galesburg railroad museum

387PaulD

Lot's of old railroad memorabilia and train souvenirs you can purchase. Tour an old steam engine and caboose and take a trip to the past.

NormanS766

I like trains, I like museums, I work in one but thank goodness not this one. Most railroad museums in old train stations are disorganized and full of stuff (junk) that has meaning only to the RR buff and I accept that. But this museum was exceptional; and mostly because, in a space some 40' x 70', it had over 28 no photo signs along with a dozen other NO signs. There were so many signs they blocked the exhibits! However, the tour and guide made the stop worth the time. He both knew a lot and responded well to questions.

jojofrance2009

The museum is impeccably clean and organized, the hostess was extremely knowledgeable, and we considered ourselves very privileged to be able to tour all of the railroad cars (Pullman, sleeper, caboose, locomotive) and sit at the wheel of the 1930 steam locomotive as our expert guide Jim told us tales of his days on the CB&Q railroad. Just a huge, huge treat. Also learned a great deal about the trains coming through the station during our visit. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed, but every question was answered fully - it was a huge learning opportunity. Ken Burns needs to give these guys a look-see; the museum and visit are a historical gem of another era.

JJN96

The collection of railroad cars and railroad memorabilia is impressive. If you are a railroad or history buff, there is lots to take in at this museum. The tour through the old railroad cars is worth the price of admission.

jpeter4798

The museum is housed in the old CB&Q depot in downtown Galesburg. There are many displays of railroad memorabilia, timetables, equipment, uniforms, etc. Adjacent to the museum is a short train consisting of a restored steam locomotive, railway post office, and pullman car. There is an old caboose on an adjacent track. I'm a model railroader, and the tour guides know their stuff. Got a good history lesson of railroading in Galesburg (still sees about 160 trains and 6 Amtrak trains daily). Adjacent to the Galesburg Amtrak station and across the street from the Packinghouse Restaurant - good spot for lunch and dinner.

jenmarie35

We stopped here after visiting the Discovery Depot across the street. I was amazed at the amount of artifacts, and just overall information. They had each area set up according to certain jobs related to the railroad. It is not very kid-friendly so keep that in mind. We will be back another time without our little one so we can really look at all of the displays. They did have a model train going which my son could have watched for hours. It had just rained so we were not allowed on the trains outside. Disappointing but understandable. Just one more reason to go back.

992AmandaP

This little museum is a great stop for anyone who enjoys railroad history, American small town history, and supporting volunteers.The museum is small, but full of information. The woman working inside the museum guided us through the exhibits, which was nice. We learned more than we would have by looking at everything ourselves.Outside, we were guided through a Pullman sleeper car, a restored mail car, a steam locomotive, and a caboose in working order. So many train museums have old trains that are in disrepair and closed off from public view. It was nice to be able to walk through these cars and see what it was like when they were in operation.It will probably only take a few hours to get through the whole thing. I would NOT recommend bringing small children. This is something for older kids and adults.

optimuscamper

A small, but very well thought out train museum. I agree that it is a true labor of love. If you do not love rail history, then maybe go elsewhere. We enjoyed the guided tour of the Museum and the locomotive, train cars, and caboose. We learned a lot and had fun. The volunteers were awesome and truly loved serving their community. As for the complainers .... What have you done for your community? The museum is a story of America and how the railroad built our county. So if you love America and Trains chug your caboose into the Galesburg Train Museum!

843billm

The first thing to consider about this museum is the fact that it is funded by private donations. No public, or very little public funds are used in its operation.It is a museum built by retired rail workers and rail fans. It is entirely staffed by volunteers. Their collection is outstanding and their enthusiasm for the community is unmatched. They are located in the heart of Galesburg near unique shopping and dining. So, hop on Amtrak and pay a visit. They are open April to October or by appointment.

Marie_LouiseK_13

This was the second time at the museum and we enjoyed the visit a lot. It had changed a bit since ´the first visit a few years ago so it was a bit different. One of the volunteer guides showed us the rail cars outisde. An excellent guided tour! Really nice! At the front desk you can also buy some souvenirs. Reasonable enrance fee. The museum is located just at the railroad station

GarminGirl

What a disappointment we found this attraction. Not only were the outside attractions closed but the entire inside was one sign after another telling us why not to do. These signs totally distracted us from seeing anything that might have been interesting or worthwhile. This is not the way to encourage young people or anyone for that matter to be interested in this museum. You would have to be a true train enthusiast to enjoy the museum.

loftypat

The outdoor tour of the cars is fascinating. You really come to understand what life on the rails is like.

McBible

We were in town "railroad week" but the railcar exhibit was still being worked on. Like many "rust belt" attractions it seems overpriced, probably because it is underfunded.