North Carolina Transportation Museum
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1 family found this helpful
"Trains, Planes, and Automobiles!"
Since my daughter was 2, she has been obsessed with trains. Not surprisingly, she has loved the transportation museum in Spencer. My son, on the other hand, could take it or leave it!
This museum allows kids to explore a variety of types of trains - both inside and out. This includes postal trains, hospital trains, and a variety of others which allow for imaginative play. For teens and adults, there is considerable detail of the history of transportation covering automobiles and planes as well as trains.
Despite the interactive exhibits, don't expect an amusement park. It is a museum, and a somewhat dry one at that. For younger children and those not so train-obsessed, this might not be the best trip. The NC Transportation Museum is "5-stars" for the train-enthusiast! On the other hand, if your children are young or not terribly interested in trains, you may want to choose another destination!
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1 family found this helpful
"Great for the train enthusiast"
Whether you're a child or an adult, if you love trains you'll love the NC Transportation Museum. Settled on the site of the original Spencer Shops, this Museum has some great exhibits and offers the kids a great opportunity to get up close and inside the trains on display in the roundhouse.
With the exception of having to walk from the parking lot to the roundhouse or other out buildings, the exhibits themselves are indoors, so it's a great place to stop even if the weather outside is nasty. The Museum is entirely free unless you want to experience a very short train ride from one end of the yard to the other.
Thomas the Train usually makes a weekend stop here in the month of October. Even that day is free unless you want to ride Thomas, which uses the same train as any other day at the Museum except Thomas is at the front. If you're just looking for a photo op with Thomas, buying a ticket to ride won't get you a better shot than a non-paying Museum visitor. Just walk up while passengers are loading and unloading and take a photo.
Other than the Transportation Museum, there's not much in Spencer. The town almost died with the steam locomotive, and it shows. If you're looking for a wide assortment of eating places after your visit, head south on I-85 for a few miles to Salisbury.
0 families found this helpful
"For the love of things that go!"
The NC Transportation Museum is the most fun you'll have for free if your little one loves trains, planes and automobiles. Young and old will enjoy this museum.
Located in downtown Spencer, the museum boasts a wide variety of interactive and static displays. Ride the turntable, diesel engine, or train for a nominal charge ($1-10) and enjoy the view of the museum's 50+ acres.
The Birthday Caboose is available for rent on weekends and affords a private party of up to 15 people their very own car for the train ride. Passengers on the caboose can ride in the cupola for an extended view.
Staff is friendly and knowledgeable, happy to share their wisdom of the rails with curious visitors.
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the shelter or walk across the street to the local train-themed cafe.
0 families found this helpful
"Had a great time riding the train.."
The museum has lots of old cars, planes, fire engines and of course, trains. The museum itself is free, but the big event is the 25 min. train ride, which is relatively inexpensive. We rented the "Birthday Caboose" for my son's birthday party and it was a blast! All of the staff were very friendly and the kids loved riding in the caboose. It was rather warm that day, but we were warned ahead of time that the caboose didn't have heating or air conditioning. Get there early for the train ride to get a seat on the train car with air conditioning! They had a really great gift shop too, with lots of Thomas the Train items and other transportation related toys, books, etc. They often have special activities for the kids. When we were there, they had a special Thomas Play Date with lots of train tables set up, goodie bags for the kids, a coloring contest, raffle for tickets for the Day Out with Thomas event, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and the kids could paint their own little wooden train car. Wear comfy shoes to prepare to walk and dress appropriately for the weather. The exhibits are indoors mostly, but there is some walking between buildings. Also check out the really cool turntable, which you can also ride on for $1!
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