Chandler, AZ
Photo by Tony the Marine (talk), via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
About Arizona Railway Museum
The museum sits amid Tumbleweed Park in Chandler, where restored Southern Pacific and Union Pacific equipment lines a paved outdoor display. Visitors walk among historic locomotives, including Southern Pacific Locomotive No. SP 2562 and Tender No. 8365, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a railroad steam‑wrecking crane with its tool car. Open Saturdays and Sundays from September through May, admission is free, and the site operates without public train rides.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- Chandler, AZ
- Rating
- 4.7 ★ 313 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Arizona Railway Museum. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking
- Free lot · paid lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum’s outdoor collection includes Southern Pacific Railroad Locomotive No. SP 2562, its paired Tender No. 8365, and a historic railroad steam‑wrecking crane with an attached tool car. All pieces are displayed on the restored SP/UP track within Tumbleweed Park, and the museum offers free admission on Saturdays and Sundays from September through May, though no public train rides are operated.
History
See full history
The Arizona Railway Museum begins its story in 1983, when a group of rail enthusiasts incorporated the organization as a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Arizona’s railroad heritage. Situated in Chandler, the museum establishes itself as an outdoor facility within Tumbleweed Park, focusing on the restoration of Southern Pacific and Union Pacific rolling stock. Since its inception, the museum operates on a seasonal schedule, opening to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from September through May with free admission.
Around the Depot
Arizona's Arizona Railway Museum sits about 19 mi from both the Scottsdale Railroad Museum and McCormick Railroad Park — three stops within easy reach.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities near Chandler
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
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