Adventure Brief
Discover the world of trains at the National Railroad Museum's Railroading Merit Badge Workshop. Hands-on, historical, and fun—perfect for Scouts and rail enthusiasts alike.
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Discover the world of trains at the National Railroad Museum's Railroading Merit Badge Workshop. Hands-on, historical, and fun—perfect for Scouts and rail enthusiasts alike.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods, but no special physical fitness is required.
Wildlife
History
The National Railroad Museum was established in 1956 and is recognized as the first railroad museum in the United States dedicated to preserving America’s rail heritage.
Conservation
The museum actively promotes sustainable preservation by restoring historic locomotives and advocating for responsible rail tourism.
National Railroad Museum
Discover the world of trains at the National Railroad Museum's Railroading Merit Badge Workshop. Hands-on, historical, and fun—perfect for Scouts and rail enthusiasts alike.
The National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, offers visitors a hands-on introduction to railroading through exhibits, train rides, educational programs, and seasonal events. Located near the Fox River, the Museum provides daily self-guided tours and daily train rides from May to September, enabling guests to experience historic equipment and learn railroading basics. Camp offerings include age-specific programs: Summer Railroad Camp for Locomotive Firemen (ages 5–7), Advanced Engineers (ages 12–18), and a Girls STEM Leadership camp that combines science, sustainability, and a hands-on project with a certificate of achievement.
Programming extends to community and specialty events such as The Great Pumpkin Train with pumpkin-picking, live entertainment, crafts, and family activities, and seasonal celebrations including the Festival of Trees and Holidays On The Rails. Educational opportunities include a six-part Railroading Merit Badge Workshop open to Scouts and adult leaders, a History After Dark lecture series on locomotive and Army rail operations, and an exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour exploring the archives and restoration shop.
The Museum hosts unique fundraisers and dining events like the Dinner Train—scheduled for September 11 and 18—featuring multi-course meals aboard vintage trains while supporting educational programs. Registration and ticketing are available for camps, workshops, special events, and daily admission. The National Railroad Museum emphasizes accessible railroading education and memorable family experiences in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, helping visitors of all ages connect with the technology, safety, and stories of American rail history. On-site staff and volunteers support learning with demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and guided activities for school groups and families.
Location
Ashwaubenon, WI
Near the Fox River
Train Rides
May–September
Daily rides during the season
Experiences
10 Experiences
Camps, workshops, and events
Youth Programs
Ages 5–18
Camps and merit badge workshops
Reserve tickets, enroll in camps, or sign up for workshops and seasonal events — make memories on the rails.
Wear comfortable footwear
Participants will be walking and standing during demonstrations and exhibits, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Bring a notebook
Taking notes during the sessions can help retain detailed information about locomotive mechanics and safety protocols.
Arrive early
Getting to the museum ahead of time ensures you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy all exhibits and participate fully.
Check the weather forecast
Many activities include outdoor train viewing, so dress appropriately for the day’s weather conditions.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking around indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Notebook and pen
Useful for noting down technical details and historical facts.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Prepare for outdoor exposure during train viewing or walking outdoors.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture memories of the vintage locomotives and scenic surroundings.