Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum: Alabama's Railroading Heritage
Explore Alabama's railroad history at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera: vintage trains, scenic rides, and family-friendly events!
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama, is the state's official railroad museum, dedicated to preserving, restoring, and operating historically significant railway equipment [4]. Visitors can explore locomotives, rolling stock, and artifacts from the late 1800s to the 1950s, and experience train rides through the scenic forests of Shelby County [2, 4].
A brief summary to Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
- 1919 9th St, Calera, Alabama, 35040, US
- +1205-668-3435
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9 am-2 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-2 pm
- Thursday 9 am-2 pm
- Friday 9 am-2 pm
- Saturday 9 am-3:30 pm
Local tips
- Check the museum's website for the train ride schedule and special event dates, as they vary throughout the year [7].
- Arrive at least an hour before your scheduled train departure to allow time for parking, exploring the museum grounds, and picking up your tickets [15].
- Consider purchasing tickets online in advance, especially for special events, as they tend to sell out quickly [3, 6].
- The museum is primarily open Tuesdays through Saturdays, March through December. Check the website for specific hours [2, 7].
- Admission to the museum itself is free, but donations are appreciated. Train rides and special events have varying ticket prices [2, 3, 7].
Getting There
-
Driving
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is located off I-65, approximately 30 miles south of Birmingham. Take exit 228 and turn west onto County Road 86 for about 0.8 miles. Turn left onto 9th Street before the CSX railroad crossing. The museum will be on your left [3]. Parking is available on-site. Parking is free.
Discover more about Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
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