The N.C. Transportation Museum - located in Spencer, N.C. - may just be the best place any child or transportation enthusiast could visit in the entire world. What was once Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive servicing facility, is now a 60-acre museum site dedicated solely to all things transportation. From train rides to seasonal and permanent exhibits, there is tons to look forward to when you visit the Museum that Moves You.
Attractions at the N.C. Transportation Museum
When you visit the N.C. Transportation Museum, you may be surprised by how much there is to explore. Although simply walking the museum's grounds is an amazing experience by itself, you can also look forward to much more during your visit!
- Take an exciting 25-minute train ride around the museum's grounds
- Discover unique automobiles, passenger cars, planes and more that you won't see anywhere else
- See the largest remaining roundhouse in North America
- Adventure through the cab of a steam engine, diesel truck and more
- Ride on a turntable dating back to 1924
- Explore railcars owned by James Duke & Charles Schwab
- Learn about the daily life of railroad workers throughout the years
... and so much more!
Museum Hours & Information
Hours (June through Labor Day): Tuesday – Saturday 9 A.M. – 5 P.M., Sunday noon – 5 P.M., Closed Mondays (Labor Day 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.)
Train Schedule (June through Labor Day): Thursday & Friday at 10 A.M., 11 A.M., & 1 P.M., Saturday at 10 A.M., 11 A.M., 1 P.M. & 2 P.M., Sunday at 1 P.M., 2 P.M., & 3 P.M.
Admission: $6 for Adults, $5 for Seniors (62+)/Military, $4 for Children 3-12 years of age
Admission + Train Ride: $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors (62+)/Military, $8 for Children 3-12 years of age
Upcoming Events at the N.C. Transportation Museum
There is always something exciting happening at the N.C. Transportation Museum! No matter the time of year, be sure to check their event schedule so you can plan the perfect trip with your family.
July 1 - Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops
July 1 - Moving the Military Tour
July 12 - Ice Cream Train
July 29 - Celebrity Car & Truck Show
August 2 - Ice Cream Train
August 12 - Brew & Choo Festival
September 22-24 & September 29-October 1 - Day Out with Thomas
November 10-11, 17-19, 24-26 & December 1-3, 7-10, 12-23 - Polar Express
Overnight Stay & Play Packages
Did you know that if you're staying in Rowan County during big event days, we may be offering a way for you to get free tickets? This year we are offering free tickets to anyone staying overnight during Brew & Choo Festival, Day Out with Thomas and Polar Express!
Brew & Choo Festival
Book your overnight stay in one of our participating Rowan County Lodging Properties during the Brew & Choo Festival at the North Carolina Transportation Museum and receive 2 FREE tickets for Admission + Train Ride with Table Seating.
Day Out with Thomas
Book your overnight stay in Rowan County during the date you are attending Day Out with Thomas™ at the N.C. Transportation Museum and receive:
| 1 NIGHT STAY | 2 free Day Out with ThomasTM and Percy combo tickets (while supplies last) OR a $45 gift certificate to the museum gift shop |
| 2 NIGHT STAY | 4 free Day Out with ThomasTM and Percy combo tickets (while supplies last) OR a $90 gift certificate to the museum gift shop |
Polar Express
Book your overnight stay in Rowan County during the date you are attending THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum and receive:
| 1 NIGHT STAY | 1 free standard adult and 1 free standard child ticket (while supplies last) OR a $50 gift certificate to the museum gift shop |
| 2 NIGHT STAY | 2 free standard adult and 2 free standard child tickets (while supplies last) OR a $125 gift certificate to the museum gift shop |
We can't wait until you visit us at the N.C. Transportation Museum! Check out more fun things to add to your itinerary on our Things to Do with Kids page.
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