1. North Carolina Transportation Museum At Spencer Shops
City: Spencer, NC
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (704) 636-2889
Address: 411 South Salisbury Ave.
Description: This former repair shop for Southern Railway Company features transportation displays and train rides on specified days. The authentic train depot houses 25 locomotives and dozens of rail cars, as well as antique automobiles, including North Carolina’s first Highway Patrol car. The site has a terrific gift shop with railroad items not found elsewhere. Part of the facility’s mission is to restore and preserve artifacts from North Carolina’s transportation history.Meanwhile, special “Thomas the Tank Engine” days and other seasonal train rides are held periodically. Regular hours (May-Oct) are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon through Sat, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sun. Winter hours (Nov-April) are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tues through Sat, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sun. To get to Spencer Shops from Charlotte, take I-85 North to exit 79. Free admission to museum; train rides $6 adults, $5 ages 3 to 12 and seniors. Ride in the cab with the engineer for $10.
2. North Carolina Transportation Museum At Historic Spencer Shops
City: Spencer, NC
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (704) 636-2889
Address: 411 South Salisbury Ave.
Description: Take a train ride and see antique cars, engines, and railway cars at this former locomotive repair facility. The state transportation museum also sponsors special events for kids, including “Thomas the Tank Engine” days. Free museum admission; train rides $6 adults, $5 ages 3 to 12 and seniors. Ride in the cab with an engineer for $10.