Background

North Alabama Railroad Museum: A Journey Through Rail History

Explore railroad history at the North Alabama Railroad Museum. Vintage trains, historic depot, and scenic train rides await in Huntsville, Alabama.

4.4

Step back in time at the North Alabama Railroad Museum in Huntsville, Alabama. Explore vintage trains, historical exhibits, and the meticulously restored Chase Depot, believed to be the smallest union station in the U.S.. Enjoy a ride on the Mercury & Chase Railroad for a unique glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to North Alabama Railroad Museum

  • Wednesday 9 am-2 am
  • Saturday 9 am-2 am

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for the train ride schedule and special events, as they vary throughout the year.
  • Reservations are strongly recommended for train rides, especially for special events like the Santa Train.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time for train rides.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The North Alabama Railroad Museum is located at 694 Chase Rd NE, Huntsville, AL 35811. From Huntsville, take US Highway 72 East. Turn north onto Moores Mill Road and continue for about a mile. Turn left onto Chase Road; the museum will be on your left in about half a mile. Parking is free. Limited handicap parking is available near the depot.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to the museum is limited, the Huntsville Shuttle service has several routes in the city. The closest option might involve taking a Shuttle route to a nearby location and then using a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach the museum. A one-way fare on the Huntsville Shuttle is typically around $1.50. Taxi or ride-share services from downtown Huntsville to the museum will likely cost between $20 and $30.

Unlock the Best of North Alabama Railroad Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about North Alabama Railroad Museum

The North Alabama Railroad Museum, located in Chase, Alabama, just east of Huntsville, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich railroad history of North Alabama and South Central Tennessee. Founded in 1966, this volunteer-run museum offers visitors a chance to experience the golden age of rail travel. The museum's centerpiece is the Chase Depot, believed to be the smallest union station in the United States. Built in 1937, it served both the Southern Railway and the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway. Inside, you'll find exhibits featuring historical artifacts and displays that tell the story of railroading in the region. The depot itself has a rich history, once serving as a U.S. Post Office and a storage area for the Chase Nursery, one of the largest nurseries in the Southeast. The North Alabama Railroad Museum boasts a diverse collection of rolling stock, including locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars, and freight cars. Highlights include several ALCO diesel locomotives and a Railway Post Office car. Many of these pieces have been restored and are used in the museum's popular train excursions. The Mercury & Chase Railroad, operated by the museum, offers 10-mile round-trip train rides on select Saturdays from April through December. These scenic excursions take passengers through the countryside, providing a taste of what it was like to travel by rail in the past. Special themed rides, such as the Peter Cottontail Express, Punkin' Pickin' Extravaganza, and Santa Train, add to the fun and excitement. The museum is open to the public, and admission to the grounds is free. Self-guided tours are available daily, with volunteer staff on hand Wednesdays and Saturdays to answer questions and provide assistance.

Popular Experiences near North Alabama Railroad Museum

Popular Hotels near North Alabama Railroad Museum

Select Currency