Field trips are a wonderful way to supplement lessons by providing students hands-on opportunities in an exciting and thought provoking environment. The National Railroad Museum continually develops educational programs, including lectures series, tours, and standards based school and outreach programs, to meet the needs of students, teachers, and adult learners—many of which may be tailored to the group’s needs. Feel free to contact the Director of Education for any questions regarding on-site programs. Our current offerings are below.
Learning Locomotive, 3 – 7 year old program
Take a Trip on the Learning Locomotive is an interactive program aimed toward pre-school and early grade school children to educate them about railroads and railroad safety. This one to two hour-long program includes a short story featuring trains, a talk about the different types of trains and train cars as well as their purpose, and a discussion about railroad safety. All portions of the program will be punctuated with hands-on models and activities that will allow the child to role play, touch, and interact with their parents and caretakers. This program is available at the National Railroad Museum as well as to those desiring outreach programs.
General Tours, all ages
Students of all ages have the opportunity to explore railroad and American history through guided and self-guided tours of the Museum. Guided fifty minute tours include a person tour with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Students will have the opportunity to interact with docents who teach about the history of early railroading and passenger service. Guides will also interpret the history surrounding some of our beautifully restored train cars and engines as students have the chance to explore their interiors. A film about the Union Pacific 4017, “Big Boy” engine or a train safety film will accompany the tour. During May through September, students will also receive a ride on one of three engines around the Museum’s grounds as they are introduced to fun railroad history.
Lecture Series and Special Events
Lecture Series and Special Events, held on weekends and evenings, are another way to introduce students to the American and railroad history. These interactive programs allow the student to delve into specific topics through programs that feature music, oral history, lecture, food, movies, and more. The topics are ever changing and can always be found on our events calendar.
Scheduling and payment
Scheduling and payment for field trips may be arranged through the Museum Store at (920) 437 – 7623 x 24 or at jdfrank@nationalrrmuseum.org.
Highlights Tour -- Schools
$3.50 per student (Ages 1 - 4)
$5.00 per student (K - 8 grades)
$7.50 per student (9-12 grades, College)
One chaperon per ten students may attend free of charge.
Learning Locomotive
(10:00 a.m., 1:00 a.m., Monday - Friday)
$6.00 per student
Adult Tours
$7.50 per person