Omaha Exploration

My name is Patrick Wyman, join me as I explore Omaha and the surrounding area. With an emphasis on the origin stories of the places that define this city, I also cover new developments, attractions, events and whatever else catches my eye.

Grand Island’s Railroad Town

While staying in Grand Island last fall, we got the opportunity to check out Railroad Town. It is the Stuhr Museum’s representation of an 1890s-era prairie town. Settlers built towns similar to this along the railroad or places where the railroad was expected. Some of the business include a bank, post office, general store, newspaper…

Patrick Wyman
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While staying in Grand Island last fall, we got the opportunity to check out Railroad Town. It is the Stuhr Museum’s representation of an 1890s-era prairie town. Settlers built towns similar to this along the railroad or places where the railroad was expected. Some of the business include a bank, post office, general store, newspaper office, blacksmith, tinsmith, and a wood planning mill.

South Front Street looking at the Sousa Shoe Shop, General Mercantile, a covered rest area and the Platte Valley Independent at Railroad Town.

Houses on the site were relocated from their original sites in Grand Island. The museum received each as a donation and they represent a specific family or story from the city’s past.

South Front Street looking at the Platte Valley Independent, Silver Dollar, Elftman’s Barber Shop and Boarding House at Railroad Town.

Railroad Town is open from May 1st and operates until September 21 this year. It is also the site of numerous activities including an Independence Day Parade, back to school, agricultural fair, All Hallow’s Eve and Christmas past and present.

South Front Street looking at the Elftman’s Barber Shop, Travelers Home Boarding House, Doctor’s Office and Telephone Exchange at Railroad Town.

On a related note, the Stuhr Museum itself is stunning and worthy of visit. It is among my favorite museums in Nebraska. I’ll explore that one in more detail at another time. Be sure to check out Shady Bend Cafe while you’re there!

One of the houses donated and relocated to Railroad Town.

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More pictures

Henry Fonda’s Childhood Home at Railroad Town.
A barn inside Railroad Town.
The Veterinary Infirmary at Railroad Town.
The bank at Railroad Town.
The Taylor Store at Railroad Town
The Ice Company at Railroad Town.
The Marshall at Railroad Town.
The Hardware Store at Railroad Town.
The Town Hall at Railroad Town.
The Millinery Dressmaking and Fancy Goods at Railroad Town.
The Train Depot at Railroad Town.
The Planing Mill at Railroad Town.
An office at Railroad Town.
Small building at Railroad Town.
Blacksmith Shop at Railroad Town.
One of the houses donated and relocated to Railroad Town.
One of the houses donated and relocated to Railroad Town.
One of the houses donated and relocated to Railroad Town.
One of the houses donated and relocated to Railroad Town.
The Stuhr Museum in Grand Island.

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