Discover the National Railroad Museum!
Manitowoc, Wisconsin Photo | Lake Michigan Destinations
National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin
In the 1800 and 1900s, train travel was the main mode of transportation in the United States. Learn about these majestic machines at the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, just outside Green Bay. Founded in 1956, you’ll find the largest railroad preservation in the United States. Over 75,000 people visit annually, where staff and volunteers are dedicated to educating the public about the railroad industry.
Exhibits
The trains on display will amaze you, starting with the futuristic Aerotrain from the 1950s. Sit inside the Union Pacific Big Boy, the world’s largest steam locomotive. The Lake Mitchell, a restored Pullman sleeper car from the 1920s shows how comfortable train travel was in the early part of the 20th century. Get a taste of life during WWII aboard the Dwight D. Eisenhower British Railways A4 Class No. 60008…which was used by the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. In addition to the exhibits, you can view a photography gallery and railroad artifacts. A standard gauge track circles the grounds, and an 80 foot wooden tower offers spectacular views of Green Bay and the Fox River.
Tours
Tour groups of all ages are welcome at the National Railroad Museum. Reservations are usually required for groups of 10 or more.
Tours include:
- 45-minute guided of self-pace tour
- 30-minute train ride (May-September only)
- 30-minute theater presentation (15 minutes for youth and school groups)
Don’t forget to visit the Museum Store after your tour to pick up a railroad souvenir.
For more information, contact the museum at:
National Railroad Museum
2285 South Broadway
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 437-7623
Northeast Wisconsin Activities & Attractions
Manitowoc Wisconsin Car Ferry
Manitowoc is the Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry which sails across Lake Michigan to Ludington.
Highway US-10
The Highway US-10 continuance crosses Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan via the SS Badger car ferry.
Traverse City to Green Bay
Do you want to travel between Traverse City, Michigan and Green Bay, Wisconsin? Take a short cut across Lake Michigan on the car ferry.
Port of Manitowoc, Wisconsin
The Port of Manitowoc is a deep water draft commercial harbor on Lake Michigan, and the Wisconsin port for the SS Badger car ferry.
Manitowoc Breakwater Light
Built in 1918, the Manitowoc Breakwater Light has undergone multiple upgrades. The lighthouse is still operational today.
Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse
The Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse is one of only 6 in Wisconsin where a fifth-order Fresnel lens is still in use.
Art Galleries Artisan Studios Door County, Wisconsin
Browsing for art is a don’t-miss activity when you visit Door County! Dotted amongst cities and countryside are dozens of art destinations.
Eat Play Stay Algoma
Restaurants, activities, and accommodations in and near Algoma. The inside scoop on a small town that is too good to miss.
Rahr West Art Museum Manitowoc
Built by Joseph and Mary Vilas between 1891 and 1893, this Queen Anne style Victorian mansion is the location of an historical art museum.
West of the Lake Gardens Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Six acres of peaceful botanical gardens that sit on the former estate of John and Ruth West with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Founded in 1970, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers visitors interactive exhibits, artifacts, and insight on World War II submarines.
Door County Mushroom House Wisconsin
The Door County Mushroom House is an intriguing, fascinating, whimsical structure and is located near Fish Creek in Door County.
Cave Point County Park
Located just north of Whitefish Dunes State Park on the eastern coast of Door County, Cave Point County Park should not be missed.
Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse
The Algoma Light, is a red, steel structure overlooking Lake Michigan. In 1932, the lighthouse that is in place today was relocated to Algoma.
SS Badger Car Ferry
Cross Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan on the SS Badger car ferry. Save the driving and enjoy a cruise!
Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County, Wisconsin
Whitefish Dunes State Park, on the eastern shore of Door Peninsula, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is set upon 865 acres along Lake Michigan.
Mariners Trail – Manitowoc & Two Rivers, Wisconsin
The Mariners Trail is a seven mile trail running along Lake Michigan, connecting the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers in Wisconsin.
Green Bay Botanical Gardens, Wisconsin
The four seasons of Wisconsin come alive in colorful splendor at the Green Bay Botanical Garden which opened in 1996.
Children’s Museum Green Bay, Wisconsin
Children love to explore, and there’s no better place to combine curiosity and learning than at The Children’s Museum of Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field, Wisconsin
The Green Bay Packers are one of the league’s oldest franchises, and the green and yellow uniforms have thousands of fans around the country.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Green Bay, Wisconsin
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest park in Green Bay and is the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program
National Railroad Museum Green Bay, Wisconsin
Learn about train travel at the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, just outside Green Bay.
New Zoo Green Bay, Wisconsin
A popular place to visit in Green Bay, Wisconsin is the NEW Zoo, located ten miles north of downtown in the Brown County Reforestation Camp.
Fox River Trail Green Bay, Wisconsin
The Fox River Trail starts in downtown Green Bay. It is part of the Wisconsin state park system and is overseen by the Wisconsin DNR.
More Northeast Wisconsin Destinations
Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
Egg Harbor is known as one of the best small towns in America. It boasts a new marina and an expanded, freshly renovated beach.
Door County, Wisconsin
The small towns, quaint surroundings, and nautical feel of Door County, Wisconsin have earned it the name “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
On the western shore of Lake Michigan lies Manitowoc, a community of roughly 35,000 and rich in maritime history.
Carlsville, Wisconsin
Carlsville is located between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor. This small town is home to an impressive amount of famous Door County goods.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is on the southern tip of a narrow estuary off the western coast of Lake Michigan and has great fishing and other activities.
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is a charming historical community that embraces its world famous shipbuilding hub and honors their boat and water heritage.