History comes to life this summer at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, where visitors can enjoy immersive tours, kid-friendly exhibits, and scenic train rides in the heart of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley.
Railway History Campus Tour & Train Ride
Every Saturday at 9:00 AM, the Museum hosts an educator-led experience at the Railway History Campus (RHC), located at 9320 Stone Quarry Road in Snoqualmie.
Designed for guests ages 13 and older, this behind-the-scenes tour begins inside the 25,000-square-foot Train Shed Exhibit Hall, home to large-scale artifacts, railway exhibits, and interactive displays exploring how trains shaped the region. Highlights include a visit to Chapel Car 5: Messenger of Peace and the historic 001 caboose.
Next, guests step into the Conservation and Restoration Workshop to see current restoration projects in progress, offering a rare look at the craftsmanship behind maintaining the Museum’s historic fleet.
The tour concludes with a scenic round-trip train ride through the valley. After picking up passengers in North Bend and Snoqualmie, the train passes the top of Snoqualmie Falls, offering sweeping views of the river valley only visible from the tracks.
A docent remains onboard to share history and context throughout the journey. The full experience lasts about three hours and costs $32 per person (ages 13+). Closed-toe shoes are required. Get tickets here.
Beat the Heat at the Train Shed Exhibit Hall
For weekday visitors, the Train Shed Exhibit Hall is open Wednesday through Monday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This indoor facility offers a cool, interactive way to explore rail history, with scavenger hunts and eight activity stations that engage visitors of all ages.
Exhibits include locomotives, freight cars, passenger coaches, and more—all showcasing the development of the railway and its impact on the Pacific Northwest. Get tickets here.
Story Time at the Snoqualmie Depot
Families with young children can enjoy free Story Time sessions at the historic Snoqualmie Depot on the first, third, and fifth Wednesdays of the month. The next session is scheduled for August 6, with the theme “Journeys.”
Guests will hear 1–2 stories in a relaxed setting followed by a hands-on activity. Admission also includes access to the Train Shed Exhibit Hall.
Celebrate Snoqualmie Days with the NRM
The Museum will also participate in this year’s Snoqualmie Days festival on August 22 and 23. Formerly known as Snoqualmie Railroad Days, the festival includes a parade, music crawls, vendor booths, a petting zoo, and family fun throughout downtown. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a weekend train ride during the festivities.
Downtown events run Friday evening from 6:00 PM to midnight and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. See the full schedule of events here.
Whether you’re a longtime rail enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable outing, the Northwest Railway Museum has something for everyone this summer.
