15 Cabooses Worth Exploring in America’s Rail History

Cabooses, also known as guard vans or brake vans, were once an essential part of the railroad industry. These small cars were attached to the end of freight trains and served as a workspace for conductors who could oversee the train from its rear. Today, cabooses are no longer in use on most railroads but have become popular among urban explorers.

Here are 15 cabooses worth exploring:

1. The Red Caboose – Strasburg Railroad, Pennsylvania
The Strasburg Railroad is home to many historic locomotives and cabooses. The red caboose stands out with its vibrant color and rustic charm.

2. The Purple Caboose – Union Depot Railroad Museum, Minnesota
This purple caboose was restored by a local high school shop class and now sits at the Union Depot Railroad Museum in Minnesota.

3. The Yellow Caboose – Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, West Virginia
Located in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in West Virginia, this yellow caboose offers stunning views of Appalachia.

4. The Blue Caboose – Colorado Railroad Museum
The Colorado Railroad Museum has several cabooses on display including this blue one that dates back to the early 1900s.

5. The Green Caboose – Wilmington & Western Railroad, Delaware
There’s something charming about this green Wilmington & Western caboose that makes it stand out among others.

6. The White Caboose- New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA), Brooklyn
This white caboose was once used by NYCTA employees for track maintenance work before being retired and placed on display outside of a subway station in Brooklyn.

7. The Black Cabooses – Roaring Camp Railroads, California
Roaring Camp Railroads located in Felton California has two black cabooses that offer visitors a glimpse into California’s logging history

8.The Pinkish-Purple Escuse Me While I Kiss This Guy- Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado
This pinkish-purple caboose is named after a famous misheard lyric from the Jimi Hendrix song ‘Purple Haze’. It can be found in Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado.

9. The Brown Caboose – Mid-Continent Railway Museum, Wisconsin
The brown caboose at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in Wisconsin dates back to 1928 and offers visitors a glimpse into railroad history.

10. The Orange Caboose – East Troy Electric Railroad, Wisconsin
The orange caboose at the East Troy Electric Railroad offers stunning views of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

11. The Gray Cabooses – Mount Hood Railroad, Oregon
These gray cabooses located at the Mount Hood Railroad offer travelers scenic views of Oregon’s highest peak.

12. The Silver Caboose – Texas State Railroad, Texas
This silver caboose is part of the historic Texas State Railroad that takes passengers on a journey through some of Texas’ most beautiful scenery.

13. The Multi-Colored Cabooses – Fillmore & Western Railway Company, California
Fillmore & Western Railway Company has multiple cabooses sporting different colors that offer an excellent photo opportunity for those who love vibrant hues

14.The Beige/Brown South Branch Valley Rail Road 900 Series- West Virginia Association Of Railroaders Inc., West Virginia
These beige/brown cabooses are part of South Branch Valley Rail Road series located at West Virginia Association Of Railroaders Inc

15.The Chicago Northwestern Yellow Bay Window-Columbia Star Dinner Train LLC ,Wisconsin.
A bright yellow bay window from Chicago Northwestern stands out immediately when exploring Columbia Star Dinner Train LLC

Overall, there are many cabooses worth exploring throughout America. From their colorful exteriors to their rich histories they have become an attraction for rail enthusiasts everywhere.