PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS
CORNERSTONE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT
"Holocaust Rails" Exhibition
Now open! Brought to you by and in partnership with Tolerance Week (toleranceweek.org), upon entering the exhibit visitors will be transported to another time. Surrounded by numerous artifacts and displays, coupled with real first-hand accounts from survivors, a timeline of events detailing the lead up on through to the aftermath of the Holocaust will be presented. The centerpiece of the exhibit is replica railcar, signifying the journey that was taken to the camps during World War II. Following the tour of the exhibit, it is the hope that visitors will have a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust and why it is important to continue education on the subject for future generations.
Steam Locomotive No. 1355 – “Ironhorse”
A highlight of your visit is the restored Steam Locomotive No. 1355, better known as “Ironhorse.” Originally built in 1909, it too is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as nationally significant for its mechanical and technological attributes. Rebuilt in 1924 by the Great Northern Railway, it’s the sole surviving member of a class of H5 steam locomotives that were rebuilt with state-of-the-art steam technologies of the time. It was retired from service in 1955 and given to Sioux City as a token of thanks for the city’s support of the railroad. The city’s desire to remove it from its downtown location in 1984 was the catalyst for the organization and Railroad Museum’s creation.
Grand Scale Train Rides
Our Grand Scale Train ride – named the “Sioux City & Dakota Railroad” – gives guests a ride throughout the Historic District and museum grounds. Modeled after the Milwaukee Road's famous Olympian Hiawatha
line, the train can hold up to 32 passengers included an ADA accessible car. The near mile-long journey on the miniature train takes you in and around the complex's many physical features. The trip includes Cargill Station, a small bridge, track diamond, several grade crossings. and much more. The train will take you by places you likely won’t see on the walking tour.
Machine & Blacksmith Shop Buildings
Guests can learn about out our industrial heritage by observing many different types of machinery that would have been used by shopmen and trade workers long ago. This includes a newly restored Corliss Steam Engine that has been brought back to life by our volunteers. In addition, a new railroad safety exhibit will give guests the opportunity to observe from an engineer's perspective while learning how to be safe around railroads.
Model Railroad Exhibit
The Nebraska Central Model Railroad exhibit is a must-see part of your museum experience. The 75-foot- by 15-foot HO-scale model railway was originally built for the founder of Godfather’s Pizza and was located in home in Omaha, Nebraska until 1993. It was then displayed at the Durham Museum in Omaha before finding its home in our Civil Engineering Exhibit Hall. While in the back room there are also two large "O" scale layouts with interactive sections that our volunteers proudly built themselves.
Gilchrist Theatre & Learning Center
While out on your tour be sure to stop at the Gilchrist Theater to view a short video highlighting Sioux City’s railroad history and the lifespan of the museum complex. The theatre in addition to the Gilchrist Learning Center (Car Shop Building) also serves as a host for guest speakers, presentations, seminars, and provides an opportunity to showcase the museum's continuing documentary series.
Hands-On Experiences, Educational Programs
Free School Tours & Outreach Presentations
We provide free educational group tours to students, from preschool through college and even lifelong learning programs. In addition to a tour of our historic property and exhibits, classes can choose one of many STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) presentations. The museum also provides outreach presentations to community organizations.
"Be an Engineer" Experience
Groups of up to four people can share a two-hour experience in the cab of our 1943 General Electric 45-ton switcher locomotive. After an hour of instruction by our trained engineer and conductor, each person can get in the engineer’s seat and take it for a spin. Only those 18 and older can operate the locomotive, but younger children can ride with an adult. Reservations are required. Cost is $75 per engineer and $15 per passenger. *Program has been postponed for the time being due to maintenance*
"Railyard Talks"
Learning should never stop. With this program we invite guest speakers to present and discuss a variety of topics pertaining to history, the railroads, as well as other outside interests. These are free to attend unless advertised otherwise.
"The Roundhouse Story" Series
This series will cover the life and times of stories behind the 63 years (1917 - 1980) of the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic Districts rich railroad history. From the workers that built the massive railroad facility to the daily lives of the employees who worked here. The series will be presented by Larry Obermeyer, author of the districts National Register nomination.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE TO COMING DOWN THE TRACK.....
