Historic Iowa Rail

Museums and attractions

Scenic RailroadAt 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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  1. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum in Boone
  2. Burlington Northern Depot and World War II Memorial Museum in Red Oak
  3. C.B. & Q. Restored Depot in Creston
  4. Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Depot in Wilton
  5. Delmar Depot Museum
  6. Depot/Caboose Riverfront Park in Parkersburg
  7. Dover Museum
  8. Dows Welcome Center
  9. Eldora Welcome Center and Railroad Museum
  10. Gowrie Depot Historical Museum
  11. Grafton Heritage Depot/Museum
  12. Historic General Dodge House in Council Bluffs (national historic landmark)
  13. Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines
  14. Hobo Museum and Hobo Gift Shop in Britt
  15. Hub City Heritage Corp. Railroad Museum in Oelwein
  16. Illinois Central Railroad Depot in Independence
  17. Iowa Trolley Park in Clear Lake
  18. Kate Shelley Railroad Museum and Park in Moingona
  19. L. M. & O. Railroad Museum in Marathon
  20. Midwest Central Railroad in Mount Pleasant
  21. Milwaukee Railroad Shops in Sioux City
  22. Moravia Wabash Depot Museum
  23. North Lee County Historic Center and Railroad Depot
  24. RailsWest Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs
  25. Red Barn Model Railroad Museum in Dundee
  26. Restored Railroad Depot in Clarion
  27. Santa Fe Depot Museum Complex in Fort Madison
  28. Trains on the Farm in Clarksville
  29. Trainland U.S.A. in Colfax
  30. Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs
  31. Vinton Railroad Depot and Museum