CARSON CITY, NV
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationCARSON CITY, NV
- Rating4.7 ★1,379 Google reviews
About Nevada State Railroad Museum
A heritage railroad departs from the Nevada State Railroad Museum’s Boulder City site, traveling a 7‑mile loop that lasts about 45 minutes through historic Hoover Dam‑era scenery. The train, typically hauled by Union Pacific EMD GP30 No 844, lets passengers sit in the locomotive cab, caboose, or even operate the train when reservations allow. Adjacent, a 7½‑inch gauge miniature railway runs for children and adults, echoing full‑size equipment at one‑eighth scale.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Nevada State Railroad 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
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- HoursMonday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum’s heritage railroad runs a 7‑mile, 45‑minute round‑trip on the historic Boulder City Branch Line, the former Union Pacific right‑of‑way acquired in 1985, and is normally hauled by Union Pacific EMD GP30 locomotive No. 844, a turbo‑charged V16 engine rated at 2,250 hp and weighing about 125 tons. In addition, the site operates a 7½‑inch (190.5 mm) gauge miniature railway that runs at one‑eighth scale and accommodates both children and adults.
History
See full history
The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City becomes an agency of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs after the state acquires the Boulder City Branch Line tracks and right‑of‑way from Union Pacific Railroad in 1985. The museum launches its heritage‑railroad passenger excursions in 2002, offering a 7‑mile round‑trip ride that includes cab and caboose experiences. In April 2018, a grade‑separation project completes a new bridge over U.S. Route 93, restoring a continuous link between Boulder City and Henderson that had been lost in 1998.
Around the Depot
Carson City is home to the Nevada State Railroad Museum, a substantial collection worth a deliberate Nevada stop.
Nevada Southern RailwayTrain Ride·★ 4.6 (1483)1 min walkView →Southern Nevada Rail BikesMuseum1 min walkDirections →Depot StoreGift Shop·★ 4.5 (2)1 min walkDirections →Model Railroad CarAttraction·★ 5 (2)1 min walkDirections →Santa TrainAttraction·★ 5 (1)1 min walkDirections →North Pole ExpressAttraction1 min walkDirections →Nevada Southern Live SteamersMuseum1 min walkDirections →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.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Carson City
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nevada State Railroad Museum located?
CARSON CITY, NV 89701
How do I get tickets to Nevada State Railroad Museum?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://www.boulderrailroadmuseum.org/.