National Railroad Museum Unveils Fox River Expansion: A Must-See Destination for Group Tours

The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has officially opened its long-awaited Fox River Expansion, marking the largest transformation of the Museum in more than two decades. This ambitious project adds 25,280 square feet of new space and reimagines how visitors experience one of the nation’s premier railroad museums. 

“This expansion isn’t just about adding space—it’s about creating new ways for our community and visitors to connect with history,” said Jacqueline Frank, CEO of the National Railroad Museum. “We’re preserving the past while building for the future.” 

A New Era for Group Travel 

For tour planners looking to add a fresh, dynamic stop to their itineraries, the Fox River Expansion delivers an experience that blends history, innovation, and scenic beauty. The new addition nearly doubles the size of the Museum’s Lenfestey Center and introduces a range of amenities designed with groups in mind. 

Among its standout features: 

• Scenic Riverfront Integration: For the first time, groups can enjoy the Museum’s picturesque riverside setting. A new 5,000-square-foot covered patio offers a versatile outdoor event space— ideal for luncheons, photo opportunities, and custom group programming—with direct access to the Ashwaubomay River Trail. 
• Expanded Exhibit Space: Nearly 19,000 square feet of new, climate-controlled gallery space allows for larger exhibits and interactive experiences that showcase the power and beauty of rail travel. Motorcoach guests can explore iconic locomotives and railcars, as well as hands-on exhibits that highlight how railroads shaped America. 
• Second-Story Mezzanine: A new mezzanine level gives visitors a sweeping, panoramic view of the collection—an unforgettable vantage point for group photos and private tours. 
• Immersive Learning: New interpretive displays and technology-driven storytelling make railroad history come alive for all ages, from lifelong railfans to first-time visitors. These improvements complement other recent enhancements, including lobby and theater renovations, shoreline stabilization, and restoration of several historic train cars—all of which create a seamless, visitor-friendly experience from arrival to departure. 

Designed for Groups and Events 

The Fox River Expansion not only enhances daily visits—it opens the door to new group travel opportunities. With flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, the Museum can accommodate motorcoach groups, student tours, senior travelers, and private events year-round. 

The venue’s accessibility and ample parking make it especially convenient for motorcoach travel. The Museum offers guided tours, step-on guide options, and customized group experiences, such as behind-the-scenes tours or themed presentations on railroad history, technology, and innovation. 

“Many of our visitors arrive by bus, and we want every group to feel welcome,” said Frank. “We’ve expanded our capacity not just in square footage, but in the ways we can serve our guests —whether it’s a school group, a senior club, or an organized tour exploring Wisconsin.” 

The new riverside patio also provides a unique opportunity for boxed lunches, receptions, or special programs overlooking the Fox River—an amenity rarely found at museums of this kind. 

A Boost to Regional Tourism

The Fox River Expansion is a significant addition to Northeast Wisconsin’s tourism landscape, strengthening the region’s appeal as a group travel destination. The project is projected to double the Museum’s economic impact to $40 million annually, benefitting nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Green Bay’s central location makes it an ideal hub for multi-day itineraries. Groups can pair a Museum visit with nearby attractions such as Lambeau Field, the Titletown District, the Heritage Hill State Historical Park, and the scenic Door County Peninsula, all within easy driving distance. 

Education and Inspiration

While the Museum’s collection has always been a draw for rail enthusiasts, the expanded spaces make it equally engaging for broader audiences. Each year, thousands of students and tour guests experience hands-on learning across disciplines—science, technology, art, and history—all centered around the story of America’s railroads.

The Museum’s collection includes over 70 locomotives and train cars and more than 150,000 artifacts, including the famous Dwight D. Eisenhower locomotive used during World War II. Visitors can walk through historic cars, explore the evolution of rail travel, and see firsthand how trains helped connect communities across the country. 

A Legacy in Motion

Founded nearly 70 years ago by local leaders with a single donated steam locomotive, the National Railroad Museum has grown into a Congressional-designated national museum and one of the country’s leading rail heritage institutions. With the completion of the Fox River Expansion—the first major facility addition since 2001—the Museum is better equipped than ever to welcome the next generation of travelers.

“The railroad helped build this country,” said Frank. “Now, we have the space to share that story in ways that are more engaging, more inclusive, and more impactful than ever before.”

The Fox River Expansion is open daily during regular Museum hours. Group tours are welcome year-round, with reservations recommended for motorcoach groups.

For more information or to book a group visit, contact the National Railroad Museum at (920) 437-7623 or visit nationalrrmuseum.org.