7 Incredible Train Rides in NC for Kids (and Kids at Heart!)

Published by Carl. Last Updated on April 30, 2025.

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In this guide, we explore the best train rides in NC for kids and families, from scenic mountain views to interactive exhibits, and much more!

For many (including us), a train ride is the most magical experience, whether you have kids or are a kid at heart. After years of living in North Carolina and exploring the Tar Heel State’s most popular train rides, we’re happy to report some excellent rail opportunities from the mountains to the sea!

We have it all if you want to take the kids to historic train-themed parks like Tweetsie Railroad or need a quick getaway via Amtrak. Our guide also features the honorable mentions that include some of our favorite museums and an iconic name that sells model trains.

TLDR: You’ve come to the right place if you’re as excited about riding trains in North Carolina as we are.

Even if you’re reading this in a crowded place, let us hear your loudest “All Aboard!” before you continue reading about the best places to ride trains in North Carolina.

List of Places to Go For Train Rides in NC for Kids

Your Nearest Amtrak Train Station
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City
Museum of Life and Science in Durham
NC Transportation Museum
New Hope Valley Railway
Pullen Park in Raleigh
Tweetsie Railroad

Your Nearest Amtrak Train Station

Amtrak Train Station in NC Train Rides Guide by NC Tripping

It’s easy to forget about Amtrak when discussing train-themed amusements, but we won’t allow our national passenger railroad company to get lost in the shuffle.

Based on our experiences, traveling by train in North Carolina is easy, convenient, and fun.

In fact, with 16 stations across the state, it’s a great way to explore! Multiple train routes pass through North Carolina:

The Carolinian (New York to Charlotte)
The Crescent (New York to Atlanta to New Orleans)
The Floridian (Chicago to Tampa/Miami)
The North Carolina-exclusive Piedmont (Raleigh to Charlotte)
The Silver Meteor / Palmetto (New York to Tampa/Miami)

Trains run daily between some of our biggest cities, taking away the stress of driving in traffic (and sometimes getting stuck in it).

There are even seasonal trains to consider for your travel plans. For example, the Piedmont Train runs to Lexington every October for the acclaimed Lexington Barbecue Festival.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City

Address: 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC
Official Website

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City is one of NC’s most iconic train rides for kids and families. This scenic journey winds through the stunning Nantahala Gorge, along the Tuckasegee River, and over Fontana Lake, offering incredible mountain and watery views.

Special themed rides like the Polar Express during the holidays make the experience even more magical for young passengers.

Museums in North Carolina Smoky Mountains Train Musuem

Before or after your ride, visit the Smoky Mountains Train Museum, home to thousands of model trains and interactive exhibits. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, this ride promises an unforgettable adventure.

Museum of Life and Science in Durham

Address: 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC
Official Website

Museum of Life and Science Durham NC Train Rides

When thinking about the best of NC’s train rides, The Museum of Life and Science in Durham wins for the most frequented by our family.

Ride along the museum’s Ellerbe Creek Railway via a charming replica CP Huntington train. Your conductor will take you through the museum’s scenic outdoor exhibits, and past the always-popular Hideaway Woods.

We love riding this train throughout the year, but there are also seasonal events like the Pumpkin Patch Express and Holidays in the Park. They further enhance the train experience with festive lights and themed activities.

Whether you’re exploring the museum for the first time or know it well, you’ll agree that this train truly belongs in our list of North Carolina’s train rides.

NC Transportation Museum

Address: 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer, NC
Official Website

The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer is one of the best places for family-friendly train rides.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, this wonderful museum brings history to life with a 25-minute ride aboard historic rail cars.

Throughout the year, special events like the Easter Bunny Express and the magical Polar Express Train Ride create even more reasons to visit.

Beyond the trains, the museum showcases vintage cars, planes, and even fire trucks.

Those additional exhibits further the NC Transportation Museum’s status as a must-visit destination for kids, families, and anyone fascinated by transportation history.

New Hope Valley Railway

Address: 3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC
Official Website

The New Hope Valley Railway in the unincorporated Wake County town of New Hill is a hidden gem for families looking for fun train rides in North Carolina.

Known as the “Triangle’s Train,” this historic railway offers a nostalgic journey through scenic woodlands aboard vintage locomotives.

Throughout the year, the New Hope Valley Railway hosts themed events like the Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express, where kids help Santa find his missing reindeer.

It’s a magical experience perfect for the holiday season!

Whether you’re riding during a special event or on a regular excursion, this family-friendly train ride promises adventure, smiles, and a unique way to explore North Carolina’s railway history.

Pullen Park in Raleigh

Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC
Official Website

Pullen Park in Raleigh is a beloved destination for families seeking fun train rides in NC’s capital city.

The park features a charming miniature train, which is a near-replica of the C.P. Huntington locomotive. This train will take you on a scenic ride around the park’s perimeter.

It’s a delightful experience for children and those kids at heart that we keep mentioning.

Personally, we think it’s the most unique way to explore the park’s 66 acres.

During the holiday season, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Holiday Express event, where the train ride becomes a festive journey through twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to check Pullen Park’s official site for more info.

Tweetsie Railroad

Address: 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC
Official Website

Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock (near Boone) is a Wild West-themed park that offers one a ride on an authentic steam train.

Tweetsie offers an inter action-packed journey through the scenic mountains of Western North Carolina.

Beyond the train, there’s plenty of fun that awaits at Tweetsie. You can can enjoy amusement rides, live entertainment, and more throughout the season.

Of course, there are the ever-popular seasonal events like the Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas. During the latter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights and festive activities.

Whether you’re young or just young at heart, Tweetsie Railroad promises a memorable adventure.

More Places to See Trains in North Carolina (Honorable Mentions)

Now that we’ve shared our favorite places to ride trains in NC, here are the honorable mentions that will keep up your locomotive spirit!

Lionel Trains in Concord Mills
Saluda Depot Museum
The Wilmington Railroad Museum

Lionel Trains in Concord Mills

Address: 6301 Performance Dr SW, Suite 675, Concord, NC
Official Website

Concord Mills Mall Concord NC Lionel Image

The Lionel Retail Store at Concord Mills Mall in Concord, is a must-visit for families seeking model trains for purchase, and this place is packed with them.

This is the only corporate-owned Lionel store in the country, and is one of the most unique retail experiences in North Carolina.

The store features a 5,000-square-foot space filled with model trains, accessories, and NASCAR die-cast collectibles.

Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, including a 8-foot-by-24-foot train layout designed specifically for the store.

The friendly staff provides a welcoming environment, making it an ideal stop for train enthusiasts of all ages.

Saluda Depot Museum

Address: 32 W Main St, Saluda, NC
Official Website

The Saluda Historic Depot in the Polk County town of Saluda offers a captivating glimpse into the state’s rich railroad heritage.

The 1903 depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and showcases the Saluda Grade—the steepest mainline standard-gauge railroad grade in the United States.

Inside the Depot, you can explore interactive dioramas depicting the challenging ascent of the Saluda Grade and the evolution of railroading in Western NC.

The museum also hosts “Saluda Train Tales,” a monthly storytelling event that brings the area’s railroad history to life.

Admission is free, with donations appreciated to support the preservation of this historic site.

The Wilmington Railroad Museum

Address: 505 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC
Official Website

The Wilmington Railroad Museum is last but not least on our list, and let us explain why.

Located in a historic freight warehouse, the museum offers interactive exhibits that captivate both kids and adults.

You and your kids can explore a life-size caboose, climb aboard a century-old steam locomotive, and marvel at over 20 running model trains.

The museum also hosts special events like the Christmas Train and Light Spectacular, transforming the space into a festive wonderland with thousands of lights.

Whether you’re a young train enthusiast or simply young at heart, the Wilmington Railroad Museum provides an unforgettable journey through North Carolina’s rich railroading history.

What’s Your Favorite Place to See Trains in North Carolina?

Thank You for Reading about the Best Train Rides in NC

This guide was almost as fun to write as it was to experience these wonderful places. If you’re enjoyed any of these train rides in North Carolina, we’d love to hear about your experiences.

Also, where else should we explore by train in North Carolina? If there’s a place that we missed, kindly let us know in the comments.

Don’t forget to share your NC train adventures in our Facebook Group. Photos and videos are most welcome!

More Kid-Friendly Fun in North Carolina

We’ve created many more guides that feature NC’s train rides and other kid-friendly fun. Here are a few examples.