Nevada State Railroad Museum—Boulder City

The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City effortlessly preserves the heritage of the fascinating Boulder Branch Line, commissioned by the San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad (SPLASL) in 1931 to haul the literal tons of equipment and material needed to construct the massive Hoover Dam. In addition to the rotating and permanent displays of restored railroad equipment that once operated on Nevada’s train tracks, the museum offers weekend train rides on the original line laid down by the SPLASL.

Visiting the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City

This unmatched Las Vegas-area attraction takes visitors on a trip along the tracks of southern Nevada’s colorful past aboard refurbished and air-conditioned Harriman Coaches that date all the way back to 1911. If you want to be one with the elements, not to worry—the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City offers an open-air coach, which is best enjoyed in the spring or autumn months. Another highlight of the museum is the model railroad display on the station platform, housed in a 1914 Union Pacific Harriman chair car, which showcases two model railroads at HO and O scales.

Additional artifacts on display at the Nevada State Railroad Museum—Boulder City include the stately Union Pacific Locomotive 264, the Pacific Lumber Company Locomotive 35, and Union Pacific Caboose 3505. Visitors can also see a Kennecott Copper Jordan Spreader and the impressive setup of Railway Post Office 2314. A permanent gallery details Hoover Dam’s fascinating railroad story, and rotating exhibits feature Amtrak locomotives and a replica stagecoach.

Train Rides in Boulder City

On most Saturdays and Sundays (barring extreme summer temperatures), take a relaxing train ride during morning and afternoon hours. The scenic seven-mile journey travels along the eastern end of the Boulder Branch Line and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Throughout the experience, passengers can take in stunning views of the sprawling El Dorado Valley, the McCollough and River Mountain ranges, and abundant Mojave Desert plant life along the way.

Plan ahead and reserve your family’s spots on one of the themed train rides throughout the year. Don your favorite costume for the Halloween Express, meet the man himself on a daytime Santa Train or evening Boulder City North Pole Express, or partake in arts and crafts on the Story Time Train.

Searching for an even more immersive experience? Consider becoming “Engineer for an Hour,” where you’ll man the controls of a diesel locomotive. This program is only available for ages 18 and up, but cab rides—where you ride with the engineer and head brakeman in the cab of the locomotive—are an option for anyone at least 7 years old.

Rail Bike Tours

Become the conductor of your own pedal-powered outing on a Boulder City Rail Bike Tour. Up to four people can literally ride the rails on an 8-mile round trip that takes approximately 90 minutes. A guide also follows along, sharing details about the region’s historic rail lines and answering questions.

If you prefer a leisure trip, use the rail bike’s electric motors for pedaling assistance. Want more of a challenge? Turn the motors off and go fully human powered. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as Boulder City Rail Bike Tours book up quickly.