pleasant
- Milwaukee Railroad Shops in Sioux City
- Moravia Wabash Depot Museum
- North Lee County Historic Center and Railroad Depot
- RailsWest Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs
- Red Barn Model Railroad Museum in Dundee
- Restored Railroad Depot in Clarion
- Santa Fe Depot Museum Complex in Fort Madison
- Trainland U.S.A. in Colfax
- Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs
- Vinton Railroad Depot and Museum
