Explore the Exhibits at the
N.C. TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
Discover Trains, Cars, Planes, History, and Hands-On Family Fun in Spencer, NC
Step inside one of North Carolina’s most unique museum experiences and explore the people, modes of transportation, and stories that helped move our state forward. Located on the historic grounds of the former Southern Railway Spencer Shops, the N.C. Transportation Museum gives visitors the chance to walk through massive railroad buildings, see locomotives and rail cars up close, explore vintage automobiles, learn about aviation history, and discover exhibits that appeal to transportation enthusiasts and curious visitors of all ages.
Whether you are planning your first visit or coming back to see more, general admission gives you access to exhibit spaces across the museum’s 60-acre historic site.
Barber Junction Visitor Center
Barber Junction Depot is an authentic historic train station and now serves as the museum’s Visitor Center. This is where guests begin their museum experience, purchase or check in for tickets, get oriented, and prepare to explore the museum grounds.
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The depot helps set the tone for the visit with its historic railroad character and connection to North Carolina’s rail history. It also serves as the boarding area for train rides when available.
The Back Shop at NCTM
The Back Shop is one of the museum’s largest and most iconic buildings. Once the site of major steam locomotive overhauls, this expansive industrial space now houses exhibits highlighting railroading, automobiles, fire engines, trucking, and aviation.
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Inside, visitors can experience the scale and history of the former Spencer Shops while exploring some of the museum’s most popular exhibits, including Old Dominion Freight Line trucks, a Piedmont Airlines DC-3 restoration, a 1928 Cheerwine delivery vehicle, a Brockway Ladder Truck, and much more.
Bob Julian Roundhouse
The Bob Julian Roundhouse is one of the museum’s most iconic spaces and a must-see for visitors. Known as the largest remaining roundhouse in North America, this 37-bay, 100,000-square-foot building houses an incredible collection of locomotives, passenger rail cars, cabooses, aviation displays, such as the Wright Brothers Flyer replica Exhibit, and railroad restoration areas.
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Visitors can walk among historic rail equipment and see locomotives up close. Step inside a WWII/Korean Army Hospital Car, a Railway Post Office Car, and a vintage caboose, then climb into the cab of Atlantic Coast Line No. 1031 for a unique, hands-on railroad experience.
Bumper to Bumper Automotive Exhibit
Located inside the historic Flue Shop, the Bumper to Bumper Automotive Exhibit highlights early to mid 20th century automobiles and their impact on everyday life in North Carolina. This exhibit features vintage and antique vehicles, including early Fords, classic cars, specialty vehicles, and other examples of automotive history.
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It is a great stop for car enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in seeing how transportation changed during the early 20th century and beyond. The exhibit adds another layer to the museum experience beyond trains, giving visitors a broader look at the vehicles that helped connect communities across the state.
Master Mechanic’s Office at NCTM
Completed in 1911 as part of the Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops, the Master Mechanic’s Office served as the administrative headquarters for one of the largest steam locomotive repair facilities in the Southeast. Today, the historic building is home to the museum’s Gift Station, museum offices, and event spaces.
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Visitors can stop here to browse transportation-themed gifts, souvenirs, snacks, and museum merchandise.
Experience our exhibits at The North Carolina Transportation Museum
Army Hospital Car
Step inside U.S. Army Hospital Car #89480 and learn how hospital rail cars transported wounded soldiers during World War II and Korea. This rare car still features its original configuration and shows the important role trains played in wartime medical care.
Railway Post Office Car
Southern Railway No. 36 shows how mail was once sorted and delivered by rail. Postal clerks worked onboard these cars as trains traveled between cities, helping move letters and newspapers across the country.
Bumper to Bumper
Explore the evolution of automobiles through classic vehicles, historic displays, and vintage videos. Highlights include early steam and electric cars, 1959 Ford Edsel and a 1964½ Mustang convertible.
1935 Highway Patrol Car
This 1935 Ford Model 48 highlights the early days of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. See how faster, more powerful vehicles helped patrol the state’s growing roadways.
Cheerwine Sedan
This 1928 Ford Model A shows how Cheerwine used delivery vehicles to move products from its Salisbury factory to local markets while promoting the brand on the road.
Milk Wagon
Before home refrigeration, milk wagons helped deliver fresh dairy to families each day. This ice box on wheels shows how transportation supported everyday life in early 20th century North Carolina.
These are only a few of our many exhibits we offer year-round at the North Carolina Transportation Museum – Bring the family to the museum that moves you today!
Plan Your Visit!
There is so much to see across the N.C. Transportation Museum’s historic 60-acre site. Guests can explore exhibit buildings, see locomotives and rail cars, walk through historic structures, visit automotive and aviation displays, shop the Gift Station, and make a full day of discovering North Carolina’s transportation history.
For the best experience, plan enough time to enjoy multiple exhibit areas and consider adding the on-site train ride (when available) to your visit.