Union Station — Attraction in Ogden

I've been coming to Union Station since I was in elementary school. I volunteered here in 2013 and 2014. I've seen it go through management changes and many display changes. Here's how I feel about each museum:

Car museum: The collection is large and easy to navigate. Among the better vehicles is the 1901 Oldsmobile, which if I recall correctly still has an active registration and can therefore legally drive on Utah's roadways. Most of the cars are still operable, though no one is allowed to drive them for obvious reasons. 5/5 stars

Firearms museum: Some displays have been changed and others removed altogether, but overall the collection is great. John Browning was a prolific inventor and the collection includes some rare prototypes that you just can't see anywhere else. The volunteers here are engaging and knowledgeable. 4/5 stars.

Railroad museum: This is where I used to volunteer. Many of the displays that were there a few years ago are now gone. Blank spaces occupy many walls and floor space where artifacts and pictures used to be. The space is no longer being utilized to its fullest potential. That said, the museum still has many artifacts of interest. It tells the story of the transcontinental railroad well and the model railroad is still as cool as it has always been. Plus there's that large collection of train engines outside, though the mail car and hospital car are closed currently because of covid. 3/5 stars

Overall, the museums at Union Station are wonderful and worth the admission price. The space in the railroad museum could be better used; with over 25,000 artifacts in their collection, there have to be some ways to use the empty spaces. But that's my only complaint and it mostly comes from a place of missing what used to be there. Definitely take your kids here; they (and you)...

If you’re a history enthusiast or simply enjoy visiting iconic landmarks, Ogden’s Union Station is a must-see destination. The station beautifully blends its rich history with a welcoming atmosphere, making it one of the city’s top attractions.

The first thing you’ll notice is the striking architecture. The building, originally constructed in the 1920s, retains much of its original charm. The Spanish Colonial Revival style adds to the station’s grandeur, and walking through its hallways feels like stepping back in time.

One of the highlights of the station is its collection of museums. The Utah State Railroad Museum is particularly impressive, showcasing Ogden’s crucial role as a railway hub. There are interactive exhibits, vintage locomotives, and detailed information about the construction of the transcontinental railroad. The John M. Browning Firearms Museum and the Car Museum also provide a deep dive into Utah’s rich industrial history.

The atmosphere of Union Station is calm and inviting. Whether you’re a local or a traveler passing through, it’s a great spot to relax, grab a coffee, and soak in the rich heritage. There’s also a gift shop with unique souvenirs to remember your visit.

In summary, Ogden’s Union Station is a gem for anyone interested in history, trains, or just looking for a peaceful place to explore. It offers a mix of educational exhibits, beautiful architecture, and a sense of nostalgia, making it a memorable experience for visitors...

We go there on a day trip sometimes. We can take TRAX and then Frontrunner up there and it stops within a block of the museum. The train museum is much better than I expected. There are plenty of exhibits for kids but the adults really enjoy them too. Each exhibit has loads of information so you learn quite a bit. The staff is always really friendly and helpful. I enjoy talking to them each time I go in. The car museum is a little small but the cars are each one of a kind. They are some of the coolest cars I've ever seen. Each one has a plaque that tells you about them, it's fun to read about each one. The gun museum is loads of fun. I didn't know that John M. Browning was quite the inventor and a damned good one at that! They have tons of his guns that he made and owned. He was a great contributor to the U.S. Army during WWI. They also have miniature guns that shoot some really tiny, but real, bullets. There is also a great restaurant inside the building that serves some of the best dishes I've had. They have an awesome staff any time we go there. The food is spectacular and decently priced. There is also a model train shop and a U.S. Forest Service station next to that. Quite a bit for a museum I'd say.

Besides all of that, you can go down the street to the east of the museum and have a really good time shopping at each of the local shops. The old part of downtown Ogden is a lot of fun. I'd recommend it to anyone from Salt Lake for a...