The Nevada State Railroad Museum, Boulder City held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Visitor Center on Friday, December 6 with local staff and dignitaries in attendance. In 1991, the museum’s maintenance facility opened at the Yucca Street site and they began receiving various railroad machinery for repair and restoration. In 2002, the trains began running at the site. The goal of the future museum is to preserve and teach the history of railroads in Southern Nevada. Railroads, of course, were instrumental to the construction of Hoover Dam, as well as a popular way of traveling to the west.
Rafael Construction was the successful bidder for the project and construction will begin soon. It is estimated that construction will take approximately 15 months to complete with a proposed grand opening in the spring or summer of 2026.
Dan Thielen, Administrator for Museums and History for the State of Nevada provided the opening remarks to the assembled crowd of about 75 people. Stavros Anthony, the Lieutenant Governor then presented Mr Thielen with a proclamation recognizing the department’s efforts in developing the museum and obtaining funding for the visitor center. Also on hand from the state was Dr Christopher MacMahon, who is the director of the museum.
Some of the elected officials who also turned out for the historic groundbreaking were Dr Joseph Hardy, mayor of Boulder City as well as council members Denise Ashurst (elect), Sherri Jorgensen, and Steve Walton. State representative for District 23, which covers Boulder City, Danielle Gallant was also on hand with her service dog, Bendy. Jill Rowland Lagan, the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce CEO, who has been instrumental in promoting tourism here was also in attendance. Several members of the Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum looked on as well.
We can’t wait to see the new visitor center take shape! It will provide a rich look at the history of area and provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to learn more about our wonderful community.
