Museum of Transportation, Saint Louis

The National Museum of Transportation (NMOT) is a private museum dedicated to restoring, preserving, and displaying a wide range of transportation vehicles that span 15 decades of American history. Located in the Kirkwood suburb, the museum is spread across 42 acres and boasts an impressive collection of cars, boats, aircraft, and locomotives from across the United States.

One of the museum's most significant features is its vast collection of railroad equipment, which includes a unique selection of locomotives and railway cars from various eras. The museum's railway spur connects to an active mainline that was once owned by the Missouri Pacific Railroad and is now operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. This connection has enabled the museum to acquire large and unusual pieces of railroad equipment and expand its collection.

The museum is also home to a research library that houses a vast collection of transportation-related memorabilia and documents. Visitors can explore the library and learn more about the history of transportation and its impact on American culture and society.

Another unique feature of the museum is the West Barretts Tunnel, located at the southwest corner of the property. Built-in 1853, this tunnel is one of a pair that was the first to operate west of the Mississippi River. The tunnel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, recognizing its historical significance.

The museum offers various activities for visitors, including a miniature railroad that operates around a loop of track near the parking lot. Additionally, visitors can take a ride on a full-sized restored trolley that operates from Thursday through Sunday from April to October.