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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.
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of what to expect on a visit to the N.C. Transportation Museum!
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!
Historic Spencer Shops Train Show
Historic Spencer Shops Train Show May 16 & 17, 2026 Fun for the Whole Family! The Historic…
Member Appreciation Day
Celebrating our Members! Saturday, May 16, 2026 Member Appreciation Day is held in conjunction with…
Doris Tours
Doris Tours Walk-up Tour Times: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. A son of North Carolina, James B…
Loretto Tours
Loretto Tours Walk-up Tour Times: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Owned by Charles Schwab and one of…
Summer Fun Days
Times All Summer Fun Days will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. All activities are included…
Fire Truck Festival at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Annual Fire Truck Festival Saturday, June 13 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Join us for the hottest event…
Survivor Tours
Survivor Tours Walk-up Tour Times: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Step Inside History Aboard The…
Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops
Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops June 27, 2026 6:00 – 9:45 p.m. Enjoy a night of family…
All Ford Show
All Ford Show Saturday, August 1 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This car show is open to all Fords and all…
All GM Show
All GM Show Saturday, August 8 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. GM vehicle owners take the spotlight, with an…
Brew & Choo Summer Concert at the N.C. Transportation Museum
SAVE THE DATE! Brew & Choo Summer Concert August 8, 2026 We can’t wait to be BREW-ing…
All MOPAR Show
All MOPAR Show Saturday, August 15 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enthusiasts of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram…
Antique Automobile Club of America Car Show
Antique Automobile Club of America Car Show Saturday, September 12 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This show…
All Jeep Show
All Jeep Show Saturday, September 19 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Calling all Jeepers! Join us for our…
Day Out With Thomas™
Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll! September 25-27 & October 2-4, 2026 All aboard for a rockin’ good time!…
The Polar Express Train Ride
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride The Magic Returns! N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive…