Union Station Inside Tour | Ogden | Field Trippin' | Adventurin'

 

Welcome to the amazing Union Station of Ogden Utah!

4 Museums, 2 Galleries, 1 Historic Train Station and a restaurant

Back in the day, Union Station was the place of the west.  Union Station used to bring in 100 trains a day! Can you even imagine? I don't know about you, but I've only seen maybe 4 or 5 trains at a time. 

The benches above are the original benches.  Stephanie and I were talking how our great-grandparents and grandparents sat on those benches.  My great grandpa actually came to America to help build the railroads. Such a rich history.

Originally built in 1889, it had a very different look that it did now. In 1923 it burned down to the ground and was built back up in 1924, Italian Style. When the Depression hit and  cars became the way to travel, Union Station was no longer it's bustling hub. Later, in 1970, Union Station was deteriorating, some local people saw it's potential and worked to add Union Station to the Historic Division of Utah. In 1978 it was turned into a museum. We're so glad they did. The entry is quite majestic.

The murals on the main room are so amazing. Be sure to take a look and see the history of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroad companies competing to finish the most railroad track.

Utah Cowboy Western Heritage Museum

Be sure to stop by and check out all the historic Cowboy clothing. For some reason, we didn't get many photos of this Museum, but it's worth the stop. The kids loved looking at all the saddles and cowboy hats. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable too.

JOHN M. BROWNING FIREARMS MUSEUM

If you love guns, this is your Museum. You've probably heard about Browning Guns, but you probably didn't know that they are a local family that started the company right here in Utah. We ran out of time and didn't get to go through this part, but I've been before and it's pretty dang cool. Especially if you have some hunters in your family.

The water fountains are one of the few remaining pieces before the remodel in 1970. Makes me wonder what the rest of the building looked like before being remodeled.

Utah State Railroad Museum | Spence S. Eccles Rail Center

We spent quite a bit of time in this section. The kids ran up and down the ramps for the model trains. They loved being able to chase the trains and see all the different scenery and bridges. One of the train rooms was an interactive place.  You could pound in some railroad spikes, play with toy trains, pretend to drive the engine and traffic.  Needless to say, we spent quite a while here.

We had to take a bunch of videos to show you how cool this museum really is.

 

Browning Kimball Classic Car Museum

We didn't spend much time in this museum, as it seemed quite precarious with all the kids. I would have loved to look at all the cars for a while longer. I totally would take an old car style over the modern day ones anyday!

The highlight of the museum might be this steam engine outside.

I I checked all over, but couldn't find a sign, so we released the herd to climb all over!

We loved climbing on the engine.  The kids couldn't believe how high they were.

Until next time Union Station!

Be sure to check out our other post about the Free parts of Union Station.

***Giveaway***

This week we've got a family pass to the Union Station! Check out Union Station's Facebook page and tell us the part you want to visit most in the comments below!  Giveaway ends Saturday at Midnight.

Hours
Monday – Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm
Closed July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day
Entrance Fee(s)
Outside is free!
CHILD 3-12 $3
STUDENTS with ID card $4
ADULT 18-61 $5
SENIOR 62+ $4
Family Day Pass $15 Admits up to 2 adults and up to 8 dependent children.
Helpful Tips

Group Admission

Book tickets in ADVANCE to receive 10% off regular admission for groups of 15 or more,  Private rooms for group brunch and lunch service are available for a fee.  Call office for a quote. (801) 393-9886 ext. 3.  Email museums@theunionstation.org

Military

All Military with ID and their dependents receive Free entry to the museums between Memorial Day to Labor Day.  15% off regular ticket prices for the rest of the year.

Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts

Reservation required to receive a discount. Scouts in uniform 10% off.  1 adult per 6 scouts is admitted Free.  Additional adults at regular price. Regular price is charged unless you have a reservation.  Call Museum Manager 801-393-9886 or email museums@theunionstation.org.

Dinosaur Park Members / Nature Center Members

Admission to the Union Station Museums is free weekdays with a DinoPark Pass or any day with a Nature Center Pass, excluding special events. Union Station Members receive free admission any day at the Nature Center and weekdays at the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park and more….

Union Station Research Library | Russell Farr Photographic Collection

Hours | Monday – Thursday 10:0am – 5:00pm | Friday afternoons.
Phone | 801-393-1482
Email  | lee@theunionstation.org
Location | Union Station, Second Floor North Hallway

The library and archives features thousands of photographs including the Russell Farr Collection.  We have photos of old Ogden, Railroads, Buildings, Streets etc.  There is also a library of several hundred books dealing with the Arts, Guns, Autos and Railroads.  Additionally there are blueprints, newspapers, old calendars and personal papers, scrapbooks and memorabilia which are available to the public.  We do not lend materials but our collections can be examined and selected copies made at nominal fees.  Many visitors seek out particular photographs for family research or to decorate their home or office. Open to the public.

Phone
(801) 393-9886

Kierste Carter (not verified)

Wed, 05/13/2015 - 08:00

I just want to wander around and explore the beauty of a past era, but my littles would love climbing on the trains.

Kristin Warburton (not verified)

Fri, 05/15/2015 - 11:04

My two boys are obsessed with trains so any part of the museum that is train related is where we will be! They would love this!

Shantell Payne (not verified)

Fri, 05/15/2015 - 11:09

Union Station museum is so fun! I thought my daughter would love the trains and she did but she LOVED the gun museum! Would love to go back this summer!

Kaleen (not verified)

Fri, 05/15/2015 - 14:37

My kids would enjoy the trains and my hubs would like the guns. But I would love to checkout the cowboy museum!

kami h (not verified)

Fri, 05/15/2015 - 20:47

I've only ever visited the trains outside with my 3 year old. Im sure we would all love the inside, especially thE car museum!

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