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Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Nevada Northern Railway. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
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About Nevada Northern Railway
Riding the Nevada Northern Railway offers a steam‑powered journey through the high desert of eastern Nevada, departing from the historic East Ely yards and tracing the original Ely‑McGill alignment across rugged terrain. Operated with ex‑Nevada Northern locomotives #40 (1910 Baldwin 4‑6‑0) and #93 (1909 ALCO 2‑8‑0), the line runs year‑round, featuring seasonal Polar Express, Haunted Ghost Train and Star Train excursions, as well as engineer‑for‑an‑hour programs that let guests handle authentic locomotive controls.
History
The Nevada Northern Railway is built in the first decade of the 20th century, with the Mission‑Revival East Ely depot erected in 1907 as the chief passenger hub for the region’s copper mining traffic. In 1933 the line passes from the Nevada Consolidated Copper Company to the Kennecott Copper Company, which continues operations until passenger service ends in 1941. After freight service ceases, Kennecott donates the East Ely yards and shops to a local nonprofit preservation group in 1983; the state of Nevada then acquires the depot in 1990. The complex receives National Historic Landmark District status on September 27, 2006, and on October 14, 2021 a $10 million federal grant is announced to reopen the historic Ely‑McGill segment.
The Trains
The museum’s fleet runs the original Nevada Northern line with steam locomotives #40—a 1910 Baldwin 4‑6‑0—and #93, a 1909 ALCO 2‑8‑0, while the 2‑8‑0 #81 also returns to service after its 2021 boiler test; the collection further includes an electric locomotive, several diesel‑electric units, the railroad’s historic passenger cars, wood‑side box cars, ore cars, work‑train equipment, the nation’s oldest operating tank car and the oldest coal‑fired steam crane. The heritage railroad operates a short segment of the former Ely‑McGill route, presently running between Ruth and Ely, with plans announced in October 2021 to extend service back to McGill using the original right‑of‑way.
Nearby
The Nevada Northern Railway is a deep-immersion stop on any Nevada rail trip — plan for more than a quick look.
Where to Stay
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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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