Railway Experience
National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation
America's oldest railroad museum, set in the historic 1884 Baltimore roundhouse on the birthplace site of U.S. railroading.
Updated
About This Experience
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation — formerly the B&O Railroad Museum, renamed in July 2026 — occupies the original Mount Clare Shops in southwest Baltimore, the 40-acre site where the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad — the first common-carrier railroad in the United States — began construction in 1829. It was from here, on May 22, 1830, that the first scheduled railroad passenger service in the country ran the 13 miles (21 km) to Ellicott Mills (today Ellicott City). The same ground saw the first long-distance telegraph message, Samuel Morse's "What hath God wrought?", arrive from Washington on May 24, 1844. The National Park Service designated the site a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
The museum's centerpiece is the great Baldwin Roundhouse, a 22-sided passenger-car shop completed in 1884 to designs by architect Ephraim Francis Baldwin. Around its central turntable stands what the museum calls the oldest and most comprehensive collection of American railroad treasures in the world — roughly 250 pieces of rolling stock, some 15,000 artifacts, and 5,000 cubic feet of archival material in the Hays T. Watkins Research Library. The B&O opened the collection to the public as the Baltimore & Ohio Transportation Museum on July 4, 1953; it became an independent non-profit in 1990 when CSX deeded the property and collection to a new museum organization, and a Smithsonian Affiliate in 1999.
On February 17, 2003, the Presidents' Day blizzard collapsed half of the roundhouse roof, damaging the building and a number of irreplaceable locomotives. The restored roundhouse reopened on November 13, 2004, and a new restoration shop built west of the roundhouse has since returned damaged equipment to display. In 2027 the museum marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the B&O and of American railroading.
Photo Opportunities
The interior of the 1884 roundhouse is the signature shot: the radial stalls, central turntable and the ring of locomotives photograph well from the upper viewing area and from the turntable level. Morning light through the clerestory windows is softer; the building is covered, so weather is not a constraint. Outdoors, the rolling stock on the grounds and the Mount Clare Station building give context shots, and the Mile One Express provides moving-train opportunities along the historic track. Tripods and flash may be restricted in crowded indoor areas — ask staff on arrival.
Featured Video
Inside the B&O Roundhouse — A Quick Walkthrough
Why Visit
For railfans the draw is the depth of early American motive power gathered in one roundhouse. Highlights include the B&O 4-4-0 No. 25 "William Mason" (built by Mason Machine Works in 1856 and used in the films The Great Locomotive Chase and Wild Wild West), the 1832 "Grasshopper" vertical-boiler locomotive — one of the oldest surviving American locomotives — and a 1927 working replica of Peter Cooper's "Tom Thumb." Other standouts are the 0-8-0 No. 57 "Memnon" (1848), the 4-6-0 No. 147 "Thatcher Perkins" (1863), the Mt. Clare-built 2-6-0 No. 600 "J.C. Davis" (1875, a prize-winner at the 1876 Centennial Exposition), and the streamlined 4-6-2 No. 5300 "President Washington" (1927).
The collection also covers the transition to diesel and the USRA standard era: the B&O 2-8-2 No. 4500, the first USRA locomotive ever built (1918); the C&O 4-6-4 No. 490 streamlined Hudson; the B&O EA No. 51, the railroad's first streamlined passenger diesel (1937); the CNJ No. 592 camelback; and American Freedom Train No. 1, a Reading 4-8-4 that hauled the 1975-76 bicentennial train. Operating equipment still pulls the museum's own train rides, making this a place to see — and occasionally ride behind — historic stock rather than only view it.
What to Expect
Plan on a half day. Most of the collection is displayed indoors around the roundhouse turntable, with additional rolling stock on the surrounding grounds and in the annex. The scale ranges from tiny early "grasshoppers" to a towering 4-6-2 Pacific, and interpretive panels name builders, dates and service histories. Families are well served: there is the hands-on Junior Junction play area, indoor HO-scale and outdoor G-scale model layouts, and a wooden train for small children to climb on. From Thanksgiving through New Year local model-railroad clubs set up large holiday layouts on the roundhouse floor.
Crowds are heaviest on weekends and during signature events such as the spring Day Out With Thomas. The seasonal Mile One Express train ride (April through November) runs out and back along the first commercial mile of railroad track in America, an approximately 20-minute round trip; an upgrade lets you ride in the restored 1948 Royal Blue observation/lounge car. A museum store and on-site café round out a typical visit.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. Time a visit for April-November if riding the Mile One Express matters to you, or late November-early January for the holiday layouts. Spring brings the popular Day Out With Thomas event (multiple dates), which sells out and changes the train-ride schedule, so check the calendar before planning around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow long should I plan for a visit?
Most visitors spend a half day, about 3 to 4 hours, to see the roundhouse collection, the grounds and (in season) take the Mile One Express train ride.
QIs the train ride included with admission?
No. Museum admission and the Mile One Express train ride are separate. Train-ride tickets are sold on site, first come first served, and the ride runs seasonally from April through November.
QHow much is admission?
Per the official site: adults $20, seniors 60+ $17, children 2-12 $12, and free for B&O Members and children under 2. Discount days and programs (such as second-Wednesday $10 days and Museums for All) are available on site.
QIs there parking?
Yes. The museum offers free off-street, on-site parking at 901 West Pratt Street during regular hours, including reserved space for buses and motorcoaches.
QIs the museum family-friendly and accessible?
Yes. The roundhouse and main galleries are largely on one level, and there are hands-on children's areas, model-railroad layouts and sensory-friendly resources. Confirm specific accessibility needs with the museum before visiting.
QWhat are the museum's hours?
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
How to Plan Your Visit
Season and Schedule
The B&O Railroad Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with closures on major holidays and weather-related updates available online. Seasonal train rides are offered from April to November, along with special events such as Day Out With Thomas and holiday model-railroad displays, with weekends and event days being the busiest times to visit.
- Operating Hours
- Open daily, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Weather closures are posted on the museum website and social media.
- Mile One Express Train Ride
- Seasonal, April-November, Thursday-Sunday at 11:30 AM (plus select holiday Mondays and second Wednesdays April-October). Roughly a 20-minute round trip; tickets sold on site, first come first served, separate from admission.
- Special Events
- Day Out With Thomas (spring), $10 Admission Days on second Wednesdays, and holiday model-railroad layouts from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Check the official calendar for current dates.
- Peak Season
- Weekends and event days draw the biggest crowds; summer and the holiday period are busiest.
Ticket Information
Admission to the B&O Railroad Museum is $20 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, children, and members. Train ride tickets are sold on-site only, and various discounts apply for specific groups and on certain days.
- Admission Prices
- Adults $20; Seniors (60+) $17; Children (2-12) $12; B&O Members and children under 2 free. (Prices per the official site; museum admission does not include the train ride.)
- Train Ride Tickets
- Mile One Express — Adults $5, Kids (2-12) $4, Members free. Royal Blue Observation Car upgrade — Adults $12, Kids $8, Members $6. Sold on site only.
- Booking
- Advance purchase is not required; tickets are available online or on site. Train-ride tickets are on-site only.
- Discounts
- $10 admission on second Wednesdays; Museums for All $1 per person with EBT/SNAP card; free or reduced admission for active military, veterans, teachers and first responders with ID (on-site only). Group rates for 20+.
Accessibility Details
The B&O Railroad Museum features wheelchair access in the roundhouse and main exhibit areas, with paved paths connecting indoor galleries, though some outdoor areas may have steps or uneven surfaces. It is stroller-friendly and includes hands-on children's areas and family restrooms, as well as sensory-friendly resources like social narratives for the train ride; visitors should confirm current accessibility details with the museum before their visit.
- Wheelchair Access
- The roundhouse and main exhibit areas are largely on one level and accessible.
- Mobility
- Paved and level paths connect the indoor galleries; some outdoor grounds and historic equipment have steps or uneven surfaces.
- Family Facilities
- Stroller-friendly, with hands-on children's areas (Junior Junction) and family restrooms.
- Sensory
- The museum offers sensory-friendly resources, including social narratives for the train ride. Confirm current accessibility details with the museum before visiting.
What to Bring
When visiting the B&O Railroad Museum, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a layer for the cool roundhouse. A fast lens is recommended for indoor photography, and while there is a café and store on-site, it's a good idea to have water for the outdoor areas and train ride; strollers are welcome, and don't forget socks and snacks for younger children at the play areas.
- Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes; the roundhouse is covered but large and can be cool in winter, so bring a layer.
- Camera Gear
- A fast lens helps in indoor light; check on-site rules for tripods and flash.
- Food & Water
- A café and store are on site; water is useful in summer for the outdoor grounds and train ride.
- Family Items
- Strollers are welcome; socks/snacks for younger children at the play areas.
Photography Tips
For great photography at the B&O Railroad Museum, head to the upper viewing level of the roundhouse for a sweeping view or the turntable floor for striking locomotive portraits. Mid-morning offers the best diffused daylight, and using a wide lens is ideal for the interior, while fast glass is recommended for low light; remember to utilize the turntable and central columns as leading lines. Be aware that flash and tripods may be restricted in busy areas, so it's best to check with staff.
- Best Vantage Points
- The upper viewing level of the roundhouse for the full radial sweep of stalls and turntable; the turntable floor for head-on locomotive portraits.
- Optimal Lighting
- Diffused daylight through the clerestory mid-morning.
- Equipment
- Wide lens for the roundhouse interior, fast glass for low light.
- Composition
- Use the turntable and central columns as leading lines.
- Restrictions
- Flash and tripods may be limited in busy areas — ask staff.
Travel Information
By Air
The B&O Railroad Museum is conveniently located about 10 miles south of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Visitors can reach the museum via taxi, rideshare, or public transportation, with a travel time of approximately 20-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
- Nearest Airport
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI), about 10 miles (16 km) south.
- Ground Transportation
- Taxi, rideshare, or the MARC Penn Line / light rail toward downtown, then a short ride west to the museum.
- Travel Time
- Roughly 20-30 minutes by car from BWI depending on traffic.
By Train
The B&O Railroad Museum is conveniently located near Baltimore Penn Station and Camden Station, both of which offer easy transfer options to reach the museum at 901 West Pratt Street. Situated on the original B&O main line at Mount Clare, the museum is just a short ride from either station.
- Nearest Station
- Baltimore Penn Station (Amtrak / MARC) is about 2 miles (3.2 km) north; Camden Station (MARC Camden Line, light rail) is closer, near the Inner Harbor.
- Transfer Options
- From either station take a short taxi, rideshare or transit hop west to 901 West Pratt Street.
- Scenic Connections
- The museum itself sits on the original B&O main line at Mount Clare.
By Car
The B&O Railroad Museum is easily accessible by car from major routes like Interstate 95 and the Baltimore Beltway. Visitors can approach from Washington, D.C., or from the north via I-83, with a scenic drive through the Inner Harbor providing a picturesque route before heading west to the museum's entrance at West Pratt Street and Poppleton Street.
- Major Routes
- Easily reached from Interstate 95 and the Baltimore Beltway (I-695).
- From Major Cities
- From Washington, D.C., about 40 miles (64 km) via I-95 North to Exit 53 / I-395; from the north via I-83 to downtown. The entrance is at West Pratt Street and Poppleton Street.
- Scenic Routes
- Approach via the Inner Harbor for a downtown waterfront drive before heading west.
Parking
The B&O Railroad Museum offers free off-street parking at its location on West Pratt Street during regular hours, with reserved parking available for coaches and buses. Additional public garages can be found in nearby downtown Baltimore for overflow parking.
- On-Site
- Free off-street, on-site parking at 901 West Pratt Street during regular museum hours.
- Cost
- Free for visitors.
- RV/Bus
- Reserved coach and bus parking available during museum hours.
- Overflow
- Additional public garages are available in nearby downtown Baltimore.
Local Transportation
The B&O Railroad Museum is accessible via Maryland MTA buses, light rail, and Metro SubwayLink, with rideshare options like Uber and Lyft available throughout Baltimore. Located about a 10-minute drive or a longer walk west of the Inner Harbor in a light-industrial area, the museum is best reached by transit or car, with bike rentals also available downtown.
- Public Transit
- Maryland MTA buses, light rail and Metro SubwayLink serve downtown Baltimore; plan trips via mta.maryland.gov.
- Rideshares
- Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city.
- Walkability
- The museum is about a 10-minute drive or a longer walk west of the Inner Harbor; the immediate area is light-industrial, so transit or driving is easiest.
- Bike Rentals
- Available downtown near the Inner Harbor.
Nearby Lodging
Find places to stay near National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation.
This lodging map is provided by Stay22, a third-party service that may set cookies. It loads only with your consent.
Accommodation results are provided by Stay22; we may earn a commission on bookings made through this map.
Nearby Attractions
- Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum0.6 km
The rowhouse where George Herman "Babe" Ruth was born in 1895, now a museum of his life and Maryland sports history, a short walk east toward Camden Yards.
- National Aquarium2.4 km
One of the country's premier aquariums on the Inner Harbor, with multi-level habitats, a rainforest and a dolphin sanctuary — an easy add-on after the museum.
- Port Discovery Children's Museum2.8 km
A top-ranked children's museum near the Inner Harbor with three floors of hands-on exhibits, well suited to families combining a rail visit with kid-friendly play.
- B&O Ellicott City Station Museum21 km
The oldest surviving railroad station in the United States (1831), the original terminus of the first 13 miles of the B&O from Mount Clare — a natural companion site.
Photos
Mike Steele
CC BY 2.0
Mike Steele
CC BY 2.0
Eli Pousson
CC BY-SA 2.0
Andrew Phelps
CC BY 2.0
Andrew Phelps
CC BY 2.0
Andrew Phelps
CC BY 2.0
More Videos
Cab Ride GP30 - B&O Railroad Museum - B&O 6944 - Mile One Express (Behind the Scenes Experience)
B&O Railroad Museum Series Part 5 Mile One Express Train Ride
B&O Railroad Museum "Mile One Express" (1/2) Museum Train Ride
Help improve this page
Spotted something out of date or incorrect? Let our community know.
Explore more experiences: Browse all rail travel experiences.
Booking & Pricing
Price range
$12 – $20 USD
Headline museum admission: children (2-12) $12 to adults $20; seniors $17; members and under-2 free. Mile One Express train ride is a separate on-site charge ($5 adult / $4 child).
Quick Information
Country
United States
Region
Maryland
City
Baltimore
Best Season
The museum is open year-round, so any season works. Late November through early January adds the holiday model-railroad layouts on the roundhouse floor, while April through November is the only window for the outdoor Mile One Express train ride. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for combining the museum with the outdoor grounds and a downtown Baltimore visit.
Visit Duration
Half day (3-4 hours)
Cost
Adults $20, children (2-12) $12; Mile One Express train ride $5 extra (seasonal)
Tags
Contact
410-752-2490
