Great Overland Station

Built in 1927, the building now serves as a museum celebrating Topekas rich history as well as a special event and meeting venue. Visitors to the museum can learn about area railroads including the Santa Fe/BNSF, Union Pacific, Rock Island, Missouri Pacific and Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. They can learn about the history of the site from the Or... egon Trail, Pappans Ferry crossing, and the birthplace of U.S. Vice President Charles Curtis. The BNSF Plaza includes the Corridor of Flags and All Veterans Memorial honoring our nations veterans and active military. Great Overland Station brings Topeka's railroad heritage to life through photographs, special exhibits, and costumed docents. There are many activities for children to do and things to see. There are two simulator's that are hands on. One is an older style, and another is more recent which allows children to use the controls and pretend they are driving the engine. In "Exploration Station" there is a train table where children can rearrange the train cars; a coloring table with trains for tracing, and pictures for coloring and a play table with books and activities for the children to use. The "Big Red Caboose" is a great experience too. It is "child size" so they can experience the hand brakes, the tables and chairs, and more. To schedule an event please contact GreatOverlandStation@snco.us or call 785-251-6945. Great Overland Station began as a Union Pacific railroad passenger station on January 27, 1927. Along the way, it survived floods, was remodeled for railroad offices, was abandoned in 1988, and was damaged by fire in 1992. Railroad Heritage, Inc. leased the building from the Union Pacific Railroad to prevent the building's demolition. Union Pacific Corporation donated the station to Topeka Railroad Days, Inc. six years later, and the Great Overland Station Project Team was established to direct efforts to preserve the station and transform it into a railroad heritage museum. In June 2004, The Great Overland Station opened its doors. The Great ...Read More