The museum is dedicated to preserving the rich railroad heritage of Utah from the original joining of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. It celebrates the diversity of peoples that have been associated with construction, maintenance and provision of rail service in Utah.

Outdoor railroad exhibits include the Spencer S. and Hope Fox Eccles Railroad Center. This center was dedicated May 1`2, 1989. Several historic pieces of railroad equipment are on display here. Above is UP turbine #26. There is also UP Northern #833, a 4-8-4 steam locomotive that saw both freight and passenger service between Utah and Wyoming. Visitors to Union Station can be given tours of this facility.