Journey Through Spooner's Railroad History
Explore the stories, artifacts, and memories that shaped Wisconsin's railways at the Railroad Memories Museum.
Preserving History. Igniting Imaginations.
The Spooner Railroad Memories Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of railroads in Spooner, WI, and the surrounding region. Located in the original 1902 Omaha depot, our museum offers visitors a unique look at how railroads connected communities, powered industry, and shaped the history of the Midwest. Through a collection of authentic memorabilia, we bring the sights, sounds, and stories of the railroad to life.
Whether you’re a railroad enthusiast, a history buff, or just curious about Spooner’s past, we invite you to step inside and discover the fascinating world of railroads.
Explore Our Railroad Memorabilia
Our museum is home to an extensive collection of railroad artifacts, showcasing everything from conductor uniforms and lanterns to historic signage and tools used by railroad workers. Discover the evolution of rail travel, learn about the role Spooner played in regional railroad history, and see rare items that tell the stories of the men and women who worked the railroads.
Snow Plow on Display
See the historic Chicago & Northwestern Railroad snow plow, soon to be restored to its former glory. This machine once cleared the region’s railroads during harsh winters.
Step Back in Time
Discover 13 rooms filled with rich railroad memorabilia from Spooner and the surrounding areas, showcasing the history and impact of railroads on the region.
Spooner's Rail Yard in Miniature
Experience the Spooner railroad yard at its peak through a detailed HO scale diorama, offering a fascinating glimpse into the bustling hub of the region’s railroad history.
Tracks Through Time:
Spooner’s Railroad History Unfolded
Railroad Land Grant
The U.S. Congress granted land to Wisconsin to build a railroad from Madison to Lake Superior.
New Railroad Land Grant
Wisconsin legislature granted land to extend railroads from Superior southward and from North Wisconsin Junction to Bayfield.
Chandler Settlement and Rail Expansion
North Wisconsin extended its railroad to what would become Spooner, establishing the settlement of Chandler.
The Birth of Spooner and Washburn County
This year marked the founding of Spooner as a city and the creation of Washburn County.
Spooner Becomes a Railroad Hub
Spooner grew into a major railroad hub with a large roundhouse, machine shop, and multiple train routes.
Spooner Depot Built
Spooner’s iconic depot, the finest between Duluth and Chicago, was built, and the town was incorporated as a village.
Expansion of Spooner's Railroad Hub
Spooner’s railroad operations grew with the addition of six bays to the roundhouse, a large machine shop, a boiler room, and a 90-foot turntable.
Spooner Rail Traffic Peaks
Eighteen passenger trains passed through Spooner daily, highlighting its railroad significance.
Railroad Dominates Spooner Population
Three-fourths of Spooner’s population of 2,800 worked for the railroad or had family employed there.
Roundhouse Fire
A fire destroyed Spooner's original wooden roundhouse, causing $30,000 in damages and destroying several locomotives.
President Truman Visits
President Truman made a campaign stop at Spooner’s depot during his re-election tour.
End of Passenger Service
C&NW ended passenger service through Spooner.
Spooner Depot Demolished
A large part of Spooner’s 60-year-old depot was demolished, marking a decline in its railroad role.
Railroad Marker Erected
The Spooner Kiwanis Club placed a railroad marker to honor the town’s railroad history.
Abandonment of Spooner Line
C&NW abandoned its Spooner-to-Hudson rail line, reducing the town’s railroad activity.
Railroad Memories Museum Founded
The Railroad Memories Museum was established in the former Spooner railroad depot.
Last Freight Train Leaves Spooner
The final freight train departed Spooner on July 9, ending regular rail service.
County Approves Rail Purchase
Washburn County approved the purchase of the rail line between Trego and Stanberry, with plans to acquire more.
Rail Line Purchase Finalized
An agreement was reached to purchase 19 miles of rail line from Spooner to Hayward Junction, with rehabilitation planned by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad.
1856
Railroad Land Grant
The U.S. Congress granted land to Wisconsin to build a railroad from Madison to Lake Superior.
1874
New Railroad Land Grant
Wisconsin legislature granted land to extend railroads from Superior southward and from North Wisconsin Junction to Bayfield.
1879
Chandler Settlement and Rail Expansion
North Wisconsin extended its railroad to what would become Spooner, establishing the settlement of Chandler.
1883
The Birth of Spooner and Washburn County
This year marked the founding of Spooner as a city and the creation of Washburn County.
1893
Spooner Becomes a Railroad Hub
Spooner grew into a major railroad hub with a large roundhouse, machine shop, and multiple train routes.
1902
Spooner Depot Built
Spooner’s iconic depot, the finest between Duluth and Chicago, was built, and the town was incorporated as a village.
1915
Expansion of Spooner's Railroad Hub
Spooner’s railroad operations grew with the addition of six bays to the roundhouse, a large machine shop, a boiler room, and a 90-foot turntable.
1916-1918
Spooner Rail Traffic Peaks
Eighteen passenger trains passed through Spooner daily, highlighting its railroad significance.
1921
Railroad Dominates Spooner Population
Three-fourths of Spooner’s population of 2,800 worked for the railroad or had family employed there.
1925
Roundhouse Fire
A fire destroyed Spooner's original wooden roundhouse, causing $30,000 in damages and destroying several locomotives.
1948
President Truman Visits
President Truman made a campaign stop at Spooner’s depot during his re-election tour.
1961
End of Passenger Service
C&NW ended passenger service through Spooner.
1964
Spooner Depot Demolished
A large part of Spooner’s 60-year-old depot was demolished, marking a decline in its railroad role.
1975
Railroad Marker Erected
The Spooner Kiwanis Club placed a railroad marker to honor the town’s railroad history.
1982
Abandonment of Spooner Line
C&NW abandoned its Spooner-to-Hudson rail line, reducing the town’s railroad activity.
1987
Railroad Memories Museum Founded
The Railroad Memories Museum was established in the former Spooner railroad depot.
1992
Last Freight Train Leaves Spooner
The final freight train departed Spooner on July 9, ending regular rail service.
1998
County Approves Rail Purchase
Washburn County approved the purchase of the rail line between Trego and Stanberry, with plans to acquire more.
1999
Rail Line Purchase Finalized
An agreement was reached to purchase 19 miles of rail line from Spooner to Hayward Junction, with rehabilitation planned by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Spooner Railroad Memories Museum is powered by the passion and dedication of volunteers who help preserve our history. Whether you have a love for railroads, an interest in local history, or simply want to give back to your community, we’d love to have you join our team! Volunteering with us is a rewarding way to share your enthusiasm, meet like-minded people, and make a difference.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, from greeting visitors and guiding tours to helping with museum maintenance and special events. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and share your time!
What Visitors Are Saying
Here’s what some of our recent visitors had to say about their experience at the Spooner Railroad Memories Museum:
Gary W.
Railroad Enthusiast
Amazing museum- chock full of information, but you need time to read and look through it all. Overheard a train buff say it was one of the best little train museums in the country!
Jenni L.
Visitor
Great place to look at the history of the railroads that served the Spooner area. I worked for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway and this museum brought back a ton of memories. Touring this museum is worth the time!
Gary W.
Railroad Enthusiast
Amazing museum- chock full of information, but you need time to read and look through it all. Overheard a train buff say it was one of the best little train museums in the country!
Jenni L.
Visitor
Stay In Touch
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about the museum, are interested in volunteering, or simply want to learn more, feel free to get in touch.
Send us a message today
Call us for more information
424 N Front St, Spooner, WI 54801