North Dakota Railroad Museum

13 Places to Explore North Dakota's Railroad History

Railroads played a major role in North Dakota's development as a state. Learn more about the railroading history and railroad bridges of North Dakota.

North Dakota State Railroad Museum
North Dakota State Railroad Museum

Railroad artifacts, railroad pictures, Railroad Hall of Fame, 5 acres with rolling stock and 3,000-square-foot railroad displays. 

Northern Lights Railroad Museum
Northern Lights Railroad Museum

Originally established in the 1980s as model railroading club, the Northern Lights Railroad Museum expanded its mission to preserve and interpret railroad history of the Northern Great Plains.

Highway 220 N and 20th Street SE
East Grand Forks, MN
United States

Railroad Museum of Minot
Railroad Museum of Minot

Dedicated to the railroad history and culture that established many of the state's cities. Displays and artifacts trace the vital impact of the railroads on the communities and the way of life the railroads provided for many individuals. The museum focuses on the time period from 1886 to present and has many hands on displays and information for visitors for all ages.

Rosebud Visitor Center NP Coach
Valley City Rosebud Visitor Center

The Rosebud is a Northern Pacific Railroad Superintendents Coach dating from 1881. The car was used by S. R. Ainslie, Superintendent of the Yellowstone Division. Rosebud was purchased in February 1932, by John P. Reeve for $550.

Midland Continental Depot Transportation Museum Featuring Peggy Lee
Midland Continental Depot Transportation Museum Featuring Peggy Lee

Museum showcasing two treasures in one: the Midland Continental Railroad and the home of music legend and North Dakota native, Peggy Lee. The Midland Continental was a short line railroad that operated between 1912 and 1970. The main floor of the building served as the depot, and this floor showcases the railroad's history.

Edinburg General Store
Edinburg General Store

A unique shopping experience. There are three G-scale trains running around the perimeter of the balcony. Pieces of antique furniture highlight the merchandise on two levels of the store.

67 Main Ave.
Edinburg, ND 58227
United States

Magic City Express
Magic City Express

A mile-long train ride on a 2/5 scale of a Great Northern F-8 locomotive No. 1177 and four cars. 

Camp Hancock
Camp Hancock State Historic Site

Site preserves part of a military installation established as Camp Greeley in 1872 to provide protection for work gangs then building the Northern Pacific Railroad. The camp's name was changed to Camp Hancock in 1873. Northern Pacific engine and coal car on site.

Soo Line Park
Memorial Park

On display is a 1903 old-time 440 Soo Line steam engine, which the town established roots for in 1857. Also on display is the Veteran's Memorial. 

Missouri River bridge
BNSF Railway Bridge

This bridge was built over 100 years ago. It’s a stunning view along River Road.

Bismarck, ND
United States

Minot Highline bridge
Minot Highline Bridge

You can find this historic bridge in an area called the Gassman Coulee Trestle just west of Minot.

Minot, ND
United States

Valley City Highline Bridge
Hi-Line Railroad Bridge

This is one of the longest and highest railroad bridges in America at 3,860 feet long and 162 feet high.

Fairview Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel
Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel

This structure stretches 1,320 feet across the Yellowstone River and has been turned into a walkway.