Spokane

Located off Highway 2, about 25 miles west of Spokane in Reardon, the Inland Northwest Rail Museum (inlandnwrailmuseum.com) is a bit off the beaten path. That said, if you happen to be traveling from Spokane to North Cascades National Park (emerginghorizons.com/north-cascades-national-park/), it makes a nice road trip stop. Make sure and check the website for their operating hours though, as as this largely volunteer-operated museum is open on limited days — usually weekends. Still it’s worth a stop on any North Cascades road trip

A Bit of PNW Railroad History

The Inland Northwest Rail Museum’s collection focuses on railroad history in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). There’s accessible parking in front, with level access to the front door. And although the folks at the museum have done a good job providing access throughout the facility, there are still some limitations due to the nature of the exhibits.

There’s level access around most of the inside exhibits, elevator access to the second floor, and accessible restrooms on the ground floor. That said, most of the rolling stock — which comprises at least half of their exhibits — can only be accessed by climbing a few steps. Still it’s a great — and very nostalgic stop — for slow walkers.

The centerpiece downstairs exhibit is the 1906 Spokane United Railways Streetcar. After streetcar use was discontinued in Spokane, this car served as a restaurant in Chewelah, and was later donated to the museum. There are several steps up to the streetcar, and it’s kind of fun to walk through, sit down and imagine the public transportation system of yesteryear.

The inside exhibits also include a large collection of railroad equipment, signs, signals, photos, horns, uniforms and lots of interesting tidbits. Don’t miss the model trains and the photo collection of PNW train wrecks upstairs. And while you’re upstairs, stroll down to the end of the building and get a birds eye view of the rolling stock out in the yard.

All Aboard!!

The great thing about the rolling stock in the yard is that you can explore as little or as much of it as you want, depending on your energy level. There’s level access to the yard, and the 1941 American Scene Sleeper Car sits rights outside the back door of the museum. Although there’s level access to it — no steps required — the hallways of yesteryear are too narrow for a wheelchair.

Inside the sleeper car, many of the compartments are set up as they would have been in the 1940s. And there are other exhibits about railroad life peppered in throughout the car. The sleeping car is attached to a dining car which has more exhibits that highlight life on board. From dishes and photos, to a uniform and even a telegraph display, there’s something for everyone.

And don’t miss the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway’s St. Helens Sleeper Buffet Lounge Car. It’s located a short walk away, and although the ground is covered with gravel it’s fairly level. There are several steps up to this beauty, which was built by the Pullman Standard Company in 1950. Inside the compartments are roomier than the 1940s model, and they each include a toilet that pulls out from the sink cabinet. Although it’s a far cry from modern day trains, it was luxurious back in the day.

Last but not least, don’t miss a ride on the Rearden Rocket — a two-foot gauge railroad that runs through the museum grounds. You have to be able to step up into the open-air car for this two-mile ride that circles the campus, but it’s a fun finale. The engines are operated by enthusiastic volunteers, and hearing their stories is part of the fun. It’s the perfect finale to any Inland Northwest Rail Museum visit.