Background

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum: Alabama's Rail Heritage

Explore Alabama's railway heritage with vintage trains, historic depots, and fascinating exhibits at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera.

4.5

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama, is the state's official railroad museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing railway history. Visitors can explore locomotives, rolling stock, and artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries, and even ride vintage trains through scenic forests.

A brief summary to Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

  • 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 these vary throughout the year.
  • Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled train departure to allow time for parking, ticket pick-up, and exploring the museum grounds.
  • The museum grounds include a gift shop with railroad-themed souvenirs.
  • Donations are appreciated for the self-guided museum tour.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is located off I-65, approximately 30 miles south of Birmingham. Take exit 228 and head west on County Road 86/114. Turn left onto 9th Street; the museum will be on the right before the CSX railroad crossing. Parking is available on-site. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, located in Calera, Alabama, is more than just a museum; it's a journey back to the golden age of railroading. As Alabama's official state railroad museum, it's dedicated to preserving, restoring, and operating historically significant railway equipment. The museum's collection spans from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, featuring a diverse array of locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Highlights include two restored depots: the Calera Depot, which houses railroad artifacts, and the Woodlawn Depot, home to the Boone Library, a research center with an extensive collection of railroad-related documents. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing railway lanterns, locomotive headlights, and passenger train china. The museum also operates regularly scheduled excursions on Saturdays, allowing visitors to experience a ride on vintage trains through the scenic forests of Shelby County. Special events, such as the North Pole Express during the Christmas season, add to the museum's appeal. The museum began as the Heart of Dixie Railroad Club in Birmingham, with the goal of preserving the sights, sounds, and artifacts of railroading. Over the years, it has grown to include a 10-mile stretch of the former Alabama Mineral Railroad. The museum relies heavily on volunteers and community support to maintain its operations and exhibits.

Popular Experiences near Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Popular Hotels near Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Select Currency