Phase one of the National Railroad Museum expansion in Ashwaubenon on May 7, 2025. It's expected to open in September. PC: Fox 11 Online
ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With growing attendance comes the need for more space. Hence, a several-thousand-square-foot change is taking shape at the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon.
“It includes space for community groups to come here, educational programs, there’s a classroom, we have four tracks so more of our exhibits will be able to come inside,” says museum CEO Jacqueline Frank.
After breaking ground last May, the first of a four-phase plan to expand the upper Midwest’s only national museum is just months away from completion.
“This project is going to be done mid-September, maybe slightly earlier,” Frank adds.
The expansion ties the museum to the riverfront with a wall of windows, and its lower level will house 4 train exhibits while the overlooking mezzanine will allow for more, smaller exhibits, too.
But Frank says the new space will allow for even more.
“A lot of people know us for Paw Patrol, the Great Pumpkin Train, or even Polar Express, we’re going to have more space for that. We are going to have space for weddings and corporate events, and parties, we get lots of birthday parties here, we’re going to have even more space for that.”
With more space, rooms, and two new kitchens, the museum will be able to host two parties at once in some instances.
Along with the new expansion is more outdoor space. Space for events and for educational programming, which is the mission of the museum.
“It’s so important for us to have opportunities for kids to have programs inside, but when it’s a beautiful day like this, we also want to have space for them outside.”
Due to inflation and rising costs, the project’s original $15 million price tag got bumped to $17 million. Frank says they’re close to the original fundraising goal, and any public support is welcome. Those interested can donate here.
Once the first phase is complete, Frank says the museum will likely wait a year or two to begin phase two construction.
“Our next phase will be adding space for more trains, we’ll have more model trains inside as well as an extended area for our theatre, our offices will go into that space,” Frank says.
“Once the offices are moved, the front [of the museum] is going to be removed, well add on the third phase which is going to be all about kids,” she adds. “We’re even talking about renovating our sleeping cars where kids will be able to sleep overnight in a sleeping car.”
“The last space will be a round house and everything else that’s outside is eventually going to come [inside], it’s a big project, we’re looking at probably 20, 25 years from now to get to that final piece.”
But for now, crews are focusing on finishing phase one and welcoming more visitors than ever to the museum.
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