Massachusetts tourist railroads you must visit include a restored country depot to a National Historical Park and everything in between in the Bay State. Here’s our list of must-see tourist railroads, museums, and displays — for almost every region in Massachusetts.
Chatham Railroad Museum
This restored country depot is situated on its original site. Museum exhibits feature hundreds of railroad artifacts from the Chatham Railroad Company and other railroads, including a restored 1910 New York Central caboose and telegraph instruments. It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from mid-June to mid-September.
Location: 153 Depot Road, Chatham
Phone: 508-945-5780
Website: chathamrailroadmuseum.com
Edaville Family Theme Park
This is a family fun park with a 2-mile train ride through a 1,300-acre cranberry plantation. It operates both a steam engine and a diesel locomotive. There is a variety of amusement rides and an indoor play area. It is open daily in the summer; on weekends in the spring and fall. Check the website for special events.
Location: 5 Pine Street Carver
Phone: 508-866-8190
Website: edaville.com
E-mail: info@edaville.com
Lowell National Historical Park
The park includes a variety of structures related to the industry, 5.6 miles of canals, and restored mill buildings. It displays a Boston & Maine 0-6-0 Manchester locomotive built in 1910, a combine car, and several open-air trolleys. Trolley tours as well as several boat tours are available, except in winter. You can also take in the National Streetcar Museum, which is across from the park’s visitor center.
Location: 115 John Street, Lowell
Phone: 978 970-5000
Website: nps.gov/lowe
E-mail: Form on website
Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum
The museum features a 15-minute ride on restored trolley car No. 10, which was built in 1896. For an added fee, and with a little instruction, you can become an instant motorman and run No. 10 yourself. Pump car rides are also available. The museum displays railroad and trolley artifacts and a caboose. It is open Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. from late May through October and also Mondays 1 p.m.-5 p.m. in July and August.
Location: 14 Depot Street, Shelburne Falls
Phone: 413-625-9443
Website: sftm.org
E-mail: trolley@sftm.org
