Baltimore is celebrated as the birthplace of railroading in the United States. However, there’s more to Maryland’s own railroad heritage beyond the major city. From Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, here are the must-visit tourist railroads, museums, and displays across the Old Line State.
Maryland Tourist Railroads and Museums
Capital Region
National Capital Trolley Museum – 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville
As one of two museums in the state relating to interurban railroading, the National Capital Trolly Museum delves into the history and technology surrounding the Washington, D.C. area. The campus is divided into three immersive halls, with the Street Car Hall housing the museum’s collection of historic trolleys, streetcars, and interurban equipment. Unlimited rides over the 2-mile round trip are also included in the admission.
Walkersville Southern Railroad – 34 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Walkersville
The Walkersville Southern Railroad is approximately 50 miles northwest of either Baltimore or Washington, D.C., making for a fun day trip away from the bustling city life while not being too far away. Passengers ride along the 8-mile round trip, passing by a century-old lime kiln and crossing the Monocacy River as scenic highlights. Themed events and special excursions, such as Civil War reenactments and dinner trains, offer something for everyone when visiting the railroad.
Central Maryland
B&O Railroad Museum – 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore
Remember the earlier statement of Baltimore being celebrated as the birthplace of U.S. railroading? The downtown B&O Railroad Museum tells the story of the country’s oldest railroad, the Baltimore and Ohio. Located at the ex-B&O Mt. Clare shops, the museum uses several of the original buildings to house the vast collection. The centerpiece is without doubt the dome-covered roundhouse and turntable, exhibiting the largest North American collection of steam locomotives from the 19th Century!
Baltimore Streetcar Museum – 1901 Falls Road, Baltimore
If you’re looking to spend time at the B&O Railroad Museum, don’t forget to add the nearby Baltimore Streetcar Museum as part of the itinerary. Vintage transit equipment from Maryland, Philadelphia, and New Jersey is either displayed at the visitor center or operating over what was the former Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way. The unlimited trolley rides on the 1-mile round trip are included in the museum’s admission.
Western Maryland
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad – 13 Canal Street, Cumberland
On the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, the dramatic sights and sounds of mountain railroading through the Alleghanies are at their very best! Adding steam into the mix in the form of the enormous 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 enhances the experience as the Frostburg Flyer excursion train climbs the grade from Cumberland to Frostburg. Additional excursions are offered year-round, providing a variety of experiences for anyone to enjoy – from themed dinner trains to the Polar Express.
Other Maryland railroad sites to consider
During your visit to Maryland, consider also visiting these railroad sites:
- Bowie Railroad Museum – Bowie
- Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum – Chesapeake Beach
- Ellicott City Station – Ellicott City
- Gaithersburg Community Museum – Gaithersburg
- Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum – Hagerstown
- Irish Railroad Workers Museum – Baltimore
