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!
Easter Bunny Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum
The Easter Bunny Visits for Four Fun-Filled Days! Throughout our four-day eggstravaganza, event…
Tractors & Trains at the N.C. Transportations Museum
Tractors & Trains April 12, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | April 13, 2024, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m…
Sensory Friendly Day at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Sensory Friendly Day April 21 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Prior to opening to the general public, the…
Girl Scouts Railroading Day at the N.C. Transportations Museum
Girl Scouts Railroading Day May 4, 2024 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Discover the world of railroading…
Historic Spencer Shops Train Show
Fun for the Whole Family! The Historic Spencer Shops Train Show features vendors with railroad…
Lester J. Brown Antique Truck Show
Antique Trucks Line The Lot! Come see antique pickups, fire trucks, flatbeds, military trucks, tow…
Member Appreciation Day at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Celebrating our Members! Member Appreciation Day is held in conjunction with both The Historic…
Ice Cream Train at the N.C. Transportation Museum
I Scream. You Scream. WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! Come join us for our Ice Cream Train on June 26…
Fire Truck Festival at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Join us for the hottest event of the year! You’ll get to meet firefighters from across the state…
Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops
Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops Enjoy a night of family fun at the N.C. Transportation Museum…
All Ford Show at the N.C. Transportation Museum
This car show is open to all Fords and all Ford orphans. One of the museum’s largest car shows, this…
All GM Show at the N.C. Transportation Museum
GM vehicle owners take the spotlight, with an awesome collection of Chevys, Buicks, GMCs, and…
Brew & Choo Festival
Brew & Choo Festival August 10 | 4 – 9 P.M. We can’t wait to be BREW-ing & CHOO-ing…
All MOPAR Show at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Enthusiasts of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT®, and Mopar® come together for this annual event…
Day Out With Thomas™
Ride, Play & Stay All Day! September 27-29 & October 4-6 Peep Peep – Get ready for a…
Halloween Train
Halloween Train October 19 & 26 Some Fun is Brewing! Bring your little monsters and ghouls for…
The Polar Express Train Ride
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride The Magic Returns for 2024 November 8 - December 23 “Well, are you…
Winter Holiday Train Rides
Winter Holiday Train Rides December 26 – 31, 2024 Join the museum for special train rides…