The Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City preserves the railroad history that helped build Boulder City and Hoover Dam. Visitors can explore historic locomotives, passenger cars, railroad exhibits, and operating trains along the original Boulder City Branch Line.
The museum’s popular weekend excursion travels approximately 10 miles round trip between Boulder City and Paradise Hills. Passengers can ride in climate-controlled coaches or enjoy the open air aboard restored historic railcars.
Turn your museum visit into a memorable railroad adventure aboard the Nevada Southern Railway. Travel along the historic Boulder City Branch Line aboard restored railroad equipment while taking in the surrounding Southern Nevada desert scenery.
View train schedules, ticket information, ride details, and helpful tips before planning your visit.
Museum operations, exhibits, and departure times are subject to weather, maintenance, staffing, and special-event schedules. Check the official website before visiting.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum operates regularly scheduled excursion trains on Saturdays and Sundays during its regular operating season. The approximately 45-minute journey covers 10 miles round trip along the historic Boulder City Branch Line.
Passengers travel aboard restored railroad equipment pulled by historic diesel-electric locomotives. Depending on availability, seating may include enclosed, climate-controlled passenger coaches and open-air cars.
Regular excursion trains generally operate from September through November and again from January through June. December service is typically replaced by the museum’s popular Santa Trains. Trains are normally suspended during July and August because of extreme heat and for several weeks after Christmas for annual inspection and maintenance.
Admission to the museum is included with a regular excursion train ticket. Fares and operating schedules may change.
Visitors do not need to take a train ride to explore the museum. General museum admission provides access to the Visitor Center, available exhibits, and outdoor railroad displays.
Museum exhibits explore the important role railroads played in developing Nevada, constructing Hoover Dam, and connecting communities throughout the region. Displays may include:
The outdoor pavilion contains two tracks of preserved locomotives and rolling stock. Exhibit availability may vary due to restoration work, staffing, or special museum activities.
The museum’s Live Steamers attraction features a miniature 7.5-inch-gauge railroad. Rides last approximately 10 minutes and are generally included with museum admission or an excursion train ticket.
Live Steamer rides are typically offered on the second and fourth Saturdays from February through June and September through December, depending on weather and volunteer staffing. Operations may be canceled during periods of excessive heat.
A limited number of locomotive cab rides may be offered at the engineer’s discretion. Cab rides generally cost $40 and are available to guests age 7 and older.
The historic locomotive cab is not air-conditioned, and availability cannot be guaranteed. Ask museum staff about cab rides when you arrive.
Limited caboose rides may be offered for approximately $25 at the brakeman’s discretion. Availability varies according to operating conditions and staffing.
Volunteer model railroaders operate displays inside the historic Union Pacific Harriman Chair Car No. 1342. Displays include an HO-scale interpretation of the old Boulder City rail yard and 1930s Las Vegas, along with O-scale railroad scenery.
The model railroad exhibit is generally free to visit and may be open on weekends from approximately 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., depending on volunteer availability.
The museum presents special train rides and family activities throughout the year. Seasonal offerings may include holiday trains, themed excursions, and community events.
Popular experiences include:
The museum is located along Boulder City Parkway, approximately 30 miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip.
From Las Vegas or Henderson: Take I-11/US-93/US-95 south toward Boulder City. Exit onto Boulder City Parkway, turn left onto Yucca Street, and then make an immediate right onto Six Companies Drive to reach the Visitor Center parking area.
From Arizona: Travel north on I-11/US-93, take the Boulder City exit, turn right onto Boulder City Parkway, and follow the signs into the museum property.
Onsite visitor parking is available. Review posted signs and special-event instructions when arriving.
View the Vegas4Locals Las Vegas Parking Guide.
Guests who require accessible train boarding, seating, or additional assistance should contact the museum before visiting. Historic railroad equipment may have narrow aisles, steps, and other physical limitations.
Outdoor exhibits may involve walking over paved areas and surfaces near railroad tracks. Museum staff can provide current information about accessible areas and available accommodations.
Q: Where is the Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City?
A: The museum is located at 1000 Boulder City Parkway in Boulder City, Nevada.
Q: How much does it cost to visit the museum?
A: General museum admission is $5 for adults, while children are admitted free. Regular excursion train tickets include museum admission.
Q: How much are the train rides?
A: Regular excursion tickets are generally $15 for adults and $6 for children. Children age 3 and younger ride free but still require a ticket for capacity.
Q: How long is the train ride?
A: The regular excursion lasts approximately 45 minutes and travels about 10 miles round trip.
Q: When do the trains operate?
A: Regular trains generally depart Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Seasonal events and maintenance may affect the schedule.
Q: Are veterans admitted free?
A: Veterans may receive free admission or train tickets with qualifying identification. Confirm the current policy with the museum before visiting.
Q: Is the railroad museum suitable for children?
A: Yes. The train rides, historic equipment, miniature railroad, and seasonal activities make the museum a popular family destination.
Q: Does the museum operate trains during summer?
A: Regular excursion trains are normally suspended during July and August because of extreme Southern Nevada heat. The museum’s indoor and outdoor exhibits may remain available during regular museum hours.
Q: Are tickets required in advance?
A: Advance reservations are recommended, especially for holiday trains, Halloween excursions, and other special events that may sell out.
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