By COURTNEY CIANDELLA

TRAVELBINGER

Railroads transformed the world. They stitched together cities and continents, turning once-distant destinations into reachable places. While their role in daily transportation has diminished in many regions, their legacy lives on, beautifully preserved in some of the most fascinating railroad museums and heritage railways across the globe.

From cutting-edge bullet trains to steam-powered legends, these destinations offer a rich blend of history, innovation, and nostalgia. Whether through immersive museum exhibits or scenic rides on restored locomotives, each site tells a compelling story of how trains shaped the modern world.

How We Chose These Rail Destinations We selected a diverse mix of railroad museums and heritage railways based on several key factors: historical significance, the quality and uniqueness of their collections, visitor experience, and global representation. These aren’t just places to look at old trains— they’re destinations that bring rail history to life through interactive exhibits, restored locomotives, scenic ride s, and cultural context.

We also considered accessibility, preservation efforts, and the ability to engage a wide range of visitors, from passionate railfans to curious travelers. Sources include official museum sites, travel guides, rail history archives, and recent tourism data.

This list highlights some of the most compelling places worldwide where the story of railroads is still being told— and ridden.

Strasburg Rail Road – Pennsylvania, USA The Strasburg Rail Road is America’s oldest continuously chartered operating railroad, dating back to 1832. This beloved heritage line runs vintage steam locomotives through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, offering scenic views of Amish farmland and rural countryside. It also connects directly to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, making it a must-visit for both casual visitors and serious railfans alike. National Railway Museum – York, England The National Railway Museum in York, England, is one of the most iconic railway museums in the world. Its collection includes the legendary LNER A4 Pacific No. 4468 Mallard— the fastest steam locomotive ever built —reaching 126 mph in 1938.

Housed in a former steam-era roundhouse, the museum’s Great Hall offers a deep dive into Britain’s railway history and global connections. From pioneering engines to sleek express trains, it’s a must-visit for anyone fascinated by the golden age of rail travel.

Train World – Brussels, Belgium Opened in 2015, Train World is Belgium’s official railway museum and one of Europe’s most visually striking. Housed in the historic Schaerbeek station in Brussels, it combines classic architecture with modern design and storytelling.

The museum showcases a range of locomotives, including Pays de Waes, one of Europe’s oldest preserved steam engines. It also features interactive displays and futuristic exhibits imagining the railroads of tomorrow.

National Railroad Museum – Green Bay, USA The National Railroad Museum is Wisconsin’s premier North American destination for train enthusiasts. It’s home to Union Pacific’s massive Big Boy, one of the world’s largest steam locomotives, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower, a British A4 Pacific sister to the Mallard, gifted to the U.S. after WWII.

The museum is expanding with its Fox River Project, adding new interactive exhibits and display space to an impressive collection. Cite du Train Mulhouse, France France boasts a deep railroad legacy, and Mulhouse is home to Europe’s largest and one of its finest rail museums: Cité du Train. Established in 1960 by the French national railway company SNCF, the museum was created to preserve and showcase the country’s rich locomotive history.

Over the decades, Cité du Train has grown into a major destination for train enthusiasts and families alike. It features an extensive collection of engines, carriages, and railway memorabilia. Today, it is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the evolution of France’s railways.

Severn Valley Railway – Shropshire, England The Severn Valley Railway is a 16-mile heritage line running between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster in England. Originally opened in 1862, the line once stretched from Hartlebury to Shrewsbury before closing in 1970. That same year, the Severn Valley Railway Preservation Society began restoring it, section by section.

Today, it’s one of Britain’s premier heritage railways, celebrated for its impressive roster of steam locomotives, including the GWR Hall No. 4930 Hagley Hall and GWR 5700 Class No. 7714. The route features charming stops like Hampton Loade, Highley, Arley, and Bewdley, and its collection of historic carriages—some dating back to the 1930s—offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Britain’s railroading past.

Chattahoochee Valley Railway Trail – Georgia, USA Once a functioning short line serving textile mills along the Georgia– Alabama border, the Chattahoochee Valley Railway has been reborn as a scenic walking and biking trail. Stretching across several miles of former trackbed, the trail preserves the industrial legacy of the region while offering visitors a peaceful, open-air experience. Interpretive signs and remnants of the original rail infrastructure provide a unique blend of recreation and railroad history.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Yorkshire, England Set amid the stunning Yorkshire Moors, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is one of Britain’s largest and most scenic heritage lines. It spans 18 miles from Grosmont to Pickering, with select services continuing to the seaside town of Whitby via a connection with the national rail network.

Along the route, stops include Levisham and the picturesque Goathland station, famous for its role as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films. Remote and surrounded by breathtaking countryside, the NYMR’s isolation only enhances its nostalgic appeal, making it a favorite for railfans and film buffs alike. Kyoto Railway Museum – Kyoto, Japan Japan is renowned for its cutting-edge rail technology— especially the iconic Shinkansen bullet trains—but its railway history stretches well beyond high-speed travel. From steam-powered beginnings to modern marvels, the country’s railroads reflect a deep legacy of innovation and cultural significance.

The Kyoto Railway Museum captures this history beautifully. Located in the heart of Kyoto, it traces the evolution of Japanese rail travel from the 1920s to today. The museum features a wide array of steam locomotives, electric trains, and modern rolling stock, all thoughtfully displayed across expansive indoor and outdoor exhibits. A highlight is the preserved Nijo Station building, which was relocated and integrated into the museum grounds as a symbol of Japan’s rail heritage.

West Somerset Railway – Somerset, England Running through the picturesque countryside of southwest England, the West Somerset Railway is the UK’s longest standard- gauge heritage line. Stretching 22 miles from Bishops Lydeard to the coastal resort town of Minehead, the route offers a charming blend of scenic views and seaside nostalgia. Like many heritage lines, the railway has faced financial challenges in recent years, but its enduring appeal remains strong. Its location in Somerset, a beloved holiday region, continues to draw visitors from across the country, making it a standout destination for families and railway enthusiasts alike.

Madrid Railway Museum – Madrid, Spain The Madrid Railway Museum is the premier destination for a deep dive into Spain’s rich rail history. Housed in the beautifully preserved Delicias station, which first opened in 1880, the museum offers an immersive look at the evolution of Spanish rail travel.

The station itself is a historical landmark—one of the oldest surviving railroad terminals in the country—and provides a striking backdrop to the museum’s extensive collection of locomotives, carriages, and rail memorabilia. Conveniently located near central Madrid, it’s an accessible and rewarding stop for tourists and locals.

Great Central Railway – Leicestershire, England The Great Central Railway is the only preserved heritage line in the UK with double-track operation. Once a highspeed mainline out of London Marylebone, the route has been partially restored by preservationists. Eight miles have been reopened—six of them double-tracked— and further expansion is under discussion.

This unique setup allows the GCR to run simultaneous bidirectional services, setting it apart from other heritage lines where trains must often wait at stations to pass. The result is a more dynamic and authentic experience that echoes the operational feel of Britain’s railway heyday.

The Railway Museum Utrecht, Netherlands The Railway Museum in Utrecht, Netherlands, is the country’s largest and one of the oldest railway museums in the world, having opened its doors in 1927. Over the decades, it has evolved into a modern, immersive attraction, most notably with the 2002 addition of a new building that features four themed “worlds.”

Each section explores a different era of Dutch rail history: The Great Discovery covers the early 19th century, Dream Travels showcases the golden age of rail around 1900, Steel Monsters delves into the powerful locomotives of the 1930s and ’40s, and The Workshop offers a behind-the-scenes look at train maintenance and mechanics. Highlights include the NS 3737, the last steam locomotive operated by Dutch Railways before the end of steam traction.

Exporail – Saint Constant, Quebec, Canada Canada’s largest railway museum, Exporail, is located in Saint-Constant, Quebec, and houses a remarkable collection of over 140 pieces of rolling stock. The museum offers a rich, hands-on exploration of Canadian railroad history, complete with an operating streetcar line and a small heritage railway that gives visitors a taste of travel from a bygone era.

In addition to Canadian locomotives and carriages, Exporail also features international highlights, including France’s SNCF 030-841 3-030.C.841 and British engines like the LB&SCR A1 Class No. 54 Waddon and LNER Class A4 No. 4489 Dominion of Canada—a sister locomotive to the famed Mallard.

Bluebell Railway West Sussex, England Nestled in the heart of West Sussex, the Bluebell Railway operates an 11-mile heritage line between East Grinstead and Sheffield Park. It’s especially renowned for its exceptional collection of Victorian-era locomotives and carriages, including the SECR O1 Class No. 65 and coaches from the historic London, Chatham & Dover and London, Brighton & South Coast railways.

A major milestone is on the horizon: in August 2024, the Bluebell will debut the newly completed Brighton H2 Atlantic No. 32424 Beachy Head—a full working replica of a long-lost steam icon, currently undergoing final testing. It’s the latest chapter in Bluebell’s ongoing mission to bring Britain’s rail history back to life.

Honorable Mentions: More Rail Destinations Worth the Trip We couldn’t include every great railroad experience in the world, but here are a few more destinations that railfans rave about:

■ Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India — This narrow-gauge mountain line is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its switchbacks, loops, and jaw-dropping Himalayan views.

■ DB Museum, Nuremberg, Germany — It is one of Europe’s oldest railway museums, featuring a massive collection that chronicles the evolution of German rail from the 1800s to today.

■ Railway Museum of British Columbia, Squamish, Canada — A hidden gem on the West Coast with a fantastic array of diesel and steam locomotives, cab tours, and maintenance demonstrations.

Riding the Rails Through Time From the whistle of steam engines echoing through mountain valleys to sleek bullet trains speeding across continents, railroads have left an indelible mark on how we travel, connect, and dream. These museums and heritage railways don’t just preserve machinery—they keep stories alive.

Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or just curious about the tracks that helped shape the modern world, these 13 destinations offer a remarkable journey through time, innovation, and culture. So next time you hear the distant hum of a locomotive, remember: the golden age of rail isn’t gone—it’s just waiting at the next station.

( This post originally appeared on Guessing Headlights and was republished with permission.)