The Railroad Museum of Long Island: Discover the Backbone of America

It’s hard to believe that railroad engines, once the dominant form of transportation across the globe, see next to no use in our modern, automobile-centric world. 


Since the days of the railroads the world has moved on to faster, safer, and more reliable ways of moving people from point A to B. Still, for those who have ever been rocked to sleep by the “click clack” of a moving engine, there’s something special about a trip on the rails. 


Join us as we take a moment to highlight the rich history of locomotion with the Long Island Railroad Museum.

History and Mission

The railroad industry used to be the backbone of the American economy, now there are only seven major lines left in the United States. Outside of shipping jobs and the odd eclectic travel package, trains have been almost entirely demoted to icons of the past. 


But the past is exactly what the Railroad Museum of Long Island is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and sharing with those interested in the incredible history of Long Island's railroads.


Established in 1990, the RMLI (pronounced RimLee) operates at two locations: Greenport and Riverhead. The Greenport site is housed in an 1892 freight house and features a permanent collection of railroad artifacts. The Riverhead site, located on a historic railroad property, offers a plethora of interactive exhibits, including real rail cars, locomotives, and an incredible model train layout.

A black train with the number 16 on it

Exhibits and Collections

The unique exhibits are what make the RMLI such a fascinating place to learn about the history of the Long Island Railroad. From full-size engines to meticulous model recreations, here are some of the best things to see between the two locations.


Historic Train Collection

“Extensive” takes on a new meaning when we talk about how many full-size trains the museum hosts and maintains. Though none of them are active anymore, you can tour each one and appreciate the machines that kept our country running for nearly a century.


A few of the popular trains on display include:

  • H.K. Porter Steam Locomotive
  • Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal
  • A Double-Decker Passenger Car
  • Mail and Baggage Car
  • Long Island Bay Window Caboose
  • And much more…


Artifacts

Just as important as the engines and the railroads they ran on were the people and businesses that made the whole system possible. The RMLI has preserved a large number of things from the day-to-day lives of these early operations, and they provide a fascinating look at this part of our past.


Some of the artifacts on display:

  • The Solari Destination Board from the Penn Station
  • “Albert” the Eagle from the Pennsylvania Station
  • The last surviving wooden grade crossing sign from the Long Island RR.
  • Vintage hose carts used for filling the steam engines.
  • Cool huh? Come by to see more…


Toy Trains

For some, this will be the most exciting part of the museum. The “Toy Trains” section of the Riverhead location highlights a variety of passion projects from dedicated railroad enthusiasts. From miniature replicas to fully restored antiques, these exhibits add something unique to an already impressive collection.


Some things you’ll find in the Toy Trains section:

  • 12-foot suspension bridge modeled after the Verrazano Narrows Bridge
  • Restored coal cars from 1910
  • 40-foot layout of the original Lionel track
  • Fully functional 1964 World’s Fair Train
  • And more…

Anniversaries and Events

Established in 1834, the Long Island Railroad celebrates its 190th anniversary this year. That’s a long time to continually operate, especially under the same name and charter. It also marks the 60th anniversary of the Allan Herschel G-16 Park Train that still runs from the Riverhead Museum location. 


Another major milestone is the 180th Anniversary of the “First Train to Greenport” on July 27, 1844. It took ten years to lay the tracks from the East River in Brooklyn to Greenport, creating easier access between the mainland and attractions like Shelter Island. Join the RMLI on July 27, 2024 for a celebration of the event and the unveiling of a new historic monument.


Wrapping up the summer is the anticipated return of the Riverhead Railroad Festival. This yearly highlight takes place from August 24-25 and features the entire collection of museum locomotives and rolling stock. Visitors can witness train races, associate with railway vendors, and ride the classic World’s Fair Pavilion Miniature Train.

A group of people are riding on a small train

Visiting Information

Ready to plan your visit? Here’s some information for each location:


Riverhead

Hours: Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Season: Closed for the winter after October 13

Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for children under 12, and free for children under 4


Greenport

Hours: Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Season: Closed for the winter after October 13

Admission: $9 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and free for children under 4

A young boy is looking at a model train set.

Stay at Harbor Knoll Bed & Breakfast

Train travel may be dying, but the Railroad Museum of Long Island ensures that its history will stay alive for years to come. The museum provides an engaging opportunity for everyone to experience the fascinating history of the American Railroads.


If you’ll be staying in Long Island for more than a day, come book a stay at Harbor Knoll Bed and Breakfast. Located within walking distance of the Greenport RMLI location, our beautiful Dutch-Colonial-style building rests right on the shores of Greenport Harbor. 


Each room offers unique styling and unobstructed views of the bay, and our commitment to luxury goes hand-in-hand with providing a memorable stay for our guests.

BOOK YOUR GREENPORT GETAWAY TODAY!

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