Tanana Valley Railroad Museum

The feel

Engine #1 was restored over a ten year period by the Friends of the Tanana Valley Railroad and is the oldest operating steam locomotive in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. It sits in the museum beside Old 67, and a glass-enclosed workspace lets you watch the Friends make repairs to the historic locomotives.

Inside there is a small exhibit area and gift shop, with relics such as an old headlight fashioned from an oil lamp and an original brakeman's lantern. Outside, the Crooked Creek Whiskey Island Railroad circles Pioneer Park behind Old 67. An on-board guide points out the historic log cabins, the Riverboat SS Nenana, the Native Village and the Mining Valley.

What to expect

What it is

A gold rush era railroad museum inside Pioneer Park, with Engine #1, Old 67 and a restoration workshop.

Crowds and best time

The train runs every 15 minutes during the open season.

Fees and passes

Museum admission is free, and the train is a small separate fee.

Kids

There is a playground in front of the museum, and the museum and train are handicap accessible.

Season and access

Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, inside Pioneer Park at 2300 Airport Way.

Mingo says

Engine #1 is still fired up for special events, so a visit on one of those days shows it at work. Small children can burn off energy at the playground between rides.

Before you go

• Bring a few dollars for the train: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and kids under 12, and lap babies ride free.
• Arrive between noon and 7:30pm to catch the train.
• Pioneer Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to midnight, and it is free to enter.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.