Discover the NC Transportation Museum Tour in North Carolina

The NC Transportation Museum is a sprawling, 60-acre historic site dedicated to railroads, automobiles, aviation, and industrial machinery. Visitors explore massive historic rail shops, tour vintage locomotives, watch live demonstrations, and take train rides through the former Southern Railway Spencer Shops.
Why it’s special: It’s one of the best-preserved historic rail facilities in the country — with roundhouses, repair shops, locomotives, cars, and machinery all showcased on their original grounds.

History/Story of the NC Transportation Museum

Located on the grounds of the former Southern Railway Spencer Shops, the museum occupies buildings that date back to the early 20th century, when the site served as a major locomotive repair facility. After the shops closed, the state transformed the complex into a museum preserving North Carolina’s transportation heritage. Today, the museum showcases trains, classic cars, trucks, aircraft, and industrial equipment, while offering special events, rail excursions, and hands-on educational programs.

What You’ll See & Do

• Explore historic buildings including the Back Shop, Roundhouse, and Master Mechanic’s Office

• Walk through exhibits on locomotives, automobiles, aviation, and industry

• Step inside passenger cars, cabooses, freight cars, and restored engines

• Watch railroad demonstrations, restoration work, and interpretive programs

• Take a ride on the museum’s full-size train (offered on select days)

• Discover vintage fire trucks, antique cars, and early transportation technologies

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Visitors can climb aboard certain railcars, touch equipment displays, watch restoration crews at work, and participate in seasonal interactive programs. Kids enjoy hands-on activities in designated family areas.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography is allowed throughout the museum, including most indoor and outdoor displays. Flash may be restricted in specific exhibits or during restoration work.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Gift shop with train-themed toys, books, apparel, and collectibles

• Tickets for train rides and seasonal holiday excursions

• Special events such as Railroading Heritage Weekends, car shows, and themed festivals

Practical Info

The museum covers a large outdoor and indoor campus — comfortable shoes are recommended. Train rides, cab tours, and special programs run on select dates and require additional tickets. Most visits last 1.5–3 hours, depending on how much you explore.

Pricing

• Museum Admission:

  • Adults: ~$6

  • Seniors/Military: ~$5

  • Children (3–12): ~$4

  • Under 3: Free

• Train Ride: Additional ~$6–$10 per person depending on schedule

(Pricing varies slightly by season and special event.)

Nearby

• Salisbury historic downtown

• Boone’s Cave Park

• Dan Nicholas Park (family-friendly attractions)

• Shops and dining in Spencer and Salisbury

FAQs

Do I need to book in advance?

Museum admission is available on-site, but train rides and special events often require online reservations.

Are train rides available every day?

No — train rides run on select days and weekends. Schedules vary by season.

Is the museum good for children?

Yes — it’s very family-friendly, with hands-on exhibits and plenty of large vehicles to explore.

Can visitors go inside the locomotives or railcars?

Some cars and locomotives are open for boarding, while others can be viewed only from the outside for preservation reasons.

Is the museum mostly indoors or outdoors?

It’s a mix. Many exhibits are inside large historic shops, but some displays and activities are outdoors.