Inland Northwest Rail Museum in Reardan, Washington

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Reardan, Washington · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Railroad museumTrain rides2026 hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm

The Inland Northwest Rail Museum, built by volunteers of the Inland Empire Railway Historical Society, preserves more than a century of railroading in eastern Washington and beyond on a 30-acre site west of Spokane.

  • Society founded in 1967
  • Union Pacific steam engine 3206
  • Train ride included with admission
  • Operating model railroads indoors
  • Donated Union Pacific turntable
  • Grand opening in Reardan, 2016

Inland Northwest Rail Museum at a glance

Hours
Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm (2026 hours)
Admission
Ages 0 to 4 free, 5 to 13 $8, adults 14 to 54 $15, seniors 55+ $13, active military and first responders $13
Train rides
One Reardan Rocket ride on the 2-foot gauge train included with admission, about every 45 minutes; extra rides $2
Seasonal events
Haunted Train, Santa Train Rides, Santa is in the House
Plan for
About 2 to 3 hours
Best for
Families with young kids and rail fans who like big collections
Best ages
Ages 2 to 12
Accessibility
Building, gift shop and restrooms are wheelchair accessible with an elevator to both floors; most historic cars are not accessible and the path to the train ride is gravel.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Inland Northwest Rail Museum? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Reardan.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Fifty years, two homes and one long move by rail

In 1967 a group of railroad enthusiasts formed a local chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and named it the Inland Empire Railway Historical Society, with the goal of saving the region's railroad history for future generations. Its first big project came in 1970: cleaning and painting retired Union Pacific locomotive 3206 in Spokane's Highbridge Park. In 1978 that same engine became the first piece moved to the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds, where the collection grew to almost 30 rail cars and engines, plus memorabilia and a large library.

After more than 30 years at the fairgrounds, the Society received an eviction notice in June 2002 and began a statewide search for a new home. In December 2002 it chose a 30-acre parcel two miles west of Reardan. The volunteers kept running their narrow gauge ride and museum train at the Spokane County Interstate Fair each September through 2014 while the new site took shape.

Moving the collection was a huge job. The Eastern Washington Gateway Railroad carried it to Reardan by rail, and a crossing on Sunset Highway was installed before summer 2010 to connect a spur into the site. Volunteers laid display track, and in January 2012 a donated Union Pacific turntable arrived by rail from Spokane and was set in place by crane. Ground was broken for the first building, a conservation and restoration building with a visitors center, in fall 2013, and the grand opening came on August 27, 2016. Explore Washington State notes that it is an all-volunteer operation that receives no state funding.

Locomotives outside, history and model trains inside

The outdoor collection is the big draw: an early twentieth century steam locomotive, a lineup of first generation diesels, passenger coaches, dining and sleeper cars, cabooses, freight cars, railway post office cars, a streetcar, speeders and a handcar, plus industrial pieces such as a steam donkey engine and a 250-ton wrecking crane. Look for Union Pacific steam engine 3206, Spokane, Portland and Seattle 860, Northern Pacific GP9 317 and F9 6703A, and Great Northern SD9s 598 and 599.

Inside, two floors of exhibits cover railroad memorabilia, Western Union communications, regional rail history and train stations, along with operating model railroads in several gauges. Every admission includes a ride on the Reardan Rocket, a 2-foot gauge train that leaves about every 45 minutes. The museum store sells regional railroad and history books, apparel and toys.

Don’t miss

  1. Union Pacific steam engine 3206The Society's first big project in 1970 and the first piece moved to the fairgrounds, so it is where the whole collection began.
  2. The Reardan RocketA 2-foot gauge train ride included with admission, with extra rides for $2.
  3. Union Pacific turntableA donated turntable moved by rail and installed by crane in 2012, an asset the museum says few rail museums have.
  4. WWP/SUR Streetcar 140A streetcar from the Spokane area's electric railway era, described on Tripadvisor as a 1906 Brill car.
  5. SP&S Mt. St. Helens sleeper-buffet lounge carA passenger car from the Spokane, Portland and Seattle that shows how travelers rode in comfort.
  6. 250-ton wrecking craneOne of the largest machines on the grounds, used to clear wrecks and lift heavy equipment.

The Reardan Rocket and model trains for little engineers

The museum calls itself a museum for kids of all ages, and the included ride on the Reardan Rocket is a hit with young visitors. Extra rides cost $2, and kids under 5 get in free. Indoors, operating model train layouts in several gauges give children something to watch at eye level.

Birthday parties come with unlimited rides on the Reardan Rocket for every guest and a museum t-shirt for the birthday child. The path to the train ride is gravel, so a sturdy stroller works better than a small one.

Plan your visit: tips for Inland Northwest Rail Museum

  • Buy tickets at the door; special event tickets are sold separately online.
  • Groups of 6 or more get reduced rates, and school groups are $6 per person.
  • The museum is at the junction of State Highways 2 and 231, about 12 miles away of Fairchild AFB.
  • Ask about the museum's special wheelchair if you need one for the grounds.
  • Sign up for the free Sidetrack email newsletter to hear about events early.

Fall and winter bring the museum's special events. The Haunted Train runs from 6 pm to 9 pm on October 29, 30 and 31, 2026. In December, Santa Train Rides and Santa is in the House take place on weekends from December 12 to 20, from 10 am to 5 pm. Event tickets are sold separately on the museum's website. For more ideas, see our lists of Halloween train rides in Washington and Christmas train rides in Washington.

Built by volunteers, supported by visitors

The Inland Empire Railway Historical Society runs the museum, and it depends on volunteers, donors and shoppers to maintain the grounds and pay for restorations. You can help by donating money or artifacts, shopping in the museum store, where profits go back into facilities and displays, becoming a member, volunteering, or buying a tile through the museum's tile program.

More rail stops across the Inland Northwest

Across the Idaho line, the Silverwood Theme Park Steam Engine Train is about 58 miles away, the Historic Sandpoint Train Depot about 74 miles, and the Wallace Depot Museum about 92 miles. Browse every train museum in Washington to keep planning.

Every train museum in Washington

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi looking out an arched train window at the ocean and a white bird
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The SP&S Mt. St. Helens sleeper-buffet lounge car here was built for riders who wanted to watch the world go by in comfort. That is exactly what Rally does in our book: he sits by an arched window, watches the ocean, and says hello to a white bird. My kids always point at that bird. Print a page from our coloring pages and let them draw their own view.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Inland Northwest Rail Museum: 20 questions families ask

Where is the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

The Inland Northwest Rail Museum is at 27300 Sprinkle Rd N, Reardan, Washington 99029, at the junction of State Highway 2 and Highway 231 South. It sits on 30 acres about two miles west of Reardan and roughly 12 miles away of Fairchild Air Force Base, an easy drive from Spokane.

What are the Inland Northwest Rail Museum hours?

As of October 2026, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Special events such as the Haunted Train run in the evening on their own schedule. The museum does not post separate winter hours, so call (509) 796-3377 before a cold-weather visit.

How much are Inland Northwest Rail Museum tickets?

As of October 2026, admission is free for ages 0 to 4, $8 for ages 5 to 13, $15 for adults 14 to 54, and $13 for seniors 55 and up, active military and first responders. Admission includes one ride on the 2-foot gauge train. Tickets are sold at the door.

Can you ride a train at the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

Yes. Every admission includes one ride on the Reardan Rocket, the museum's 2-foot gauge train, which leaves about every 45 minutes. Additional rides cost $2 each. Special Santa Train Rides and Haunted Train evenings are ticketed separately through the museum's website.

What locomotives are at the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

The locomotive collection includes Union Pacific steam engine 3206, Spokane, Portland and Seattle 860, Northern Pacific GP9 317 and F9 6703A, Great Northern SD9s 598 and 599, Inland Empire 502, H.K. Porter air locomotive 28, a Davenport locomotive and a steam donkey engine. The full list is on the museum's collection page.

What passenger cars can you see at the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

Passenger equipment includes WWP/SUR streetcar 140, Great Northern cafe coach 974 and coach 4502, the SP&S Mt. St. Helens sleeper-buffet lounge car, Union Pacific diner 4057, Northern Pacific coach 589, a Union Pacific American Scene sleeper, and several railway post office and baggage cars.

Does the Inland Northwest Rail Museum have model trains?

Yes. The museum has operating model train layouts in various gauges, set up for visitors of all ages to enjoy. They are part of the indoor exhibits, which also include railroad memorabilia, Western Union communications displays and regional railroad history, so they are a good stop on a rainy or hot day.

Does the Inland Northwest Rail Museum have a Halloween event?

Yes. The Haunted Train runs from 6 pm to 9 pm on October 29, 30 and 31, 2026. Tickets for special events are sold separately from regular admission and are posted on the museum's website, so check there for prices and buy ahead if you can.

Does the Inland Northwest Rail Museum have a Santa train?

Yes. As of October 2026, Santa Train Rides and Santa is in the House are scheduled on December weekends between December 12 and 20, from 10 am to 5 pm. Event tickets are sold separately on the museum website. Call (509) 796-3377 with questions about the holiday schedule.

Can I have a birthday party at the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

Yes. As of October 2026, birthday parties cost $120 for up to 20 people and $6 for each additional guest, inside or at outdoor picnic tables. Every guest gets unlimited rides on the Reardan Rocket, and the birthday child receives a museum t-shirt. Call 509-796-3377 to book.

Does the Inland Northwest Rail Museum offer group and school rates?

Yes. As of October 2026, groups of 6 to 9 pay $10 each, 10 to 19 pay $9 each, and 20 or more pay $7 each. School groups, including parents, teachers and students, are $6 each. The museum also hosts home schoolers, senior centers, churches, day cares and clubs.

Is the Inland Northwest Rail Museum wheelchair accessible?

Partly. The museum building, gift shop and restrooms are accessible, and an elevator serves both floors. Many historic rail cars, built between 1914 and the early 1950s, cannot be made accessible, and the gravel path to the train ride can be hard for wheelchairs. A special wheelchair may be available.

Is the Inland Northwest Rail Museum good for toddlers?

Yes. Kids under 5 get in free, the included train ride is short and exciting, and the model train layouts hold small children's attention. Much of the collection is outdoors on 30 acres, so bring sun protection in summer, and expect gravel paths outside.

When was the Inland Northwest Rail Museum founded?

The group behind it, the Inland Empire Railway Historical Society, formed in 1967 as a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. Its display spent more than 30 years at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds before it moved to Reardan. The new museum's grand opening was held on August 27, 2016.

Why did the Inland Northwest Rail Museum move to Reardan?

The Society received an eviction notice from the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds in June 2002 and searched statewide for a new home. In December 2002 it chose a 30-acre parcel west of Reardan. The Eastern Washington Gateway Railroad carried the collection there by rail, and the first building opened in 2016.

Where can I see Inland Northwest Rail Museum photos and reviews?

The museum posts photos and videos on its Facebook page, Instagram, YouTube channel and Pinterest, and its website has a collection page with pictures of individual locomotives and cars. Visitor reviews are on Tripadvisor and Facebook, where thousands of people follow the museum.

Is there a gift shop at the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

Yes. The museum store carries locally focused railroad and history books, hats, shirts and other apparel, toys and rare railroad items, and there is also an online store. The museum says profits are reinvested in its facilities, restorations and new historical displays.

How long should I spend at the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

Plan on about two to three hours to ride the Reardan Rocket, walk the outdoor collection, see the turntable and spend time with the indoor exhibits and model railroads. Families with young kids who want extra train rides may stay longer.

How can I support the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

The museum depends on volunteers, donors and shoppers. You can donate money or historical artifacts, shop the store, become a member for store discounts and special event access, volunteer, or buy a tile. Email info@inlandnwrailmuseum.org or call (509) 796-3377 to learn more.

What train museums are near the Inland Northwest Rail Museum?

The closest rail stops on this site are in North Idaho. The Silverwood Theme Park Steam Engine Train in Athol is about 58 miles away, the Historic Sandpoint Train Depot about 74 miles, the Wallace Depot Museum about 92 miles, and the Avery Depot and Avery Museum about 101 miles.

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Kelsey Cecil
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