The National Railroad Museum broke ground May 2 for its $17 million “Fox River” expansion.
The museum, which attracts 100,000 people annually, has not expanded since 2001. Its collection grows by about 18 percent each year and attendance at educational programs grows by about 500 children per year, museum officials said.
The first floor will expand by 1,900 square feet for improved access and exhibit space. Additional classrooms and a kitchen are planned. There will be windows and access to a 5,000-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the Fox River.
A 2,600-square-foot mezzanine level will offer space for events.
“Trains bring people together. We’ve got two mayors here, the mayor from Sturgeon Bay, the Green Bay mayor, the village of Ashwaubenon, county executive, Democrats, Republicans, dogs, cats, just about everybody likes trains,” said Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich.
Completion is scheduled for July 2025. Funding for the $17 million project includes $7 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds provided by the state of Wisconsin.
Officials said once completed the project is expected to increase the museum’s economic impact in the area by $20 million.
