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The North Carolina Transportation Museum is a must-see attraction for all lovers of planes, trains, and automobiles. Set at the site of the historic Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops, it covers more than 50 acres of exhibits and historic buildings. You should plan to spend at least a few hours, and possibly the whole day, visiting the NC Transportation Museum.
Stop in the Back Shop
The back shop is most notable for its assuming size: It’s three stories high and the length of more than two football fields! This behemoth of a building once housed full overhaul facilities for locomotives. It has been fully restored and is now home to truck, tractor, and aviation exhibits. It is also where you can see the Potomac Pacemaker, a Piedmont Airlines DC3 that is currently being restored in the back shop building
Hop Aboard for a Leisurely Train Ride
You have two admission options when visiting the museum: with and without the train ride. Go ahead and splurge on the ride if you haven’t done it before. It offers an excellent overview of the entire property, and it is a great way to spend about 25 minutes resting your feet between wandering between exhibit buildings.
The train is normally pulled by a diesel locomotive. However, on special occasions, the museum offers rides pulled by a steam locomotive. If you see a steam engine pulling the train, be sure to get a ticket. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.
Take a Spin on the Turntable
Just outside the massive Bob Julian Roundhouse — the largest working roundhouse in the U.S. — is a 100-plus foot turntable. It is by far one of the most unique features of the NC Transportation Museum and well worth the dollar price tag for a ride when it’s operating. Be sure to ask if turntable rides are going on the day you visit when you stop in Barber Junction to buy your admission tickets.
Visit During a Special Event
If your travel dates are flexible and you want to have a truly memorable experience, visit during one of the special events taking place at the museum. A Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express are perennial family favorites. Buy your tickets well in advance, though, because they can sell out months ahead.
Steam locomotive aficionados of every age will delight in seeing the massive Norfolk and Western 611 J-class steam engine. You may even get a chance to climb aboard during special train rides or up-close experiences. The museum also offers special excursions several times a year, so keep an eye out for them in the events calendar.
Take Lots of Pictures
There is so much to see and do at the museum that you won’t be able to keep up with all of. Take lots of pictures so you don’t forget all the fun.
The Transportation Museum may be the crowning tourism attraction in Rowan County, but it is far from the only great place to visit nearby. Plan to spend a couple of days so you can visit nearby Salisbury for a walk around the historic downtown or contact Cloninger Ford to see our impressive selection of new and used vehicles for sale.
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