Pioneer Park

PO BOX 801
Rhinelander, WI

Rhinelander Railroad Museum and Model Railroad

Welcome to the Rhinelander Railroad Museum and Model Railroad Layout! This is a free public museum for your viewing pleasure and information.

We hope you will enjoy your visit to the railroad museum, and ask that you sign the visitor register upstairs, before you exit the depot.

Rhinelander has a rich railroad history. Ever since the first Milwaukee Lakeshore and Western Railway (C&NW) train arrived in Rhinelander on November 9, 1882, the local people have realized the importance of preserving these memories. The narrow gauge 2-8-0 Baldwin locomotive is an example of having retained a piece of the past to be shown for generations to come.

In the spirit of preserving the history of this region some very hard working people have constructed this museum for you to view. You can be part of this effort, every person has been affected by railroads through personal, family, or friends experiences. Let these experiences be the reasons for you to give your time and effort to help this museum survive and grow.

The Rhinelander Railroad Association deals with both model railroads and actual railroading equipment. Additional equipment is being added each year. Every person has something to contribute to leave their mark on this museum and leave a piece of their spirit behind for others to view.

The Railroad Museum has added two Fairmont motorcars, a 1945 M9G and a 1975 MT14, both cars are in operating condition and rides are given at no charge when a operator is available. To this date, over 15,000 rides have been given.

THE DEPOT

Was built in 1892 by the Soo Line RR, and remained in constant railroad service until 1989 when it was sold for $1 to the City of Rhinelander by the then operator, Wisconsin Central Ltd. Railroad. After its move from the downtown yard to its present location in 1990, volunteers began the painstaking task of restoring the building to it's original appearance. As you enter the building you will find yourself in the men's waiting room, to your right you will find the telegrapher's office, followed by the women's and children waiting room, and finally the baggage room. The reason for the separate waiting rooms was due to the high volume of loggers who had been in the woods for several months without having had a bath. The depot is full of pictures and artifacts that came from the area, most of these are from retired railroad workers of the families.

THE MODEL RAILROAD DISPLAY

Is located ion the basement under the depot. It is a representation of the prototype railroads operating in Rhinelander in the 1920's - 1940's. The layout is a very reasonable and accurate representation of the SOO Line, C&NW, and Thunder Lake operations in Rhinelander during that period. The model was built and is maintained by the Rhinelander Rail Association. Physical construction to the layout began in 1995.

The display features three railroads, the Soo Line, the Chicago & Northwestern, and the Thunder Lake Logging Railroad.