North Carolina’s fascination with trains and train rides is easy to spot. From the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City to the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, trains play a huge role in tourism in the Tar Heel State. But it’s also fun to be a tourist in your own back yard! While most natives have visited GSMR and Tweetsie at least once (and probably more), there’s a railroad destination that most mainstream out-of-state tourists overlook. (All the more reason for us locals to go!)

The next time you're seeking something train related to see and do, consider a visit to the Roundhouse at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer.
N.C Transportation Museum/Google
The Roundhouse is the largest one of its kind remaining in the U.S. It was built in 1924 and served as a repair shop for locomotives and rail cars.
Today, the 37 bays that fill the roundhouse are brimming with fully resorted vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and several cabooses.
Alain Assaf/Google
A walk through the roundhouse is a nostalgic step back in time that even a novice train enthusiast will love.
Once a hub of activity for everything train related, it now houses more than 40 trains cars and engines.
buttercup_ts/TripAdvisor
Visitors are free to walk around and explore the variety of exhibits within the Roundhouse. Informational kiosks are located throughout and provide much insight into the history of the Roundhouse and the rail yard.

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Out in the center of the yard is the turntable used for getting locomotives and train cars into the many bays of the Roundhouse.
ArgFlaRailPhotos/TripAdvisor
A number of rail lines converge onto the spot. In the old days, a turntable operator was on duty to spin the table to line up with the oncoming train car so it could be maneuvered into the Roundhouse for repairs.
For only $1 per person, visitors can take spin on the fully restored turntable.
N.C. Transportation Museum/Facebook
It's a thrill for both the young — and the young at heart. But the historic turntable isn't the only thing visitors can ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum!
Train rides aboard restored vintage train cars pulled by restored vintage locomotives are among the most popular activities available at the museum.
N.C. Transportation Museum/Facebook
Train rides last approximately 25 minutes and include a guided tour of the 60-acre N.C. Transportation Museum site — where you're likely to see vintage airplanes, trains, automobiles, and more. The train runs seasonally from March through December 31st. During the holiday season, the train converts into the magical Polar Express!
A day in the train yard followed by a ride aboard a vintage train is an ideal way to discover the rich history behind North Carolina's railroading.
imodelrr/TripAdvisor

The fun Roundhouse tour and train ride isn’t all that the N.C. Transportation Museum has to offer, but it’s an ideal place to start exploring. The Museum is open year-round six days a week. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday noon – 5 p.m. General admission that includes a train ride is $12/adults, $10 seniors/military, $8 children 3-12, free for children under 3. Admission without a train ride is half of the prices just listed. Train rides are offered three times a day on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday; and offered four times on Saturday. Learn more on the official website for the North Carolina Transportation Museum and follow the Facebook page here!

Address: 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer, NC, 28159

Are you a devoted rail fan? Then you’ll love this train-themed day trip in North Carolina!

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