You will find the Great Plains Transportation Museum located in downtown Wichita, Kansas, right beside an active railroad and directly across the street from the city's former train station, Union Station. The museum is also home to the Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame. If you are a railroad enthusiast or curious traveler, you can explore a fascinating collection of vintage and modern rail equipment.
The museum features six locomotives—including the Santa Fe steam locomotive 3768, the Santa Fe diesel locomotive 93, and an electric locomotive—along with various historic railroad cars such as cabooses, a drovers’ car, a tank car, a box car, maintenance of way equipment, and a heavyweight baggage car. During your visit, you can step outdoors to see the outdoor displays, board selected rail cars and locomotives, and even manipulate their controls yourself. Inside, you will discover indoor exhibits, memorabilia, railroading books, and a gift shop.
Whether you attend their annual Railfest event to enjoy interactive activities and potential short train rides, or simply visit to immerse yourself in Kansas' rich railroad heritage, this authentic museum offers an engaging hands-on look at historic rolling stock.
What to see at Great Plains Transportation Museum
- Board actual locomotives and cars to manipulate controls yourself
- See the Santa Fe steam locomotive #3768 and diesel locomotive #93
- Explore indoor displays, railroading memorabilia, and books
- Visit the official home of the Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame
- Attend annual events like Railfest for interactive activities and train rides
Visiting tips
Plan your trip around the annual Railfest event if you want the opportunity to purchase short rides on real locomotives or rail cars.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During Railfest
How to get there & what’s nearby
Great Plains Transportation Museum is easy to reach on Wichita’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sedgwick County Zoo and Wichita Art Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Wichita travel guide.
See the full Wichita travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.