Museum of the American Railroad

Dallas & the Panhandle Plains


One of the best collections of historic railroad locomotives and cars in the country moved to Frisco in 2013. Some famous locomotives and train cars are on display outside; however, visits can require some advance planning. Due to museum construction, at times you can't self-guide your way around the site and instead have to go on a guided tour, which may only happen a few times per week. Check details in advance.

When you can get in, the huge collection includes a Union Pacific Big Boy, one of the very largest steam locomotives ever built. Note that tours may depart from the Frisco Heritage Museum (6455 Page St), which is about half a mile north of the trains and which has a small exhibit about the museum's holdings.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dallas & the Panhandle Plains attractions

1. Star

2.3 MILES

Only the Dallas Cowboys could find a way to turn their training facility into a money-making machine. Thanks to a generous gift of land and subsidies by…

2. Chestnut Square Historic Village

13.35 MILES

A collection of old buildings from around McKinney. Highlights include the Faires House, an 1854 house made from wood. Other buildings date from the 1870s…

3. Southfork Ranch

14.58 MILES

Who shot JR? Locals certainly no longer care (the TV drama Dallas was cancelled in 1992), but that doesn't stop interstate and international visitors from…

4. Courthouse on the Square Museum

17.95 MILES

By day, pop into the Courthouse on the Square Museum inside the grandiose 1896 former courthouse for local lore and an amazing display of art created with…

5. Grapevine Blacksmith Shop

20.16 MILES

Just east of the historic Cotton Belt train station, this is a fascinating place to watch genial blacksmiths demonstrate their craft.

6. Grapevine Historical Society

20.19 MILES

This well-funded museum has impressive quarters in the 1940 Grapevine Ice Company building next to the Visitor Information Center. It has excellent…

8. Meadows Museum

21.31 MILES

Located on the Southern Methodist University campus, this museum exhibits perhaps the best and most comprehensive collection of Spanish art outside of…