By DullesMoms, Jul 2026
All aboard for tiny trains, big engines, and nonstop fun! Virginia and the surrounding states are home to historic depots, museum exhibits, and miniature trains perfect for a family outing.
Burke Lake Park Train
Fairfax Station, VA
Climb aboard a 1/3-scale CP Huntington train for a scenic 2-mile ride through the woods at Burke Lake Park.
C&O Railway Heritage Center
Clifton Forge, VA
Discover the story of the C&O Railway through preserved equipment, scale models, and exhibits highlighting the people, places, and technology that kept it moving.
Dulles Town Center Train
Sterling, VA
All aboard for colorful indoor fun! Located on the first floor near Center Court, this trackless train takes little riders on a memorable trip around the mall.
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
Fairfax Station, VA
Housed in a historic train station, this museum brings local railroad and Civil War history to life through engaging displays and hands-on activities.
Historic Vienna Railroad Station
Vienna, VA
Home to the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, this historic station features a permanent HO-scale layout that families can see during special open houses.
Old Dominion Railroad Excursions
Dillwyn, VA
Climb aboard the Virginia Springtime Special for a scenic ride through Buckingham County, with select excursions featuring old-west-style gunfights.
Rappahannock Railroad Museum
Fredericksburg, VA
Explore vintage railroad cars and artifacts, then hop aboard the Little Yellow Train for a glimpse into railroading life in the mid-1900s.
Resource Railroad Train
Clemyjontri Park ∙ McLean, VA
Young conductors can climb aboard Engine No. 62 for a fun-filled ride around Clemyjontri Park, a beloved 2-acre play destination.
Richmond Railroad Museum
Richmond, VA
Discover more than 150 years of railroad history through an extensive collection of memorabilia and artifacts housed in Virginia’s capital.
Toy Town Junction @ Luray Caverns
Luray, VA
Train lovers of all ages will enjoy discovering 30 trains and thousands of toys displayed in imaginative, themed settings.
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Roanoke, VA
Located in Virginia’s official “Train City,” this museum invites families to explore dozens of historic steam, diesel, and electric locomotives.
B&O Ellicott City Station
Ellicott City, MD
Step inside America’s oldest surviving railroad station to explore its storied past and see an impressive model train layout.
B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, MD
This Smithsonian Affiliate brings railroad history to life with historic locomotives, engaging exhibits, and train rides along America’s first commercial mile of railroad.
Brunswick Heritage Museum
Brunswick, MD
See railroad history in miniature on a 1,700-square-foot HO-scale model that follows the railway’s route from Brunswick to Washington’s Union Station.
Cabin John Regional Park
Rockville, MD
Climb aboard a miniature replica of an 1863 CP Huntington train for a scenic ride through the park’s peaceful woods.
Chesapeake & Allegheny Live Steamers
Baltimore, MD
Families can ride working model trains across 11.5 scenic acres at this unique, volunteer-run railroad club.
Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
Chesapeake Beach, MD
Housed in an 1898 depot, this museum shares the story of the railway that once carried visitors to the popular Chesapeake Beach resort.
Gaithersburg Community Museum
Gaithersburg, MD
Located in an 1884 railroad station complex, this museum features engaging exhibits, a caboose play area, and great views of trains traveling along the active tracks.
Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum
Hagerstown, MD
Discover Hagerstown’s rich railroad history through historic rolling stock, artifacts, and expansive model train layouts featuring multiple scales.
National Capital Trolley Museum
Colesville, MD
Climb aboard a historic streetcar for a ride, then explore a fascinating collection of trolleys from across the country and around the world.
Walkersville Southern Railroad
Walkersville, MD
Travel back in time aboard vintage 1920s passenger cars or open-air flatcars as the train travels along tracks dating back to 1872.
Watkins Regional Park
Upper Marlboro, MD
All aboard Train No. 342! This family-friendly ride travels through the woods, offering plenty of nature views and a peek at the park’s farm animals.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Cumberland, MD
Climb aboard a historic Baldwin steam locomotive for an unforgettable journey through the scenic Allegheny Mountains.
Wheaton Regional Park
Wheaton, MD
Enjoy a peaceful ride through forests and meadows aboard a miniature replica of an 1863 CP Huntington train.
America on the Move
Washington, DC ∙ Museum of American History
Explore how transportation shaped the nation through iconic vehicles and engaging exhibits, including a massive Southern Railway steam locomotive.
National Postal Museum
Washington, DC
Discover how America’s mail has traveled throughout history, from rumbling railway cars and stagecoaches to planes and automobiles.
US Botanic Garden
Washington, DC ∙ Seasonal: Nov-Jan
During the holiday season, model trains travel through imaginative displays featuring miniature landmarks made from plants and other natural materials.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Cass, WV
Step back in time aboard a steam-driven locomotive while enjoying sweeping mountain views and the sights and sounds of historic rail travel.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
Elkins, WV
Climb aboard a refurbished locomotive for a scenic journey through the mountains and valleys of West Virginia.
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
Romney, WV
Enjoy a narrated journey through the West Virginia mountains, and be sure to watch the skies for the bald eagles often spotted along the route.
Allegheny Portage Railroad
Gallitzin, PA
Discover how the nation’s first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains helped passengers and goods travel westward.
Bellefonte Historical Railroad
Bellefonte, PA
This volunteer-run railroad keeps local history moving with special excursions offered during the fall and holiday seasons.
Northern Central Railway
New Freedom, PA
Ride behind a replica 1860s steam locomotive along the historic route President Abraham Lincoln once traveled.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Strasburg, PA
Explore one of the world’s largest collections of historic trains, featuring more than 100 locomotives and railroad cars.
The Strasburg Railroad
Lancaster, PA
Climb aboard a steam-powered train for a nostalgic ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque Amish countryside.
Wanamaker, Kempton, & Southern Railroad
Kempton, PA
Known as the Hawk Mountain Line, this heritage railroad offers scenic weekend rides through the Pennsylvania countryside from May through November.
West Chester Railroad Company
West Chester, PA
Step back in time aboard vintage 1930s coaches for a nostalgic journey through the scenic Chester Creek Valley.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
Updated Jul 23, 2026
