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North Alabama Railroad Museum: A Journey Through Rail History

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

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Step back in time at the North Alabama Railroad Museum in Huntsville, Alabama. Explore vintage trains, a historic depot, and enjoy a scenic ride on the Mercury & Chase Railroad. Discover the rich heritage of railroading in North Alabama and South Central Tennessee.

A brief summary to North Alabama Railroad Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for the train ride schedule and special event dates, as these vary throughout the year.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled train ride to allow time for parking and boarding.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing some walking around the museum grounds.
  • Consider visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday morning when volunteer staff are available to answer questions and provide tours.
  • Bring a camera to capture the vintage trains and historic exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The North Alabama Railroad Museum is located at 694 Chase Rd NE, Huntsville, AL 35811, east of Huntsville. From U.S. Highway 72, take Moores Mill Road north for approximately 0.9 miles to Chase Road. Turn left (west) onto Chase Road and drive 0.5 miles. The Chase depot will be off the road to the left. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to the museum is limited, the Huntsville Shuttle service has routes that operate in the vicinity. Check the Huntsville Shuttle website for the closest route and stop to Chase Road. From there, you may need to walk or take a short taxi or ride-share to the museum. A single ride on the Huntsville Shuttle costs $1.25.

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Discover more about North Alabama Railroad Museum

The North Alabama Railroad Museum, located in Chase, Alabama, just east of Huntsville, is dedicated to preserving railroad history. Founded in 1966, this all-volunteer organization operates a heritage railroad and maintains a collection of rolling stock. 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. The depot has been restored to its original configuration, featuring two waiting rooms, a freight room, and an agent's office with a ticket window. The museum boasts a diverse collection of locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Highlights include ALCO diesel locomotives and a Railway Post Office car. Many pieces have been restored and are used for excursions. The Mercury & Chase Railroad offers 10-mile round-trip train rides on select Saturdays from April through December. These scenic excursions provide a glimpse into the past. Special events such as the Peter Cottontail Express, Punkin' Pickin' Extravaganza, and Santa Train offer unique experiences for families.

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