Railroad Museum Changes and Schedule of Events for 2013

As the spectacular year of 2012 comes to a close and we prepare for an even busier 2013 the Board of Directors have made some changes that I would like to pass on to all of our valued friends, guests and volunteers.

The Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District and Railroad Museum will be closed from December 22^nd through January 8^th to all personnel.  After the busy and hectic year we had we thought our volunteers and staff could use some well-deserved down time from the railroad museum operations and enjoy the holidays with family and friends as they should be. Thank you to all of our volunteers and staff, our success this year could only have happen because of you. Your dedication, hard work and playfulness with our visitors gives them the fun, educational family experience that keeps them coming back for repeat visits. You are all outstanding people and we are so lucky to be working with you all.

Changes for 2013

A Time to Build New Exhibits – The Railroad Museum complex will be closed to the public from December 22, 2012 through February 28, 2013. The museum will be open to volunteers and staff from January 9, 2013 through February 28, 2013. This time will be used so that we can build new exhibits, work on old exhibits and catch up on maintenance and housekeeping. Parking for volunteers and staff will be allowed in-side the Historic District fence during this time frame.

Hours of Operation – We will maintain our 6 day work week that we started this year, however we are changing the day we are closed. To put us in line with the other museums and tourist attractions in town we are changing our closed date from Tuesday to Monday.

Beginning March 1^st                                                                        

Monday – CLOSED

Tuesday – Saturday – 10 am - 4 pm

Sunday – Noon – 4 pm

Major Holidays - CLOSED

Admission Rates

Adults -$5

Seniors - $4

Students (6-18) - $3

Kids 5 and younger - Free

Family Package (2 Adults and 3 or more childern) $20.00

New for 2013: Each admission ticket will include a free motor car ride ticket. (Additional motor car rides can be purchased for only $2 each)

Please contact us for special rates on tour groups, birthday parties and special events (weddings, family reunions, business meetings, etc..)

2013 Schedule of Events

• Founders Day – Saturday, March 2^nd (Spring Time Reopening)
• Easter at the Roundhouse – Saturday, March 23^rd (1^st Annual Easter Event) – This event has been scheduled due to numerous visitor inquiries and requests.
• National Train Day (Sioux City Historic Preservation Week) – Saturday, May 11^th 
• Ironhorse Day – Saturday, June 8^th  (moved from October and combined with Trains, Tripods and Snapshots Day)
• Ag/Rail Heritage Festival – Saturday and Sunday, August 17^th  and 18^th 
• Rock-n-Rail Music Festival – Saturday, September 14^th 
• Smithsonian Day- Saturday, September 21st 
• Halloween at the Roundhouse – Saturday, October 26^th 
• National Model Railroad Month Event – Saturday, November 16^th 
• Santa’s Whistle Stop Tour – Saturdays – December 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st

 Web site updates will be occurring in January with new information and updated photos of events. Please return to this Blog or check us out on Facebook and You Tube for the latest updates and information.  

Thank you for your support. Thank you for your time. We have really enjoyed meeting each and everyone of you this past year. We wish and your family's the best for the new year and hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.

SANTA’S WHISTLE STOP TOUR 2012 - FINALE - SATURDAY, DEC 15TH

Have you heard all the noise coming out of the north Riverside part of Sioux City the past two Saturdays? It’s all the excited children yelling and screaming as Santa arrives on our caboose. Santa has been so thrilled at the 1,600 people he has been able to visit with over the last two Saturdays that he has told us how excited he is to come back for one last visit this Saturday, Dec 15^th at 1:15 PM.

All of our visitors have been very happy with the way we have the old rail yard and all the buildings decorated. We take great pride in offering a true family experience and our volunteers are honestly excited and happy to meet and greet each and every one that comes out. If  you have been to the event you know what I say is true, if you haven’t been out …. You’re really missing out on a wonderful time.  Santa’s is only here from 1:15 until 3:30 so make your plans and bring your family and friends. Be sure to arrive early so you can welcome Santa and the Polar Express Conductor when they arrive.

There are lot's of other activities going on at eh Railroad Museum also so take your time and take a look around and see everything that we have to offer. Admission is FREE!

Also, don't forget about our Bake Sale of holiday goodies. Home cooked with lots of TLC and very fresh. If you have an office function or a church/family get together coming up ..... let us do the baking for you. Not to mention, 100% of the sales for these items will go directly to our bathroom fund raising campaign.

For more detail about this event and other future events please visit our website at www.milwaukeerailroadshops.org for directions and other information and our Blog site at http://www.gn1355.blogspot.com  for the latest in up-to-date information. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milwaukee-Railroad-Shops-Sioux-City/341261424245 to see pictures and comments from our volunteers and friends or on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/SHRA1355 for some interesting video of the railroad museum complex.

Happy Holidays to All!