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FAQs

Why a model railroad museum?

Independence, Missouri, the home of the Missouri Model Railroad Museum, is known
as “Queen City of the Trails” for its role as a “jumping off” point for three principal
trails so important in our nation’s westward expansion. With the advent of the
Transcontinental Railroad, wagon trains gave way to steam-powered trains and
westward expansion went from trails to rails. Soon, railroads crisscrossed Missouri
and the state came to have an extensive rail system, impacting not only the state, but
the region and the nation. Present-day Missouri continues as an important rail hub. Until this point in time, Missouri has not had a museum telling the history of railroads
in the state and region and celebrating the role played by railroads in America’s
greatness. The Missouri Model Railroad Museum is now beginning to fill that void as
we make history come to life.

Where is the museum located?

The Museum is located in the historic Waggoner-Gates Mill building, the former
home of the National Frontier Trails Museum. The address of the Missouri Model Railroad Museum is 312 W. Pacific Avenue, Independence, Missouri, 64050.

The museum is open!

Admission is $10.00 for adults along with children 12 and older. 2 to 11 year old children are $5.00 and under 2 are free. Current MMRM members are also free. Seniors, Military and 1st responders are $5.00. Donations are always appreciated.

Embarking on a journey into the heart of railroad history, the Missouri Model Railroad Museum, is open each Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. We invite all, enthusiasts and curious minds alike to partake in this exclusive preview.

“See the Dream” echoes through the halls as visitors immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of railroad artifacts, artwork, educational films and scale model displays and exhibits. As the museum unfolds its narrative, patrons will glimpse the aspirations and innovations that shaped the world’s railway systems. Join us on this inaugural voyage, where each exhibit offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of train travel in Missouri.

I like the idea of a railroad museum, what can I do to help?

We have a beautiful facility in Independence, MO, however, we’re a ‘start up’ operation and need creative enthusiasts and volunteers to assist us in designing and building the interior space. You can now visit us; we’re open to the public every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

  • We need donations of time from talented, creative, enthusiastic volunteer members for display & exhibit construction.
  • Volunteers are also needed to research the histories of the railroads of interest to the Museum.
  • For those who can’t donate time, we need monetary donations for projects and programs.
  • We need donations of model railroad items and railroad memorabilia and railroad artifacts.

(Note: Missouri Model Railroad Museum deeply and sincerely appreciates the efforts of the Independence City Council, City Manager, and Independence Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department in making the Museum a reality.)

Is MMRM an IRS 501(c)(3) organization?

Absolutely. MMRM is incorporated as a Missouri Non-profit corporation and is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) charitable/educational organization. All donations of cash and/or property are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted.

Programs and operations at the Missouri Model Railroad Museum wouldn’t be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers and donors. When you volunteer and/or donate, you enter a community that shares a passion and commitment to railroad history and model railroading. We are proud of our partnership with the City of Independence, Missouri; it provides the necessary building blocks to help make our dreams a reality.

Volunteer opportunities include working with museum artifacts, displays, and museum events. Or join our group of craftsmen who will be working on the museum’s displays and exhibits.

For updates and more information regarding the Missouri Model Railroad Museum, please enter your contact information below and you’ll be on the inside track for the latest updates on this unique railroad themed museum.

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The Missouri Model Railroad Museum is now located in the historic Waggoner-Gates Mill, the former home of the National Frontier Trails Museum, which has moved to 416 W. Maple in Independence, MO, as part of the National Frontier Trails Museum Master Plan.”