School Group Information FAQ

Are School Group Visits Guided Or Self Guided?

Most school and home school group visits are self-guided tours through rotating activity stations where students will explore the history and development of the three primary forms of transportation: land, air, and water. Groups also have the option to ride the train and/or turntable for an additional cost (based on availability).

Can We Request A Guided Tour?

Specialty guided tours may be available upon request. For more information about guide availability, please contact Meghan DeLapp at (980) 305-6298 or email meghan.delapp@dncr.nc.gov.

When Are Train Rides Available?

2025 Avaliable Dates
April-May: Thursday through Sunday
June-August: Thursday through Sunday
A more detailed seasonal schedule of the train ride is avaliable on the “Hours & Admission” and home pages of our website.

Are Turntable Rides Available For Groups?

Groups may add a turntable ride to their museum visit for $1 per person.

Experience a ride on the 1924 turntable, the centerpiece of railroad operations at the largest remaining roundhouse in North America. The turntable was used to move steam locomotives to and from the 37-bay Bob Julian Roundhouse when they were brought in for maintenance and to turn them around between runs. Unlike diesel locomotives, steam locomotives were designed to pull trains in only one direction, making the turntable a necessary part of operations at railroad yards like Spencer.

Still in operation today, this Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark is used to position locomotives and rail cars for display and for use on the museum’s passenger trains. Take a spin as the turntable operator explains the history of this 100-foot long rotating bridge and its importance to the operation of Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops and today’s North Carolina Transportation Museum.

What School Activity Stations Are Offered?

We offer three primary activity stations for all general group days. These primary activity stations meet various K-5 Social Studies and Science Standard Objectives.

*We also offer an additional activity for middle/high school aged students. This activity is available upon request. Please see below

Dugout Canoes/Build a Better Boat:
Students will have an opportunity to learn about early indigenous dugout canoes and how water-based transportation has evolved over time. Students will also learn about the boat making process and will participate in an activity that explores how various forces and factors affect the sailing/carrying process.

Wright Flyer and Wind Tunnels:
Students will discuss the history of aviation as it pertains to the Wright Brothers. Afterwards, students will participate in a hands-on wind tunnel activity to further explore how various forces and factors affect flight.

Steam Locomotive Science:
Students will discuss the history of steam power/steam locomotives. Students will have the opportunity to see inside the cab of a steam locomotive, learn about various working roles, and discuss the importance of natural resources such as coal for transportation.

*Morse Code/U.S. Army Hospital and RPO Rail Car Tour: Middle and high school students will discuss the history of the telegraph. Students will have the opportunity to tour a 1940s U.S. Army Hospital Car and a 1920s Railway Post Office Car, learn how to operate a telegraph while sending messages in Morse Code, and will learn about forms of pre-telegraph communication like lantern and hand signals.

Additional activities that are subject to availability include the following:

Transportation Jeopardy: A fun activity for students to test their transportation knowledge.

What Curriculum Standards/Objectives Do The Activity Stations Meet?

How Much Time Should We Allot For Our Visit?

For School/Home School Groups:

Activity Stations + Train Ride (Including Lunch/Free Time In Museum): 4-5 Hours
Activity Stations Only (Including Lunch/Free Time): 3-4 Hours

For All Other Groups (No Activity Stations)

Museum Visit + Train Ride: 2-3 Hours
Museum Visit Only: 1.5-2 Hours

Do You Offer Discounted Rates For Groups?

To receive a group rate, you must have a minimum of 15 paying participants and pay in one transaction. Group rates are perfect for clubs, school groups, big families, and more. Group rates are not valid during special events. Group rates are subject to change.

For pricing, please contact Meghan DeLapp at (980) 305-6298 or meghan.delapp@dncr.nc.gov.

2025 Polar Express School Groups Days

THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride event will offer two stage performances and the train ride. The experience lasts approximately 70 minutes, and takes place entirely on the grounds of the N.C. Transportation Museum.

Dates:

Monday, November 24th: 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm
Monday, December 8th: 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm

Reservations and Tickets/Pricing:

More Information Coming Soon!

2025 Tractors and Trains

Join us to see modern tractors, antique farm equipment, farm life demonstrations, and much more!

School and Pre-formed Group Dates:

Friday, April 25th