Iron Horse Symposium
NNRY's Iron Horse Symposium continues a longstanding historical tradition of a Fall gathering of railfans from all over the country a weekend-long immersion experience.
Railroad Day 2026: 120 Years of Railroading in White Pine County
When Mark Requa drove the Copper Spike on September 26, 1906 he marked the completion of a dream and laid the foundation for a copper mining boom. To celebrate, the citizens of Ely held Railroad Day 1906, the largest single celebration in the history of the city. 120 years later and the railroad is still serving the community, carrying visitors from all over the world instead of copper.
As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, the NNRy celebrates its 120 year history, honoring the contributions of its hard working men and women who sought the American Dream, kept vital war materials moving, built a vibrant community with a never-say-quit attitude and preserved Nevada's last shortline railroad. Railroad Day 2026 will be a mix of public programming coupled with the Iron Horse Symposium:
-Driving of the Copper Spike ceremony and parade of equipment in the East Ely Yard.
-Special train rides on the railroad.
-A tour of the NNRy mainline from MP 0 at Cobre to MP 139.1 at East Ely including stops at Shafter, Goshute and Cherry Creek.
-Presentations on the 120 years of the NNRy covering Mark Requa's dream, the impact of the Eureka and Palisade Railroad, the preservation of the property and more.
-Tours of the East Ely Yard, Ely City Cemetery and Downtown Ely.
-Annual Hall of Fame Banquet inducting ten individuals who had a profound impact on the history of the railroad.
-Release of our new book "The History of the Nevada Northern Railway in 120 Objects."
-And much more!
Available Options
There is usually ample lodging available in Ely during the Symposium, but it is a good idea to book well in advance.
Get information on How to get to Ely and Places to Stay.