Located in historic Boulder City approximately 25 miles south of Las Vegas, the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum—operated by the Nevada State Railroad Museum located in Carson City—provides visitors with an up close and personal history of the locomotive in the Silver State that is highlighted by a magical train ride that details the history of the area and the construction of the iconic Hoover Dam. If you are a train enthusiast, this is the perfect outing for you.
The Nevada Southern Railway is located at 601 Yucca Street in Boulder City.
Daniel S./Yelp
Trains travel along the exact tracks that were installed to support construction of Hoover Dam. The state of Nevada obtained the tracks and right of way from the Union Pacific Railroad in 1985.
Nevada Southern Railway Live Steamers/Facebook
The ride is seven miles round trip from Boulder City to Railroad Pass Casino and back. The entire excursion takes about 45 minutes.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Guests will ride in refurbished Pullman coaches while listening to the history of Boulder City, Hoover Dam, and the railroad itself. In addition to the recorded narration, volunteers dressed in historic railroad attire are available to share fun facts and answer any questions during the ride.
billy kerr/Flickr
Visitors also have the option of riding in open air cars. These cars provide the best photo opportunities.
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Riders will be able to see planes taking off and landing at the Boulder City airport, enjoy the lush greenery of the area’s golf course, and even see a solar panel farm.
billy kerr/Flickr
Riders will also enjoy close-up views of the arid southwestern desert and even pass so closely by a mountainside that they can almost touch it!
Klaus Nahr/Flickr
The train chugs on by beautiful Lake Mead where riders can see the historic Boulder City Railroad Tunnel Trail. These tunnels were used to transport materials used to construct Hoover Dam.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
After the ride, visitors can check out the vintage trains at the museum. A complimentary ride takes visitors from the railway to the museum. A gift shop is also on the premises.
Mari Y./Yelp
Kids of all ages can even ride this tiny replica train.
Mari Y./Yelp
During the winter holiday season, the train is decorated, making the ride even more magical.
Laurie V./Yelp
In fact, one never knows who might be riding along.
Joe G./Yelp
The railway is open everyday from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. For more information such as directions and ticket prices, please call (702) 486-5933.
Daniel S./Yelp
Nevada Southern Railway Live Steamers/Facebook
Travel Nevada/Flickr
billy kerr/Flickr
Paul N./Yelp
Klaus Nahr/Flickr
Mari Y./Yelp
Laurie V./Yelp
Joe G./Yelp
Have you visited this amazing historic museum and ridden the magical train ride? Please share your experiences below.
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