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Northern Pacific Railway Museum — Toppenish railroad history

About the Northern Pacific Railway Museum

The Toppenish railroad depot was constructed by the Northern Pacific Railway in 1911 and functioned as the community’s transportation hub for 50 years. Growing automobile, bus, and airplane service contributed to a decline in rail travel, and passenger service from Toppenish ended in 1961. By 1981, the railroad no longer needed the depot, which was subsequently boarded up.

In 1989, a group of rail fans contacted the city and the railroad about turning the depot into a railroad museum. To make that vision possible, they established the Yakima Valley Rail and Steam Museum Association (YVR&S).

With assistance from the city, the group leased the depot in 1990. The Fort Simcoe Job Corp repaired the damaged plaster ceilings. Volunteers devoted many hours to replacing the electrical systems, removing paint from the oak trim, and beginning the museum exhibits.

The museum held its grand opening on July 4, 1992. In 1993, the depot and the adjoining freight house were purchased from the Burlington Northern Railroad. The museum division adopted the name Northern Pacific Railway Museum in 2000.

Contact Information

10 Asotin Avenue
Toppenish, WA 98948
509-865-1911

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