Railroad
Town
1896
Railroad Town, Nebraska
Step into an 1890s prairie town and experience history in action.
At Stuhr Museum, Railroad Town brings the past to life with historic buildings you can explore, working trades, and stories of the people who shaped the Platte River Valley. Wander the streets, visit historic homes, and meet costumed living historians as they demonstrate the ways of life that kept a prairie town running.
What You’ll Discover
Railroad Town represents the kind of community that grew alongside the railroad in the late 1800s. While Railroad Town is not a real historic town, it’s a carefully curated collection of original buildings that show what life was like on the prairie.
As you explore, skilled craftspeople demonstrate the techniques that kept a town running, from essential trades to everyday domestic work. Step inside and talk with residents who are eager to share their knowledge, whether you’re curious about historic clothing, life before electricity, or how homes were heated and cooled on the prairie.
As you explore, you’ll find:
- A bank, post office, general store, newspaper office, and more
- Historic homes, including the boyhood home of Leo B. Stuhr, namesake of Stuhr Museum and the birthplace of Henry Fonda, famed American actor
- Skilled trades being demonstrated, including blacksmithing, tinsmithing, woodworking, and millinery
- Authentic structures from Nebraska’s past, as well as a few newer constructions to illustrate the past
- Self-guided activities, putting your hands on history
- New! Guided maker experiences, putting history (and a keepsake souvenir!) in your hands
NEW! Maker Experiences
Don’t just look at history, try it yourself!
This summer, visitors can roll up their sleeves and take part in hands-on activities inspired by historic trades and daily life. With something happening each day, there’s always meaningful work to be done in Railroad Town. *Note: Some specialty activities require a small additional fee.
Maker Experiences may include:
- Crafting simple tin, woodworking, or leather stamping projects*
- Decorating a miniature hat at the Millinery Shop*
- Pitching in with daily tasks like washing and hanging laundry, mowing the lawn, and so much more!
Cast your vote in the 1896 Presidential Election!
Nebraska played a central role in the United States presidential election of 1896, bringing national attention to the concerns of farmers and working communities across the Great Plains.
This summer in Railroad Town, visitors can explore the major topics that defined the election, from economic debates to the challenges facing farmers and growing communities across the prairie.
Then, take part in history yourself. Cast your ballot in our mock 1896 election and see how today’s visitors compare to voters of the past as results are tallied throughout the season.
Want to dig deeper into this subject? Make plans to attend:
The Election of 1896: How Nebraska Influenced National Politics
Sunday, May 31 | 1:00-2:30 pm in the Stuhr Building
Presented by Matthew Deepe, Director of Research at Stuhr Museum
Plan Your Visit
Railroad Town is fully open and staffed daily from May 1st through mid-September each year, with living historians bringing buildings and trades to life. Exterior viewing is available year-round.
Be sure to check out special programs and events taking place during your visit, or make plans to return!
Explore Programs & Events
Platte Valley Independent
No town was complete without a newspaper, and Railroad Town is no exception. As the hub for local news, the Platte Valley Independent keeps residents and visitors connected to the wider world. Based on a real publication that began in 1869 in North Platte before moving to Grand Island in 1870, this newspaper office represents the early roots of today’s Grand Island Independent.
Stop by the office during your visit to share news of the day or pick up a copy of the weekly paper for 10¢. Each issue features real stories from 1896 drawn from local and national headlines, along with a bit of current Railroad Town news.
Not able to visit the shop in person? You can also explore the newspaper online using the links below.
1896 NEWSPAPERS COMING SOON!