Where Is The Nc Transportation Museum
Address: 1 Samuel Spencer Dr, Spencer, NC 28159
The NC Transportation Museum is located in the town of Spencer in Rowan County, Central North Carolina. Its closest to Salisbury and Charlotte and perfect for day trips, even from Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
If youre traveling on I-85, its in a good spot right off Exit 79. From Statesville, youll use I-77 before getting off at Exit 152 and following US-70 for most of the way.
Read More: The NC Tripping North Carolina Travel Map
Spend The Day At The North Carolina Transportation Museum
The North Carolina Transportation Museum is a destination in and of itself. The buildings the museum occupies have a transportation history of their own, including an 1898 train depot, a 37 bay roundhouse built in 1924, and a Back Shop built-in 1905 for overhauling steam locomotives. Those buildings are packed full of historically significant automobiles, aviation exhibits, steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and so much more. While we loved looking at the old cars, we all found the 1924 roundhouse and the 40 restored locomotives it houses to be quite impressive and fun. Rides are available on the turntable as well, though we did not purchase one of those.
More About The Information Presented Here
Please Note! There are some locations which now also feature Percy. These are designated below using a small thumbnail image.
The information presented is accurate to the best of my knowledge although if there is an error I do apologize. If you do not see by each listing, those dates are not for the 2022 calendar year.
Sometimes organizations switch operating dates/times and I will try my best to keep up with any changes. For more information regarding purchasing tickets and where/when Thomas will be running please visit the links above.
2022 dates are being added as they become available! Please check back often
Also Check: Children’s Museum Boston Ma
Iowa Day Out With Thomas Train Rides
Boone & Scenic Valley Railway : The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is a museum and operating tourist railroad using former Chicago & North Western trackage .
Its trains feature both steam and diesel locomotives, as well as restored trolley car #50 . They host A Day Out With Thomas the tank engine on these dates:
If you want to visit the NC Transportation Museum, its hours are as follows:
- Tuesdays to Saturdays: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sundays: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays
The Museum also charges a reasonable admission fee. There are two options for tickets: a ticket for just the exhibits or a ticket combining the exhibits with the onsite train ride.
Illinois Day Out With Thomas Train Rides
Illinois Railway Museum : The Illinois Railway Museum is one of the premier, and largest, railroad museums in the country.
The IRM, as its also known, has an impressive collection of preserved and restored equipment at its amazing facility. They host A Day Out With Thomas, featuring Percy, on these dates:
Read Also: Zak Bagans Haunted Museum Tickets
Don’t Miss: Hotels Near Houston Fine Arts Museum
Day Out With Thomas Nc
Everything About Popular Thomas Image Reference
Day Out With Thomas Nc. An extensive selection of railroad and transportation related merchandise is also available at the n.c. For more about tweetsie railroad, keep reading here!
We need many different people to make this event successful. There is still time to get your little engineersâ tickets to come to see thomas, percy & sir topham hatt! Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun.
Recommended Reading: Museum Of Modern Art New York Current Exhibitions
Exhibits And Train Ride Ticket Prices
- Adults: $12
- Seniors/Military: $10
- Children : $8
Additionally, if youre a frequent visitor of this Museum or a lover of all things transportation, then you might consider investing in a membership! The membership, available at varying prices, includes free admission, free train rides, discounts at the gift shop, and more!
The Museum also accepts membership cards from participating members of the Association of Science and Technology Centers within a 90-mile radius.
For example, members of Catawba Science Center in Hickory, the Greensboro Science Center, and Kaleideum in Winston-Salem receive FREE or discounted admission.
Read more: Museums in Greensboro
Read Also: Hotels Near Pink Palace Museum Memphis Tn
Day Out With Thomas The Train Rides 2022
Last revised: July 18, 2022
By: Adam Burns
Thomas The Train, also affectionately known as Thomas the Tank Engine, has been a pop culture icon since the late 1970s with the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.
The television series, written and produced by Britt Allcroft, is actually based off the The Railway Series of books written by Englishmen Wilbert Awdry and his son in the 1940s.
Interestingly, the show even drew some interest from adults due to the superb craftsmanship of the models and layouts depicted. Today, this has largely been replaced by CGI and computer animation.
Thomas himself is based from a real steam locomotive design, the E2 Class, an 0-6-0T wheel arrangement conceived by Lawson Billinton of the early 20th century. Listed below is the 2022 schedule and dates regarding where Thomas The Tank Engine will be appearing.
N& W 611 Daylight Photo Charter
May 3 only
Tickets still available!
The N.C. Transportation Museum and the Virginia Museum of Transportation are offering yet another opportunity to experience the Norfolk & Western Class J #611 under steam! On Monday, May 3, 2021, while the museum is closed to the general public, we will be hosting a daytime photo charter featuring the 611. The iconic streamlined 4-8-4 will be posed for photos and will perform photo run-bys in multiple locations across the museum site, including new photo angles and areas not accessible to the general public.
This all-day event begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m., with a mid-day break for lunch on your own, turning of the locomotive, and repositioning. The break will take place during the high sun hours which are especially difficult for photographers, lasting approximately two hours. Attendees are welcome to stay on site during the break to take photographs and video of the locomotive, or are welcome to leave for lunch and return for the second part of the day.
This will be the first daytime photo charter with the N& W 611 at Spencer since 2016, so dont miss the opportunity to capture some unique images! Space is limited.
May 3
Read Also: The American Folk Art Museum
Also Check: The Museum Of Natural History
Connecticut Day Out With Thomas Train Rides
Essex Steam Train : The Essex Steam Train has become one of the more popular train rides anywhere in the country offering a variety of special trips from its home base in Essex, including the ability to make riverboat charters.
They host A Day Out With Thomas during select dates in the spring, including special appearances by Percy!Dates: May 28-29 and June 4-5.
Fun For The Whole Family
The Historic Spencer Shops Train Show features vendors with railroad memorabilia of all types: model train dealers, model train layouts, collectors, and more. The show takes place in the 1905 Back Shop, a historic railroad location perfect for a railroading event!
Celebrate railroading including photo opportunities, train rides around our 60-acre historic site, and more fun for all ages.
Read Also: How To Become A Historian In A Museum
Texas Day Out With Thomas Train Rides
Austin Steam Train : The Austin Steam Train is based in Austin, Texas operating through the states Hill Country uses tracks once owned by the Southern Pacific. The line is 163-miles in length and used as both a commuter and freight rail line today. They host A Day Out With Thomas on
Grapevine Railroad : The Grapevine Railroad operates between its headquarters and Fort Worth on trackage originally owned by the St. Louis Southwestern Railway . A Day Out With Thomas stops by on these dates:
Day Out With Thomas The Train Rides : Locations And Dates
Last revised: February 19, 2022
Please note! Due to COVID-19 many locations are not hosting Thomas The Tank Engine in 2022. Look for the
Thomas The Train, also affectionately known as Thomas the Tank Engine, has been a pop culture icon since the late 1970s with the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.
The television series, written and produced by Britt Allcroft, is actually based off the The Railway Series of books written by Englishmen Wilbert Awdry and his son in the 1940s.
Interestingly, the show even drew some interest from adults due to the superb craftsmanship of the models and layouts depicted. Today, this has largely been replaced by CGI and computer animation.
Thomas himself is based from a real steam locomotive design, the E2 Class, an 0-6-0T wheel arrangement conceived by Lawson Billinton of the early 20th century. Listed below is the 2022 schedule and dates regarding where Thomas The Tank Engine will be appearing.
While the history of Thomas the train is interesting, this section looks to highlight the real life tank engine which is featured at tourist railroads and museums as special events all across the United States, and other countries, during the operating season.
Thomas the tank engine is also travels around the world to allow visitors, kids especially, to view and sometimes ride behind replica versions of the locomotive.
Dates sometimes change and if you have any questions concerning scheduling please contact HiT Entertainment.
Don’t Miss: Tickets For Ark And Creation Museum
Preserved North Carolina Transportation Museum Locomotives
Steam Locomotives
Atlantic Coast Line 4-6-0 #1031
Carolina Power & Light “Fireless” 0-4-0F #3
Duke Power 0-4-0T #111
Graham County Railroad 3-Truck Shay #1925
Seaboard Air Line 2-10-0 #544
Southern Railway 2-8-0 #542
W. R. Bonsal Company 0-6-0T #7
Diesel Locomotives
Amtrak F40PH #307
Atlantic Coast Line E3A #501
Beaufort & Morehead H12-44 #1860
Duke Power 25-Ton Switcher #5951
Norfolk & Western GP9 #620
Norfolk Southern AS416 #1616
North Carolina State Ports Authority 45-Ton Switcher #L-3
Southern Railway GP30 #2601
Southern Railway/Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific FP7 #6133
Southern Railway E8A #6900
U.S. Army 44-Ton Switcher #7497
U.S. Navy 44-Ton Switcher #65-00556
Electric Locomotives
Piedmont & Northern Boxcab #5103
In last few years NCTM’s stature has risen immensely with several notable events and activities taking place there.
First, during the July 4th holiday in 2012, in conjunction with Norfolk Southern the museum held a large celebration 20 heritage locomotives adorned in liveries of predecessor railroads which make up the current NS system.
Two years later in the late spring of 2014 NCTM held the “Streamliners At Spencer” event with several pieces of historic equipment celebrating the sleek designs common during the last great age of passenger rail travel.
The train trips are not long, traveling about a mile or so around the 57-acre site and lasting for about 25 minutes.
Thomas The Train Ride Spencer Nc
Take a ride in 2022 with Thomas the Tank Engine, meet the railway controller Sir Topham Hatt, have fun in the Imagination Station, see authentic engines and enjoy tons of other activities in a city near you! This year some events are featuring Thomas’s best friend Percy! All Aboard!
And more recently Thomas Welcomes Percy! America’s favorite little blue engine is chugging and now talking his way into town with pal Percy by his side. Check the schedule for the railroad hosting Percy. Join Thomas for a special Day Out with Thomas as Percy travels from the Island of Sodor for his first national tour!
Get your tickets for the Thomas Train Ride 2022. Here is the schedule for Day Out with Thomas The Celebration Tour. Join Thomas for this special event of miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading. Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun.
Don’t Miss: Denver Art Museum Promo Code
Ride The Polar Express
The museum hosts more than 30 events each year, and the largest is the Polar Express Train Ride, which runs for 23 nights in November and December. Inspired by the well-loved holiday movie, it draws visitors from all over North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Weve been lucky enough to partner with the Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau to offer hotel packages during this event to make it an even more affordable family getaway, Brown says.
See more: Discover the History of Languages at the Museum of the Alphabet in Waxhaw
Pajama-clad families board the Polar Express and embark on a trip to the North Pole, with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. The experience is set to the music of The Polar Express movie soundtrack, and passengers sing, dance and listen to a reading of the companion story. Santa makes an appearance at the North Pole and passengers receive a souvenir silver bell on the ride back to the museum.
Day Trip Idea: Nc Transportation Museum
By TMoM Team Member Laura Simon
Chances are, youve heard about the N.C. Transportation Museum because it hosts both A Day Out with Thomas and The Polar Express, large themed events that draw visitors from all over. However, the museum itself is an absolute gem any time of year, and it makes a great family day trip. I decided to head there with my three kids on a lovely May week day, and it kept us busy all day.
The museum is located just 45 minutes from most parts of the Triad, in what used to be the Spencer Shops. In its heyday, the complex served as a vibrant hub for the Southern Railway, building and maintaining the steam engines and cars that kept the line moving. When diesel engines took over and the shops closed, the museum stepped in to restore the original buildings, creating a large complex with exhibits centered on all things transportation-related.
Perhaps the highlight for my train lovers was the train ride itself. You can opt to buy a museum ticket without the train, but I recommend spending the extra money. The ride itself is an out and back that takes about 25 minutes. Like most train tracks, this one doesnt show you the most scenic part of the town, but you do see a lot of train buildings, old cars, and tracks. Plus, youre riding a train. What else could you want? I was wondering if my older boys were getting a little old for trains, but they were absolutely reduced to toddlers, jumping up and down and squealing with excitement.
Read Also: Smithsonian American Art Museum Gift Shop
Were Gearing Up For A Huge Day Of Tractors & Trains And Fun
Join us to see modern tractors, antique farm equipment, farm life demonstrations, and much more! With kids activities, music, and hayrides this is an event the whole family can attend! We cant wait to see you in April!
The annual event is reserved for students, home school groups, and other pre-formed groups on Friday, April 1, receiving special admission rates. The general public is invited to enjoy the fun on Saturday, April 2, ending out the day with a parade of tractors at 3 p.m.
For Group Rates AND Tractor/Equipment registration: Contact June Hall at 704-636-2889 ext. 268 or
Read Also: Promo Code Museum Of Ice Cream
North Carolina Transportation Museum Day Out With Thomas
This info may change due to circumstances, please verify details before venturing out. The ready, set, go tour is coming to the n.c. Say hello to sir topham hatt, stop in the party. Join thomas for a special day out with thomas as percy travels from the island of sodor for his first national tour! Day out with thomas â¢.
Thomas the tank engine is rolling into town with the party train tour. The ready, set, go tour is coming to the n.c. â a day out with thomas is returning to the n.c. Get your tickets for the thomas train ride 2022. Learn more from the official website for tweetsie railroad!
Say hello to sir topham hatt, stop in the party. There is still time to get your little engineersâ tickets to come to see thomas, percy & sir topham hatt! For just two weekends thomas and percy choo choo on into the north carolina transportation museum located in spencer, nc. An extensive selection of railroad and transportation related merchandise is.
North carolina day out with thomas train rides north carolina transportation museum : Day out with thomas at nc transportation museum *the event has already taken place on this date: Take a ride with thomas, enjoy bubbles and lawn games, and even add on the breakfast option! Below are descriptions of volunteer jobs that need to be filled..
You May Like: Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum Nyc
Tennessee Day Out With Thomas Train Rides
Tennessee Central Railway Museum : The Tennessee Central Railway Museum is focused primarily on preserving the states railroad history.
However, it also operates excursion trains throughout the year offering trips that travel as far as 180 miles, round trip! They host A Day Out With Thomas during the late summer on these dates: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum : The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is mainly a tourist railroad operating on ex-Southern Railway trackage.
Today, the railroad operates a six-mile round trip near Chattanooga and hosts numerous specials throughout the year. A Day Out With Thomas makes a visit on these dates: .
A Traintastic Good Time
Little Man just loves Thomas the Train and he REALLY LOVES trains in general.he goes bonkers every we pass over the train tracks or we stop at a railroad crossinghes always on the hunt for trains!
His love of trains made a Day Out with Thomas a MUST! For just two weekends Thomas and Percy choo choo on into the North Carolina Transportation Museum located in Spencer, NC. Along with the trains arrive loads of Thomas and Friends fun!
Check out all the fun:
A Day Out with Thomas was more than just a train ride.that was just the beginning of the fun! There were trains galore to see..miniature trains, large real life trains, old trains, new trains, etc. When you go for A Day Out with Thomas at the NC Transportation Museum you get more than just the Day Out with Thomas activitiesyou get access to the entire transportation museum.theres so much to see.
Thomas and Percy will be leaving the NC Transportation Museum October 5th.so make sure you go out and see them next weekend. And if they come to your town give them a visit.youre little ones will love it!
*Disclaimer- I did receive complimentary passes to facilitate this review. As always all opinions are 100% my own.
Recommended Reading: Bishop Museum Honolulu Free Admission
Read Also: Dr Seuss Museum Virtual Tour
