
Great Overland Station and All Veterans Memorial
A beautifully restored 1927 train station and memorial, offering a glimpse into history and a tribute to veterans.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Great Overland Station and All Veterans Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored 1927 train station and memorial, offering a glimpse into history and a tribute to veterans.
"The coolest, well run historic train station in NE Kansas."

Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can vary, so confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :calendar:
Kid-Friendly Exhibits
Great for families with interactive elements that engage younger visitors. :child:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Train Station Architecture
Main Hall
Marvel at the beautifully restored 1927 classic architecture of this historic train station.

All Veterans Memorial
A poignant tribute to veterans, offering a space for reflection and remembrance.

Union Pacific 'Big Boy' Steam Locomotive
Exterior (special events)
Witness the world's largest operating steam locomotive, a truly massive and impressive sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessibility & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can vary, so confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :calendar:
Kid-Friendly Exhibits
Great for families with interactive elements that engage younger visitors. :child:
Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable, happy to show you around. :star:
Special Locomotive Sightings
Keep an eye out for special events like the 'Big Boy' locomotive visits! :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can vary, so confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :calendar:
Kid-Friendly Exhibits
Great for families with interactive elements that engage younger visitors. :child:
Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable, happy to show you around. :star:
Special Locomotive Sightings
Keep an eye out for special events like the 'Big Boy' locomotive visits! :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Overland Station for its beautifully restored architecture and the engaging All Veterans Memorial. The staff are frequently highlighted for their friendliness and knowledge. While the museum is becoming more kid-friendly, some may find general admission details could be clearer.
"Amazing exhibit and museum! We showed up on a day it was closed due to misreading hours. It was 90 degrees outside and we had two kids under 2 with my wife and me. They still let us in to tour the exhibits. Beautiful history and collections every where. Increasing kid friendly with interactive portions. Friendly, gracious staff! Great place to take the family!"
Benjamin Allman
"Had a great time here today. Big boy was here heading south. It was something to see. Reminds of a slower more peaceful time.
The museum's main room is so kool."
Ronnie Layton
"I was there for a special occasion, a memorial service for a friend. The building is gorgeous. It has been restored quite well. The meeting areas are lovely and good size. I was quite impressed with the place in general. The museum looks interesting. I need to go back and visit that someday soon."
Shelly Gunderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Overland Station is located in Topeka, Kansas. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is a common method. Many visitors arrive by car, and it's a notable stop for road trips through the region.
Parking information is not extensively detailed online, but as a restored historic site, it's likely to have visitor parking available. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead if you have specific concerns about parking.
Absolutely! One visitor mentioned stopping here during a road trip to Denver, highlighting its appeal as a unique stopover.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission details are not explicitly stated in the provided content. However, one review mentioned being allowed in to tour exhibits even when the museum was technically closed due to heat, suggesting a flexible approach.
Operating hours can vary, and it's recommended to check them before your visit. One visitor noted misreading the hours and found the staff accommodating.
There's no indication that advance booking is required for general admission. However, for special events like the 'Big Boy' locomotive visit, it's wise to check for any specific ticketing or viewing arrangements.
Yes, the staff's willingness to accommodate visitors, even outside of regular hours due to circumstances like extreme heat, suggests it can be a good destination for a spontaneous outing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautifully restored 1927 train station, visit the All Veterans Memorial, and see interesting exhibits. The main room of the museum is particularly noted as 'kool'.
Yes, the museum is increasing its kid-friendly and interactive portions, making it a great place to take the family.
The 'Big Boy' is the Union Pacific 4014, the biggest still operating steam locomotive in the world, weighing 1.2 million pounds. It makes special appearances, drawing large crowds.
The building has lovely meeting areas of good size and has been used for memorial services, indicating its suitability for such events.
It's a historic 1927 train station that has undergone significant restoration, preserving its classic architecture and serving as a museum and memorial.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic architecture of the restored 1927 train station is a prime subject. The All Veterans Memorial also offers poignant photo opportunities. If the 'Big Boy' locomotive is present, that's an unmissable photographic subject.
While not explicitly stated, most museums allow photography for personal use unless otherwise noted. It's always a good idea to look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
The exterior of the historic train station, especially with its classic architecture, would likely offer good photo opportunities. The presence of the 'Big Boy' locomotive would also create a dramatic backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the exhibits, the sheer scale of the 'Big Boy' locomotive, when present, is awe-inspiring for all ages. It’s a powerful visual that can spark curiosity about engineering and history. The overall atmosphere of the restored station also offers a unique backdrop for a family outing, providing a glimpse into a different era.
🚂 History Buffs & Train Enthusiasts
Train enthusiasts will be particularly thrilled by the potential to see the Union Pacific 'Big Boy' locomotive. This massive steam engine is a marvel of engineering and a rare sight, offering a tangible connection to the power and scale of historical railroading. The station's role as a hub for such significant locomotives makes it a prime spot for anyone interested in the evolution of trains and travel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Restoration of a Historic Gem
The restoration efforts have not only preserved the historical integrity of the station but also enhanced its functionality. It now serves as a museum and a venue for events, including memorial services. The main room of the museum is particularly highlighted as a 'kool' space, inviting visitors to step back in time.
This commitment to restoration ensures that the station remains a significant landmark and a valuable educational resource, offering a glimpse into the region's transportation history and its role in community life.
The 'Big Boy' Locomotive: A Mechanical Marvel
Witnessing the 'Big Boy' in person is described as 'something to see,' evoking a sense of a 'slower, more peaceful time.' Its presence at the Great Overland Station is a special event, attracting enthusiasts and families alike who want to experience the power and grandeur of this historic piece of engineering.
When the 'Big Boy' is scheduled to visit, it's a major event. For instance, a past visit to Topeka on October 17th had specific arrival and departure times, drawing considerable attention and offering a unique photographic opportunity for visitors.
A Space for Remembrance and Reflection
Visitors have found the memorial to be a poignant and meaningful addition to the station. It offers a quiet area for reflection, complementing the broader historical narrative of the station and its connection to travel and community.
The combination of the restored station and the veterans memorial creates a layered experience, appealing to those interested in history, engineering, and paying tribute to military service.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit