Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum - Calera, AL - take a ride on the railroad back in time

Alabama's official state railroad museum is the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (HDRM) which is dedicated to restoring, preserving and operating the railway's historically significant equipment. The museum is about thirty miles from Birmingham on Interstate 654 at 1919 9th Street in Calera, Alabama. There are a variety of cars, locomotive and other equipment from the railroad dating all the way back to the 1800's through the 1950's. The HDRM also has two century old depots and a dinner train that is privately owned.

Originally located at 1st Avenue North and 18th Street South in Birmingham's downtown the HDRM started out as the Heart of Dixie Railroad Club. Donations from the railroads were the main source of the museum's cars but they were subject to vandalized and a number of cars were burned during disputes between homeless people. The museum was moved to the secured location it is currently at during the 1980's.

The hours of operation for the museum from March through December are from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon on Tuesday through Saturday. There are special trips scheduled on Sundays at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. While admission to the facility is free of charge donations are welcomed and the facility does charge for the train rides.

The museum offers educational programs, operating railroads and exhibits that are designed to preserve not only the nation's history but Alabama's history. The L&N freight station that was relocated from Birmingham's Woodlawn area housed the Boone Library. William Boone, a long time member of the museum and benefactor is who the library is named for.

A large collection of timetables, track diagrams, old maps, print and various other media forms in the main building which also has the office space. Attached to the library is a railroad car with a selection of technical manuals that go back over a century. From ten in the morning until four in the afternoon Thursday and Saturday the rest of the time the library is appointment only.

The library allows Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum members to check out materials such as DVDs, videos and books in its collections. Those working on projects of the museum can check out the technical manuals and other items from the museum but the reference manuals must remain in the library. Non members can only use the materials onsite unless copies are made of them.

Getting to HDRM is simple just drive down Interstate 65 toward Calera and take the 228 exit. Follow Alabama Highway 25 just over half a mile and take a left on Ninth Street and follow it two additional blocks. The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum will be on both sides of you. Anyone with even the slightest interest in the railroad should make it a point to visit the HDRM is they are in the Calera, Alabama area. Additional information about the hours of operation rates, times and facilities at the museum can be obtained by contacting the museum office directly.