North Dakota State Railroad Museum in Mandan, North Dakota
Railroad museumTrain ridesFreeSummer season, afternoons; check the museum's Facebook page for this year's dates
The North Dakota State Railroad Museum gathers the state's railroad story on five acres north of Mandan: full-size cars you can explore, the 1890 Steele Depot, handmade models, uniforms and a Railroad Hall of Fame, all free to visit in summer.
- Open to the public since 1972
- Five acres of rolling stock
- 1890 Steele Depot on site
- Railroad Hall of Fame
- Free admission, donations welcome
- Train rides on festival days
North Dakota State Railroad Museum at a glance
- Hours
- Summer afternoons; listings show 1 pm to 5 pm daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Admission
- Free; donations accepted
- Train rides
- Train rides at free events such as Father's Day in June and Watermelon Days in July
- Seasonal events
- Father's Day train rides, Watermelon Days
- Plan for
- About 1 to 2 hours
- Best for
- Families on an I-94 road trip and rail fans
- Best ages
- Ages 3 and up
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- Address3102 37th St. NW, Mandan, ND 58554(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(701) 663-9322
- Websitefacebook.com/northdakotarailroadmuseum(opens in a new tab)
Follow North Dakota State Railroad Museum
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to North Dakota State Railroad 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 Mandan.
Rally Takes the Train
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A state rail collection on the edge of Mandan
The North Dakota State Railroad Museum opened in 1972, and it has spent the decades since collecting the equipment, tools and keepsakes of the railroads that crossed the state. Travel listings describe exhibits and artifacts reaching back to the early 1900s, and the museum's own Facebook page sums up its focus simply: displays of track tools and several pieces of railroad freight equipment.
The museum keeps admission free and asks only for donations, which says a lot about the people behind it. Its Railroad Hall of Fame honors those who worked the lines, and the photographs, uniforms and handmade models in the exhibit building give the collection a personal, local feel. The museum does not post a detailed history of its founders online, so its Facebook page is the best place to learn more or to ask how to help.
Five acres of cars and a 3,000 square foot exhibit hall
Outside, rolling stock is spread across about five acres, including an SW diesel switcher and the 1890 Steele Depot, a small station building brought to the grounds. Travel guides note that some railcars are open to explore. Inside, about 3,000 square feet of air-conditioned displays hold railroad pictures, uniforms, track tools, handmade models and the Railroad Hall of Fame. A gift store rounds out the visit.
Don’t miss
- The 1890 Steele DepotA nineteenth century depot preserved on the museum grounds, a good stop for picturing how small prairie towns met the train.
- SW diesel switcherA yard switcher of the kind that once shuffled freight cars around North Dakota terminals.
- Railroad Hall of FameA display honoring the railroaders whose work built and ran the state's lines.
- Handmade modelsScale models built by hand sit among the photographs and uniforms in the exhibit building.
Railcars to explore and festival train rides
Travel guides call it a good stop with kids because several railcars are open to explore, and the five acres give young visitors room to walk between full-size equipment. The exhibit building is air conditioned, a welcome break on a hot summer afternoon. For the biggest day, aim for one of the free events with train rides, such as Father's Day in June or Watermelon Days in July.
Plan your visit: tips for North Dakota State Railroad Museum
- From I-94 take Exit 152, head north on Old Red Trail and follow the Railroad Museum signs.
- Season opening times have varied, so check the Facebook page before you drive out.
- Bring a few dollars for the donation box, since admission is free.
- Plan outdoor time in the yard and cool off in the air-conditioned exhibit building.
The museum's free event days are the time to bring a train-loving kid: listings mention train rides at its Father's Day event in June and at Watermelon Days in July. Dates change from year to year, so watch the Facebook page. For winter ideas around the state, see our guide to Christmas train rides in North Dakota.
Kept open on donations
The museum charges no admission and depends on donations to keep its exhibits and rolling stock in good shape. The simplest ways to help are to drop something in the donation box, buy from the gift store and follow the museum's Facebook page, where it posts opening dates and events.
More rail history from Mandan
Bismarck, with its own railroad history stops, is about 8 miles away. Heading west on I-94, the Northern Pacific depot in Dickinson is about 88 miles, and the Railroad Museum of Minot is about 97 miles north. See every train museum in North Dakota for more.
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
Some of the railcars here are open for visitors to explore, which means climbing up into them, and I know exactly how that goes with short legs. In our book, Rally can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. My kids are a lot like Rally on steep steps. If yours want to practice the story first, our coloring pages have that scene.
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
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
- Train museums in North Dakota: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in North Dakota
- Halloween train rides in North Dakota
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at North Dakota State Railroad 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
- North Dakota State Railroad Museum official website(opens in a new tab)
- North Dakota State Railroad Museum on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
North Dakota State Railroad Museum: 20 questions before you go
What is the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
It is a railroad museum just north of Mandan with about five acres of rolling stock and roughly 3,000 square feet of indoor displays. Exhibits include full-size railroad cars, the 1890 Steele Depot, an SW diesel switcher, handmade models, photographs, uniforms, track tools and a Railroad Hall of Fame. It opened in 1972.
Where is the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
The museum is at 3102 37th St. NW, Mandan, North Dakota 58554, north of town. From I-94, take Exit 152, go north on Old Red Trail and follow the Railroad Museum signs. If you get turned around, call the museum at (701) 663-9322.
What are the North Dakota State Railroad Museum hours?
The museum is a summer attraction. As of October 2026, a Bismarck Mandan visitor listing gives hours of 1 pm to 5 pm daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while a recent Facebook post announced a June 1 opening with hours of 1 pm to 4 pm. Check the museum's Facebook page for this season's times.
How much does the North Dakota State Railroad Museum cost?
Admission is free. The museum accepts donations, and those gifts help care for the rolling stock and exhibits. Special event days such as the Father's Day train rides are also listed as free events, though it is worth checking the Facebook page in case anything has changed for the current season.
Can you see photos of the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
The museum's Facebook page is the best place to look, since it has no separate website and posts its news and pictures there. Expect images of full-size freight equipment, the 1890 Steele Depot, track tools and the indoor displays. Travel guides that list the museum sometimes include photos as well.
What do reviews say about the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
Travel guides describe it as a good place to visit with kids, mainly because several railcars are open for visitors to explore. People also point to the free admission and the mix of outdoor equipment and indoor displays. Read recent reviews on the museum's Facebook page or travel sites before you go for current conditions.
Can you ride a train at the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
On certain event days, yes. Listings mention free events with train rides on Father's Day in June and at Watermelon Days in July. On ordinary open days the visit is a walk through the yard and the exhibit building. Watch the museum's Facebook page for the dates of this year's ride days.
When was the North Dakota State Railroad Museum founded?
The museum opened in 1972. Since then it has collected railroad equipment, artifacts and photographs that tell the story of railroading in North Dakota, with exhibits and artifacts dating back to the early 1900s. It does not post a longer founding history online, so ask volunteers on site if you want to know more.
Is the North Dakota State Railroad Museum good for kids?
Yes, especially for kids who like to climb aboard. Some railcars are open to explore, and the five-acre yard gives children room to roam between full-size equipment. The exhibit building is air conditioned for a cool break. Event days with train rides, like Father's Day and Watermelon Days, are the most exciting for young visitors.
How long should I spend at the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
Most families can see the yard and the indoor displays in about one to two hours. Allow more time on an event day if you plan to ride the train. Because the museum opens in the afternoon, a late lunch in Mandan or Bismarck followed by a museum visit works well.
What is the Steele Depot at the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
The Steele Depot is an 1890 railroad station building that now stands on the museum grounds. It is one of the named exhibits listed by North Dakota Tourism, along with the SW diesel switcher. A small depot like this is a good way to show kids where travelers once bought tickets and waited for the train.
Is there a Railroad Hall of Fame at the Mandan railroad museum?
Yes. North Dakota Tourism lists a Railroad Hall of Fame among the museum's exhibits, alongside railroad artifacts, pictures and about 3,000 square feet of displays. It honors people who worked on and built the state's railroads. Ask staff or volunteers on site about who has been inducted.
Is the North Dakota State Railroad Museum indoors or outdoors?
Both. The full-size rolling stock sits outdoors on about five acres, so dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. The exhibit building with photographs, models, uniforms and the Hall of Fame is air conditioned, which helps on hot summer days. Plan time for each part.
Does the North Dakota State Railroad Museum have a gift shop?
Yes. A Bismarck Mandan visitor listing says the museum and gift store keep the same summer afternoon hours. Buying something there is also a simple way to support a museum that charges no admission. The museum does not post an inventory online, so stop in to see what is on the shelves.
Is the North Dakota State Railroad Museum wheelchair accessible?
The museum does not post accessibility details online. The exhibit building is a single indoor display space, while the five-acre yard with rolling stock is outdoors, and climbing into railcars involves steps. Call (701) 663-9322 or message the Facebook page before your visit to ask about paths and access.
Can I book a group visit to the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
The museum does not list a group or school tour program online. Because it is a summer, afternoon attraction, contact it before bringing a group so volunteers know to expect you. Call (701) 663-9322 or send a message through the museum's Facebook page to ask about dates and any off-hours visits.
How can I support the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
Donations are the main way, since admission is free. You can also shop at the gift store, attend the free event days and follow the museum's Facebook page to share its posts. If you would like to volunteer, message the page or call (701) 663-9322 to ask what help is needed.
Does Amtrak go to North Dakota?
The museum does not post Amtrak connection details, and it is a drive-to stop north of Mandan off I-94 Exit 152. For current passenger rail service in North Dakota, check Amtrak's own website for stations and schedules, then plan a car or rideshare for the last miles to the museum at 3102 37th St. NW.
Where does Amtrak stop in North Dakota near the Mandan railroad museum?
The museum does not list a nearby Amtrak station or shuttle, so look up stations and routes on Amtrak's website. Most visitors arrive by car using I-94, Exit 152, then follow Old Red Trail north and the Railroad Museum signs. Plan local transportation from whichever station you choose.
What train museums are near the North Dakota State Railroad Museum?
Railroad history in Bismarck is about 8 miles away. The Northern Pacific Railway depot in Dickinson is about 88 miles west, and the Railroad Museum of Minot is about 97 miles north. Bonanzaville in West Fargo has a rail collection farther east, which makes a good stop on a cross-state drive.
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