Nevada Northern Railway Tour — East Ely, Nevada

Discover the Nevada Northern Railway Tour in Nevada

Located in East Ely, Nevada, the Nevada Northern Railway Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a fully preserved early 20th-century railroad complex. This immersive Railway & Railyard Tour explores historic steam locomotives, original machine shops, rail yards, and maintenance facilities that once supported Nevada’s copper mining industry. Guests can tour the working shops, ride vintage trains, and see restoration projects in action.
Why it’s special: Nevada Northern Railway is one of the best-preserved short line railroads in the United States, with original buildings, equipment, and operating steam locomotives still on site.

History & Story of the Nevada Northern Railway

The Nevada Northern Railway was built in 1905–1906 to serve the booming copper mines near Ely. For decades, it transported ore, supplies, and passengers across eastern Nevada. Unlike many industrial railroads that were dismantled, Nevada Northern remained largely intact after operations ceased. Today, it operates as a museum and heritage railroad, preserving authentic locomotives, railcars, and machine shops from the early industrial era.

What You’ll See & Do on the Nevada Northern Railway Tour

• Tour historic steam locomotives and diesel engines

• Explore the original machine shop and blacksmith shop

• Walk through rail yards and maintenance facilities

• Learn how railroads supported Nevada’s mining economy

• Ride a heritage train on select scheduled excursions

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits and optional train rides; special programs may allow cab experiences.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout museum grounds and rail yard areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Museum gift shop offering railroad memorabilia, apparel, books, and model trains.

Pricing of the Nevada Northern Railway Tour

Adult price: $10 per adult (museum admission)
Heritage train rides: Starting at $15 per adult
Special excursions and cab rides are priced separately.

Visiting information

Duration: 60–120 minutes depending on activities
Age limits: All ages welcome
Accessibility: Partially accessible; uneven surfaces in rail yard and shop areas
Working hours: Open Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sunday–Monday Closed. Train rides operate on scheduled days.

Nearby

• White Pine Public Museum

• Great Basin National Park (short drive)

• Downtown Ely Historic District

FAQs About Visiting the Nevada Northern Railway Tour

Can I ride a steam locomotive?
Yes. Steam-powered train rides are offered on select scheduled dates throughout the year.

Are the machine shops original?
Yes. The original early 1900s machine and blacksmith shops are preserved and open to visitors.

Do I need separate tickets for train rides?
Yes. Museum admission and train rides are ticketed separately.

Is the railway still operational?
Yes. While no longer serving mining operations, it operates as a working heritage railroad.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Families enjoy the locomotives, train rides, and interactive displays.