During the Nevada State Legislature Special Session, funding for the Nevada State Railroad Museum’s proposed Visitor Center was approved (via AB1). This was great news for the museum and the city, which benefits from the tourism generated by the visits to the museum. The Chamber of Commerce estimates another nearly $1 million will result in annual sales directly from patronage at the museum.
The new center will include a passenger loading platform and welcome plaza. There will also be expanded parking for busses and large vehicles, bike racks, and improved access to the facility. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid- to late-2024 and conclude with an opening to the public in early 2026. Some of the amenities include (per their website):
Exhibits in the new building will include a mix of informative panels, display cases housing artifacts, documents, models, and hands-on activities that interpret the history and technology of railroading in Nevada. The permanent exhibit explores the role of railroads in Nevada’s mining booms, constructing Hoover Dam and Boulder City, railroad operations at the Nevada Test Site, and the myriad ways railroads continue to support our state. A projection map theater will allow visitors to journey by rail through time exploring key themes from the permanent exhibit.
“This is an exciting step for the museum!” said museum director Dr. Christopher MacMahon. “This project allows the museum to expand its educational and preservation missions in ways it cannot presently accomplish while continuing to be a valuable partner in the community.”
The museum is located at 601 Yucca Street and is open to the public most days from 9:00AM to 3:30PM, with rides on the weekends (check the website for times – June through September are subject to weather conditions). For more information about the Nevada State Railroad Museum, you can go to their website by clicking HERE.
