N.C. Transportation Museum in Rowan County, NC
Experience original at the N.C. Transportation Museum by exploring the 60-acre historic site waiting to welcome visitors young and old. Once home to Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair facility in the southeast, the museum features all types of transportation history - railroading, automotive, aviation, and more. There are four large exhibit buildings representing the remaining structures of the historic Spencer Shops.
Each of the four large exhibit buildings have their own story to share. Barber Junction Depot is an authentic train station built in 1898 that serves as the museum’s Visitor Center. The Bob Julian Roundhouse is the largest remaining roundhouse in North America, and is home to locomotives, passenger rail cars, and a full-size replica Wright Flyer. The massive Back Shop, where steam locomotives were once completely overhauled, now houses rail cars of the past, antique automobiles, fire trucks, and the restoration of the Piedmont Airlines’ Potomac Pacemaker DC-3. The Flue Shop houses the museum’s Bumper to Bumper automotive exhibit. The museum is open year round for exploration and to serve as a source of education and fun for the young and old.
The museum also carries a robust list of special events throughout the year. From beer festivals and Wine and Dine events to train rides, scenic excursions, and special visits from Thomas the Train and THE POLAR EXPRESS ™, the N.C. Transportation Museum provides endless opportunities to experience original. Be sure to check out all of their special events and make sure you mark your calendars for Brew & Choo, Firetruck Festival, Day Out with Thomas and THE POLAR EXPRESS.
Plan your visit today for a trip into the past at the museum that moves you! This original stop is fun for kids of all ages. The N.C. Transportation Museum is a quick 5 minute drive from Salisbury in Rowan County, NC. Learn more about the N.C. Transportation Museum on their website, or find them in Spencer, NC at 1 Samuel Spencer Drive Spencer, NC 28159. Need to call? 704-636-2889.
Special Events at the N.C. Transportation Museum
N.C. Transportation Museum
Upcoming Events
The N.C. Transportation Museum has history to share year-round, as well as a robust list of special events. Be sure to mark your calendars for their headlining events. Check out what's coming up, and we'll see you at the museum that moves you!
Wine & Dine on the Rails
Wine & Dine on the Rails February 14, 15, and 16, 2025 Join us for an evening of elegance and…
"Steam Over Spencer": A Live Steam Model Train Event
Steam Over Spencer: A Live Steam Model Train Event March 6-8, 2025 / 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Join us…
Cub Scouts Transportation Explorer Day
Cub Scouts Transportation Explorer Day March 8, 2025 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Come out to the…
St. Patrick’s Day Train Ride
St. Patrick’s Day Train Ride March 15 & 16, 2025 Save the date! Climb aboard our St. Patrick’s…
Wind & Wings: The Science of Flight
Wind & Wings: The Science of Flight March 20-22, 2025 Join us for high-flying machines…
Scouts Aviation Day
Scout’s Aviation Day March 22, 2025 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The sky is the limit here at the N.C…
Tractors & Trains
Tractors & Trains April 25, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | April 26, 2025, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m…