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
- Website: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
- Address: 901 West Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21223
- Phone: 410-752-2490
Plan Your Trip