Great Plains Transportation Museum

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United States
Wichita, KS
Great Plains Transportation Museum

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The Great Plains Transportation Museum (GPTM) displays a wide assortment of railroad equipment.

Our mission is to preserve and convey the unique history of railroading in the Great Plains through acquisition, restoration, research, exhibition, and education. Our two largest displays are Santa Fe steam locomotive #3768 and Santa Fe FP45 diesel #93. These locomotives are unique in our collection in that they represent the last class of passenger locomotives that were built for the Santa Fe in their respective eras. Indoor exhibits include railroad prints, signs, lanterns, tools, and other artifacts including a mock-up mechanical stoker used for training steam locomotive personnel. We invite you to visit the Great Plains Transportation Museum to learn more about these and many other historical pieces and displays. Also, group tours can be arranged during normal hours or by appointment, and birthday parties are a regular occurrence. We welcome you to call and schedule a tour or your next birthday party here.

10/27/2026

👻Calling all ghouls, ghosts, and goblins!🎃

Stop by the museum gift shop this Saturday between 9:00 to 4:00 in your costume to Trick or Treat!

Hope to see all your Spooktacular costumes!

10/26/2026

We lost a good friend of the museum yesterday morning. Steve Lee died after a short illness. Steve was the head of the UP steam program when the museum had its first excursion with 844 from Salina to Oakley Ks. He was instrumental in the museum acquiring the Rock Island caboose. Our paths crossed several more times as he enabled us to have four very successful excursions as well as a stop for display at the museum of 844 and the Olympic Games Torch Relay train. He made the UP equipment available for a special event for Wounded Warriors from Ft. Riley to Wichita at no charge giving honors to just over 100 men and women injured in the Gulf War. His knowledge and friendship will be truly missed.

10/16/2026

Hey folks: We have an event tonight at the museum for the launch of a new magazine, The FOCUS Magazine, which features my great friend Fe Vorderlandwehr in the first issue. They brought along a young musician who was busking in front of the 3768!

10/02/2026

Hey folks! Are you a true RAILFAN? What better way to show it than to join us for the Rail Baron’s Ball on Thursday, October 22nd from 6pm to 9pm at the Broadview Hotel in downtown Wichita? And yes, the proceeds pay rent and utilities but without those, we cease to exist and all restoration stops. Don’t just sit on the sidelines, become an active part of preserving Wichita and Kansas rail heritage!!!

Tickets $175/Tables $1,500

Click below to purchase a ticket or table!!

Align your brand with an elegant evening celebrating rail heritage and community impact. As a sponsor of the Rail Baron’s Ball, your organization receives…

09/28/2026

Hey folks! The 2nd Annual Rail Baron’s Ball is just around the corner and we’d like to invite you to join us for an action packed evening celebrating Wichita’s rich rail heritage. Tickets include a sit down, steak dinner, two complimentary drink tickets per person, silent auction, w**e pull, our exclusive Boardwalk Baron’s game, live music, and so much more!

Tickets: $175 per person
Tables: $1500 each

To make a reservation, go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/barons-ball-sponsorship

09/26/2026

Hey folks! We are here and setting up for Railfest! By opening at 9am, looks like cloudy but no rain (or little rain). Come out and join us for train rides and more!

09/25/2026

Hey folks! Railfest is almost here and this morning the K & O 3832 came in for display during the event. Join us tomorrow from 9am to 4pm (rain or shine) as we host train rides, face painters, balloon artists, toy train displays, a scavenger hunt, raffle, and much more!!!

$10 ages 13 and up
$5 ages 4 - 12
3 and under free
$7 - Each - Train Rides

No Ride Schedule - When one ends, the next begins.

Thanks to the K & O and KMUW for your support.

09/22/2026

Hey folks! Railfest is upon us once again, WITH TRAIN RIDES!!!! RAIN OR SHINE, come take a ride in our little train. Food trucks, face painting, ballon art, toy trains, and for the serious Railfan, restoration projects in process and complete.

DON‘T MISS IT!!!

09/21/2026

🚂 RAILFEST RAFFLE! 🚂

Think you've got a ticket to ride? Stop by RailFest on Saturday, September 26, 2026 and enter our raffle for a chance to win one of several railroad-themed prizes!

🏆 Prizes include:

• Vintage railroad lantern
• Framed John Winfield’s “Warbonnet Renaissance” artwork
• Model HO Scale DCC locomotive and tender set

🎟 Raffle Tickets

• 1 for $1.00
• 6 for $5.00
• 15 for $10.00

⏰ Drawing will be held at approximately 3:30 PM during RailFest.

✅ You do NOT need to be present to win!

Every ticket you purchase supports preserving railroad history and the ongoing work of our dedicated volunteers.

Bring your friends, explore the museum, enjoy the festivities, and take a chance on some great railroad collectibles!

Which prize would you choose if your ticket is drawn? 🚂

Address

700 East Douglas
Wichita, KS
67202

Opening Hours

9am - 4pm

Telephone

+13162630944

Website

http://www.gptm.us/

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