Last updated June 30, 2026
Looking for one of North Carolina's best family attractions? The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer offers scenic train rides, historic locomotives, interactive exhibits and some of the state's most popular seasonal events, including Day Out With Thomas™ and THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
Located at the former Southern Railway Spencer Shops, once a major steam locomotive repair facility between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, this 60-acre museum brings transportation history to life through restored trains, automobiles, aviation exhibits and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or visiting Rowan County for a special event, the N.C. Transportation Museum is a destination worth adding to your itinerary.
Before your visit, check the N.C. Transportation Museum's official website for current train schedules, admission information and upcoming events.
Things to Do at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Whether you're visiting for a few hours or spending the day exploring, the N.C. Transportation Museum offers plenty of experiences for train enthusiasts, history buffs and families alike. From scenic train rides to historic locomotives and interactive exhibits, there's something new to discover around every corner.
Ride the Museum Train
One of the most popular experiences at the museum is the 25-minute train ride through the historic 60-acre site. Travel aboard restored passenger cars as you pass historic railroad buildings and equipment while learning about the property's role as Southern Railway's largest steam locomotive repair facility. Train rides are offered seasonally, making them a favorite activity for visitors of all ages.
Train schedules vary throughout the year, so be sure to view the current train ride schedule before planning your visit.
Explore Historic Railroad Equipment
Railroad history comes to life throughout the museum's expansive grounds. See impressive steam and diesel locomotives, historic passenger railcars and freight equipment that helped shape transportation across North Carolina and the nation. Be sure to visit the Bob Julian Roundhouse, the largest remaining roundhouse in North America, where locomotives were once serviced and repaired.
You'll also find beautifully restored railcars with fascinating stories, including private cars once owned by industrialists James B. Duke and Charles M. Schwab. Together with Pullman sleeping cars, cabooses and other historic railroad equipment, these exhibits offer a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel.
See Classic Cars, Aviation & More
While trains are the museum's centerpiece, there's much more to explore. Discover a collection of historic automobiles, aviation exhibits and other transportation artifacts that showcase how people have traveled throughout the decades. From vintage vehicles to aircraft displays, the museum celebrates the many innovations that have kept North Carolina - and the country - moving.
Step Inside Transportation History
The museum isn't just a place to look at history - it's a place to experience it. Climb aboard select locomotives, explore the cab of a steam engine, and get an up-close look at the equipment railroad workers operated every day. Don't miss the working turntable, originally installed in 1924, which was used to rotate locomotives inside the roundhouse. Interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences throughout the museum help visitors of all ages better understand the people, machines and stories that shaped America's transportation history.
Annual Events at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Throughout the year, the museum hosts family events, train experiences, concerts and classic car shows that attract visitors from across North Carolina and beyond. If you're planning a trip, consider timing your visit around one of these special events.
Family Events
June 30, July 7, 14 & 21, August 4 & 11 - Summer Fun Days
September 25-27 & October 2-4 - Day Out with Thomas
Car Shows & Specialty Tours
July 8, 11, 17, 18, 22, 25 & 31 - Survivor Tours
August 1 - All Ford Show
August 8 - All GM Show
August 15 - All MOPAR Show
September 12 - Antique Automobile Club of America Car Show
September 19 - All Jeep Show
Specialty Events
August 8 - Brew & Choo Summer Concert
Holiday Events
November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29 & December 4-6 & 10-23 - Polar Express
Looking for even more events? Visit the museum's official events calendar for additional programs, exhibits and special experiences happening throughout the year.
N.C. Transportation Museum Hours & Admission
Museum Hours
March - Labor Day: Tuesday - Saturday 9 A.M. – 5 P.M., Sunday noon - 5 P.M., Closed Mondays
(Open Labor Day with train rides at 11 A.M. & 1 P.M.)
Train Ride Schedule
June 11 - August 2: Thursday - Sunday
August 3 - 30: Friday - Sunday
September 5 - 27: Friday - Sunday
October 8 - 25: Thursday - Sunday
- Thursday & Friday: 10 A.M., 11 A.M. & 1 P.M.
- Saturday: 10 A.M., 1 P.M. & 2 P.M.
- Sunday: 1 P.M., 2 P.M. & 3 P.M.
Admission Prices
$10 for Adults
$9 for Seniors (62+)/Military
$8 for Children 3-12 years of age
Free for members and children under the age of 3.
Admission + Train Ride: $20 for Adults, $18 for Seniors (62+)/Military, $16 for Children 3-12 years of age
For the most up-to-date admission prices, hours of operation and seasonal schedule changes, visit the N.C. Transportation Museum's visitor information page.
Stay & Play Packages
Planning to attend Day Out With Thomas™ or THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride? Book an overnight stay in Rowan County through one of our Stay & Play Packages and receive either complimentary event tickets (while supplies last) or a VISA e-Gift Card.
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 VISA e-Gift Card |
| 2 NIGHT STAY | 4 free Day Out with ThomasTM and Percy combo tickets (while supplies last) OR a $90 VISA e-Gift Card |
Learn more about Day Out with ThomasTM and what to expect during the event on the museum's official event page.
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 VISA e-Gift Card |
| 2 NIGHT STAY | 2 free standard adult and 2 free standard child tickets (while supplies last) OR a $125 VISA e-Gift Card |
Learn more about THE POLAR EXPRESSTM Train Ride, departure times and onboard experience by visiting the museum's official event page.
Click the image below to check out our Instagram Reel to catch a glimpse
of what to expect on a visit to the N.C. Transportation Museum!
