Manly Junction Railroad Museum gets $1.8 million Destination Iowa grant

MANLY — The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded a $1.8 million Destination Iowa grant to the Manly Junction Railroad Museum.

The museum is dedicated to preserving the railroad legacy with the construction of a new 19,500 square foot facility to house the museum and event center, which is expected to attract at least 10,000 visitors per year.

The museum will share the history of the rail industry and its impact on the development of the Midwest through unique exhibits, artifacts, tracks and equipment.

The event area will seat up to 150 people with outdoor space as well. The nearly $7.3 million project was awarded a $1.818 million grant.

The IEDA Board of Directors approved the award at their meeting on Friday.