Julie King, National Railroad Hall of Fame — Railroad Days 2026

Julie King, executive director of the National Railroad Hall of Fame and one of the key organizers of Railroad Days, joined Galesburg's Morning News on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. King previewed the 48th annual Railroad Days festival, running Thursday, June 25, through Sunday, June 28, in downtown Galesburg. She also shared the latest on construction of the National Railroad Hall of Fame visitor center, located south of the Amtrak depot. Topics covered in this interview include: Why Railroad Days matters to Galesburg's identity — now in its 48th year The Wilson Family Carnival, opening Thursday at City Square The Choo Choo & Brew kickoff Friday evening at the Galesburg Community Arts Center — free admission, local beer, and a photography exhibit BNSF Rail Yard tours Friday and Saturday — and why tickets sell out fast The BNSF wheel change demonstration, Mini-Mac rides, trolley rides, and the Santa Fe War Bonnet locomotive on display The Model Train Show at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Fremont Street — Saturday only Live music Saturday: Even Steven in the afternoon and Neon Nova in the evening on Main Street Construction milestones at the National Railroad Hall of Fame visitor center — helical piers complete, concrete pour set for July 6 Exhibit production underway with BRC Imagination Arts of Burbank, California A late spring opening targeted — potentially in time for Railroad Days 2027 For the full Railroad Days schedule, visit galesburgrailroaddays.net. Read our full Railroad Days preview story: Railroad Days 2026 — full preview Read our full National Railroad Hall of Fame construction update: National Railroad Hall of Fame visitor center update 🎧 Subscribe to Galesburg's Morning News: Apple Podcasts Spotify