National New York Central Railroad Museum

09/05/2026

Thank you to all who came out to celebrate the #3001 this weekend! Even with such short notice, the turnout was spectacular and the support blew us away.

We don't have a date for the Mohawk's departure, but we will certainly let everyone know once we are informed.

In the meantime, don’t forget that our final 175 Series presentation will be next Saturday, September 12!!! Join us as guest speaker Steve Wylder explores the epic drama of intercity passenger rail in the postwar era.

Plus, the Mohawk will almost certainly still be here… although we’ll probably have run out of cupcakes by then. 😉

175 Series Presentation: Intercity Passenger Rail in the Postwar Era.
📅 When: 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026
📍 Where: Event Space (National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St. Elkhart, IN)
🎟️ Admission: FREE!!!

09/04/2026

Our Farewell to the Mohawk is going great so far! We had a packed house for our remarks this morning. (We should have put out more chairs!)

In other news, our gift shop is packed with limited-time special items in honor of the occasion…
👕 LIMITED EDITION 3001 t-shirts (only 100 and they are selling fast!)
🚂 Brand new stickers, magnets, photos, and woodcuts
🏛️ Historic items and memorabilia
🧁 The best part? FREE CUPCAKES!!! (Limited quantity!)

So be sure to make your way down today or tomorrow to say goodbye and take a piece of history home with you!

09/02/2026

Join us on September 12 for our next and final presentation of the 175 Series, as guest speaker Steve Wylder explores the epic drama of intercity passenger rail in the postwar era, from the Great Steel Fleet of 1948 to the "Great Train Robbery" of 1970. Learn about the end of the passenger rail travel’s golden era, the railroads’ struggle to keep it alive with new equipment and experimental designs, and what the U.S. Postal Service has to do with it!

📅 When: 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026
📍 Where: Event Space (National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St. Elkhart, IN)
🎟️ Admission: FREE!!!
The 175 Series is a series of monthly guest speaker presentations and tours that tell the story of rail in Elkhart as part of .
ElkhartRail175 is generously sponsored by the Elkhart County CVB (Experience Elkhart County, Indiana) and the Friends of the NNYCRRM.


Downtown Elkhart

08/28/2026

You're invited to Farewell to the Mohawk: New York Central No. 3001! 🚂

On September 4–5, the National New York Central Railroad Museum will honor New York Central steam locomotive No. 3001 before it departs Elkhart for Fort Wayne.

For nearly 40 years, the Mohawk has been a centerpiece of our museum and a powerful connection to New York Central history. Its relocation marks the next phase of a multi-year, $4.3 million overhaul to make No. 3001 the world’s only operating New York Central steam locomotive.

At 10:30 AM on September 4, representatives from the Museum and the Fort Wayne Railroad will share brief remarks about the locomotive’s history and next steps. The two-day celebration will also feature special photo opportunities and commemorative souvenir items.

Preserving, showcasing, and celebrating New York Central Railroad heritage is at the heart of our mission. That legacy remains especially meaningful in Elkhart, a community shaped by the railroad and home to Norfolk Southern's major rail terminal. Although saying goodbye is bittersweet, we are proud to see No. 3001 move toward a new life in operation where it will steam over former Central territory with a "Great Steel Fleet" from its very own railroad.

Come celebrate the memories No. 3001 has created in Elkhart and wish the Mohawk well as it begins its next chapter.

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

🥳 TOMORROW is the final Waterways to Railways Walking Tour!
There are still a few spaces left, so be sure to register at elkhartrail175.zite.so to reserve your spot today!

🛶🛤️ There is ONE WEEK left to register for our FINAL Waterways to Railways Walking Tour. Saturday, August 29, is the last chance to experience the story of Elkhart on location with this one-of-a-kind tour. Space is limited, so be sure to register at elkhartrail175.zite.so to reserve your spot today!

📅 When: Saturday, August 29, 9:50 AM to 1:30 PM
📍 Where: Beardsley Discovery Center (819 N Main St, Elkhart, IN 46514)
🎟️ Admission: Free! (registration is required)

175 Series: Waterways to Railways is presented by the National New York Central Railroad Museum in collaboration with Ruthmere Museum.
ElkhartRail175 is generously sponsored by the Elkhart County CVB (Experience Elkhart County, Indiana) and the Friends of the NNYCRRM.

08/22/2026

🛶🛤️ There is ONE WEEK left to register for our FINAL Waterways to Railways Walking Tour. Saturday, August 29, is the last chance to experience the story of Elkhart on location with this one-of-a-kind tour. Space is limited, so be sure to register at elkhartrail175.zite.so to reserve your spot today!

📅 When: Saturday, August 29, 9:50 AM to 1:30 PM
📍 Where: Beardsley Discovery Center (819 N Main St, Elkhart, IN 46514)
🎟️ Admission: Free! (registration is required)

175 Series: Waterways to Railways is presented by the National New York Central Railroad Museum in collaboration with Ruthmere Museum.
ElkhartRail175 is generously sponsored by the Elkhart County CVB (Experience Elkhart County, Indiana) and the Friends of the NNYCRRM.

08/21/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE!! We have confirmed additions to our 175th Anniversary celebration on Oct. 3. We have added a live steam locomotive demonstration and a blacksmith. The live steam locomotive is a scaled down version of the iconic New York Central Hudson, complete with steam whistle! Come see a local blacksmith make something special out of a railroad spike. 175 years of rail in Elkhart on Oct. 3 promises to be one of the most special events we have had in years - and admission is free! Please see our earlier post for other activities and events.

08/20/2026

Don't forget to check out the museum's table tonight at City Hall in the Park!

Join us for City Hall in the Park! 🌳

Looking for a fun, free way to spend a summer evening with the family? Come out to Roosevelt Park on Thursday, August 20th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for an evening of community, connection, and fun.

Bring the kids to enjoy children's activities, and don't forget to grab a FREE hot dog or snow cone while you're here! It's the perfect chance to enjoy the park, meet your neighbors, and spend quality time together.

While you're having fun, take the opportunity to meet City leadership, ask questions, share your ideas, and learn more about what's happening in our community.

📍 Roosevelt Park
📅 Thursday, August 20th
🕕 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and join us for a fun evening in the park!