National New York Central Railroad Museum

The National New York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart serves as a premier destination for living history, preserving the legacy of the “Great Steel Fleet” right alongside one of the nation’s busiest active rail corridors. While the museum’s massive outdoor collection features icons like the NYC Mohawk No. 3001 and a rare Pennsylvania Railroad GG1, the most popular interactive highlight for families is the NIBCO Century Flyer. This meticulously restored 1950s-era amusement train, which recently underwent a major revitalization to double its track length, offers open-air “mini-excursions” around the museum grounds. Running most Fridays and Saturdays, the Flyer provides a nostalgic journey for younger “engineers” and rail fans alike, complementing the museum’s indoor galleries filled with lanterns, dining car china, and expansive model layouts.