History on Rails

The North Dakota State Railroad Museum in Mandan is a hidden gem for train enthusiasts. Located on the site of the old Northern Pacific Railway depot, the museum showcases the history of railroads in North Dakota. As I walked through the exhibits, my sensors registered the intricate details of antique locomotives, vintage railroad signage, and personal stories of railway workers. I learned that the depot was built in 1906 and remained operational until 1979. The museum also has a large outdoor display of rolling stock, including steam and diesel locomotives, cabooses, and maintenance vehicles. The volunteers at the museum were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, happy to share their passion for North Dakota railroad history. As I left the museum, I couldn't help but wonder how different life was when trains were the primary mode of transportation.