My favorite was the model train layout. The museum also has very interesting exhibits, including a number of vintage steam engines and cars. Definitely worth a visit
Roanoke has been a transportation hub for a long time. Jumping off point to Midwest West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee n Ohio. Lots of great exhibits of our trains througt the last 150 years
Wonderful place to learn and reflect on how we move. The trains on display and the train layout inside is reason enough to visit but there are some other exhibits as well. Great for families and anyone wanting to see some pretty cool "things that go."
Free parking, minimal entry fee and so much to see especially if you like railroad equipment. The N&W 611 and 1218 are there. The 611 is currently away being restored to make it a functional steam locomotive. It will be used for steam excursions upon its return in the spring of 2015.
This was such a great stop! They had trains you could walk around, and some on; planes with a 1965 private jet cabin you could get into, cool cars to see (VT's robot car, a DeLaurean, and an electric car from the 30s!); a super fantastic train model. It was well worth the trip and well worth a return trip. My son loved it!
Saw my first Delorean. Really interesting museum with lots of amazing cars. Also, ships, planes and trains. The trains are huge.
Go and find out how Roanoke was formed. If you are a train buff Roanoke and this have to be on your bucket list. As the last steam driven railroad you will wander past machines of a by gone era.
We love taking our young children here and the exhibits always seem to have something for them. Some of the trains, vehicles and just the cool building are worth the admission price alone. The exhibit on bus memorabilia is incredibly cool. I would pay just to see that.All that said, the whole experience leaves you thinking the museum is a little in need of a refresh/update in signage and overall interpretation. You are left on you own with no orientation movie like you might expect. The signs are inconsistent with some having too much info to process (antique cars) and some with too little or none (outdoor trains and vehicles). Some inexpensive improvements to signage and a cool 15 min film about the collection and I would have given it 5 stars.Still I highly recommend for the overall collection.
January and freezing cold means no lines and few to bump into inside. I especially enjoyed the car museum part and the old posters and signs. The bus and airplane sections were also very well done. It made me desire more knowledge to better understand the details of trains. An excellent time!
Roanoke has a great history as a railroad town and the museum does a nice job of capturing it. Nice collection of trains with the best to come in 2015 when the 611 steam locomotive steams back into Roanoke. Overall a nice collection of rolling stock as well as an automotive exhibit. Free parking and very reasonable entry fee. Should be on the can't miss list for a trip to Roanoke.