Inspired by streetcar buildings of the past, the National Capital Trolley Museum has a visitor center that provides an educational and entertaining look at the history of the National Capital region’s streetcar and interurban systems, complete with leisurely 2-mile round-trip rides on historic trolleys in the museum’s collection.
Choices
The National Capital Trolley Museum is divided into three halls. In the Main Hall, you’ll learn about the history of streetcar systems in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, watch several silent films with streetcars and actor Harold Lloyd, and see a model of the Rock Creek Railway Co. In Conduit Hall, you’ll learn about the unique conduit technology that powered street cars in the capital. In Street Car Hall, you’ll get a close-up look at a variety of historic trolleys in the museum’s collection. Unlimited trolley rides are included with admission.
When to go
Currently, the museum is open on Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m., with reserved visitation times. Please visit the website for additional information and a guide to their special events.
Good to know
Opportunities to ride a boat tram from Blackpool, England, occur on most Saturdays in warm, dry weather and during the Cavalcade of Street Cars each April and September. Recently restored Capital Traction Co. 522, built in 1898, and DC Transit 1101, Washington, D.C.’s first PCC-type streetcar, are on display in Street Car Hall.
Worth doing
Downtown Washington, with its wealth of cultural and historic attractions, is just 14 miles away.
Don’t miss
In Streetcar Hall, look for CTCo 09, one of two remaining specialty cars that swept the snow from streetcar tracks in the nation’s capital.
Getting there
The museum is located in Northwest Branch Park, about a 20-minute drive from the Capital Beltway and adjacent to the Inter-County Connector toll highway. Bonifant Road is 5.5 miles north of I-495.
Location: 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, MD
Phone: 301-384-6088
Website: dctrolley.org
E-mail: contact@dctrolley.org
