There’s A Little Known, Fascinating Train Park In North Dakota And You’ll Want To Visit

North Dakota's history is widely centered around the railroad. A vast majority of each major city and small town was founded when the railroad reached the next point in its journey west. The power of trains is still essential in the Peace Garden State. They haul oil, coal, grain, and many other loads of the state's resources.

Needless to say, trains are a big deal here. So it's not surprising that there are places in ND where you can explore the history - past and present - of trains yourself, including in this awesome train park and museum in Mandan, ND. Take a look:

Explore North Dakota's train history at the North Dakota State Railroad Museum.

This huge museum and grounds has historic buildings and train depots that will take you back in time to various places and times of the past.

It also has five acres of rolling stock - trains everywhere!

These trains are great views into the industry that helped form North Dakota to be what it is today, but trains isn't the only thing this museum has.

The North Dakota State Railroad Museum has everything relating to trains, too. Check out this old railroad express car:

There is also plenty of indoor space full of artifacts and antiques from when the old days, in just about every form you could think of.

They even have the cutest miniature train set ups with to-scale replicas of Mandan and the kind of trains that went through it and where to. Awesome!

Whether you are a train love, history buff, or just want an afternoon of fun, this train park is a must visit.

And you can check it out during summer entirely for free.

The North Dakota State Railroad Museum is located at 3102 37th St NW, Mandan, ND 58554. For hours, seasons, and more information, click here.

If you want to explore more of the Peace Garden State's history, why not check out this museum? It also has free admission!