If you have a soft spot for choo-choos, then take a drive over to the Chatham Railroad Museum. It’s a treasure trove of memorabilia big and small, starting with the building itself.
The museum is housed in the original 1887 railroad depot, a design style called “Railroad Gothic.” The depot served the community for nearly 50 years and has been a museum for more than 55 years. Beautifully restored, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
In establishing the museum, its first director Frank Love, a former New York Central Railroad executive, contacted 62 railroad presidents (amazing there were that many!) requesting items for display. Today visitors can view thousands of artifacts including original lanterns, signs, telegraph equipment, menus, and more. A real treat is a restored 1910 wood-sided caboose that traveled more than one million miles en route between New York City and Chicago. An audio system adds interest with realistic sounds of whistle blowing and brake squealing.
Chatham Railroad Museum
153 Depot Road, Chatham, MA
508-945-5100
Open mid-June to mid-September
Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admittance is free, though donations are requested
Two other train-centric places are also worth a visit. The Nauset Model Railroad Club brings together enthusiasts at their home base in Orleans and hosts open houses at various times throughout the year. And for the young at heart—be sure to stop by Snows Home Store, also in Orleans, to check out their interactive train display.
These are just three of many great outings here on the Cape. Give us a call at the Inn and we can help you plan a stay!