The Railroad and Communications Museum is located in the ornate, historical wooden building and grounds of the Haapsalu Terminal. It takes you on a journey through the history of Estonian railroads and communications.
Visitors are greeted by a respectable 1930s-era station master, and you may visit the terminal's post office.
The station has an unusually long (213,6 meter) covered platform. The former terminal atmosphere and steam-engine noises are summoned at the push of a button.
The collection of rolling stock includes both steam and diesel locomotives, passengers cars and handcars. The station's grounds contain a water tower, depot, turntable, and the railroad workers' residences.
The terminal building was constructed as the Keila-Haapsalu track section was completed at the start of the 20th century. The building was specially designed, and more ornate than others, intended to welcome the Russian emperor and his family members. The station hall includes an Emperor's Pavilion and a large summer buffet room. The resort town was beloved of Russian imperial family, and the Emperor himself was said to have supported the idea of the building, and helped make it a reality.
The first scheduled train arrived in Haapsalu in 1904, and the last one in 1995.
The excursion train Peetrike leaves from the museum on a tour of the town.