Step into the birthplace of American railroading at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate and National Historic Landmark in Baltimore, Maryland. Located on the site of the nation’s first commercial rail line, this 40-acre campus offers a deep dive into the powerful story of American transportation. With over 200 locomotives, hands-on exhibits, and iconic architecture, this is more than a museum—it’s a ride through history.

Recommended For

This historic rail museum is perfect for:

  • Railroad enthusiasts—featuring one of the world’s largest locomotive collections
  • Families and students—with educational programs and interactive exhibits
  • History lovers—exploring the site of America’s first long-distance commercial rail line
  • Architecture fans—with historic structures dating back to the 1850s

Overview & History

  • Known as “America’s Railroad Museum” and welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually
  • Founded in 1953 as the B&O Transportation Museum
  • Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution since 1999
  • Located on the original site of the first passenger station and long-distance commercial rail line
  • Originated from a historic exhibit by PR agent Joseph G. Pangborn in the 1880s

Rail Lines Represented

  • Baltimore & Ohio (B&O)
  • Western Maryland Railway
  • Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O)

Locomotive & Artifact Collection

  • Features over 200 locomotives and railcars
  • Includes steam engines from the 1820s, electric and diesel trains, passenger and freight cars
  • Artifacts include tools, uniforms, clocks, silver, furniture, and fine art
  • Toy trains and model collections reflect America’s fascination with rail

Historic Structures on Site

  • Mt. Clare Depot (1851): Oldest building on campus; former passenger station
  • B&O Passenger Car Works (c. 1870): Original car repair and construction facility
  • Roundhouse (1884): Once used for passenger car storage and repairs
  • Annex Building (1884): Museum entrance and home to galleries and gift shop
  • “Tender Kitchen” Ruins (1919): Former repair site for locomotive tenders

Current Exhibits

  • Alex Brown & Sons Gallery: Rotating artifacts from the museum's collection
  • Smithsonian Railroad Models: A world-class model train display
  • About Time Exhibit: Historic clocks and watches showcasing railroads’ role in time standardization

Educational Programs

  • Field trips, guided tours, and downloadable lesson plans for teachers
  • LEGO® workshops for kids under 15 to learn about train design and railways
  • Steam Days (October): Annual event with live steam engine demonstrations

Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Trip