SUPPORT
Giving your time, effort, and resources is how we accomplish wonders
EMPIRE BUILDER PROGRAM
Like any railroad, the engine that will continue driving this project forward will be the financial resources it has at its disposal. The largest load will be the generous contributions made by donors and businesses. Our organizations believe that in return for their investment, they too should receive some stock incentives. As an Empire Builder you will be granted exclusive perks in the form of merchandise, passes, and more.
Details of this program are still being ironed out. However, when we are set to go full steam ahead, we will be sure to let everyone know.
Locomotive Restoration
We are honored and blessed our organization has been awarded a grant by the National Park Service through the FY2025 Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund in the amount of $1,925,980 to go toward flood recovery, restoration, and mitigation efforts.
The majority of the funds will be allocated toward the restoration of steam locomotive G.N. #1355 back to full operational status.
However, further fundraising is still needed to properly restore Florida & Alabama #18 and cover the expense of routine maintenance and general operations of the locomotives. Therefore, all generous contributions made to the project will go in the museum's endowment fund to ensure future sustainability.
Restoration and Maintenance Facility
Additional fundraising is also needed to construct a new restoration and maintenance facility. This vital component of the overall project will allow us to maintain the locomotive, ready it for service, and make repairs when necessary. The facility will also function as a restoration and repair shop for rolling stock and other equipment, as well as a training center for volunteers.
February 2026
Fundrasing Status & Goals
GREAT NORTHERN STEAM LOCOMOTIVE #1355 = Complete
FL & AL STEAM LOCOMOTIVE #18 = $1,000,000
MULTIPURPOSE RESTORATION FACILLITY = $5,000,000