Wilmington Railroad Museum

"Located in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, the Wilmington Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and its profound impact on the southeastern United States. "

Recommended For

Families with kids
Explore the Children’s Hall and play conductor in interactive train exhibits

History buffs
Learn the legacy of the Atlantic Coast Line and Wilmington’s railroad roots

Model train lovers
View detailed 1950s Wilmington layouts with nine scale miles of track

Event planners & groups
Host birthday parties, scout gatherings, and private events in a real caboose

Museum Highlights

Children’s Hall: Model trains, train tables, play areas, and a photo-ready mini caboose
Model Hall: Large-scale train layout recreating 1950s Wilmington with towns, bridges, and trolleys
History Hall: Interactive exhibits on Wilmington’s rail folklore and economic influence
ACL Steam Engine #250: A restored 100-year-old engine displayed outside the museum
Red Caboose & Garden: Outdoor space for exploration, relaxation, and special events

Activities & Events

Story Time: First and third Mondays at 10:30 AM in the Children’s Hall (best for ages 5 and under)
Scout Programs: Earn railroad-related badges and participate in merit-based educational events
Private Collections: View rotating exhibits, including Pete Chamberlin’s 1,260-vehicle model truck collection
Birthday Parties & Rentals: Host a party in the red caboose or rent museum space for weddings and meetings

Gift Shop

Shop for model trains, puzzles, vintage wooden toys, books, Thomas the Train gear, crafts, and rare Walthers resources for modelers of all ages.

Insider Tip

Don't miss the Model Hall layout—it features nine scale miles and is constantly evolving. Bring the kids on Story Time Mondays for a quieter and more engaging experience in the Children’s Hall.

Visitor Information

Address: 505 Nutt Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: 910-763-2634
Website: wrrm.org