Quick Details
General Admission
All Ages
$ 17.76
Celebrate our Nations 250th Anniversary!
UPDATE: August 18th
America 250 Locomotive Celebration!
Spencer, NC
August 28-30, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The N.C. Transportation Museum, Trains Magazine, White River Productions, Scale Trains, Virtual Railfan, and Jack & Audrey Harris are excited to present the America 250 Locomotive Celebration August 28-30 at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC!
Experience a once-in-a-generation railroading event as the N.C. Transportation Museum hosts the first and only gathering of commemorative locomotives from Class I, short line, and passenger railroads, all specially painted to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial.
Set against the iconic Bob Julian Roundhouse, this extraordinary display of red, white, and blue locomotives is expected to create one of the most memorable railroad photography opportunities of the America 250 celebration.
Throughout this three-day event, visitors will enjoy:
- Unique photo opportunities
- Rotating locomotive displays on the Bob Julian Roundhouse turntable
- Night photography sessions sponsored and coordinated by Railfan & Railroad Magazine
(Night Photo Session limited to 200 participants per night) - Train rides pulled by a museum diesel locomotive – included with admission price, based on availability.
Each day will feature a different lineup of locomotives and photography opportunities as equipment is rotated and repositioned throughout the event, ensuring a unique experience for returning visitors
The Spirit Of Lebanon — a specially painted locomotive will be unveiled to the public on 07/03/2026 in Lebanon, OH. Based in Lebanon and operating on the LM&M Railroad and across Ohio, this rolling ambassador commemorates our nation’s 250th Anniversary as a bold display of freedom.
Special train rides will be offered during the event for families and rail enthusiasts.
Seating
- Coach Class – Coach Class features traditional bench style seating reminiscent of 1930’s era commuter travel. All cars have heat.
- Deluxe Class – Deluxe Class features a climate controlled interior with comfortable, individualized seating and additional leg room.