Children's Museums

Bowie Railroad Museum

Name: Bowie Railroad Museum
Address: 8614 Chestnut Ave, Bowie, MD 20715, Bowie, MD, US
Telephone: (240) 216-1104
Rating: 4.5

★★★★☆ 4.5 (44 reviews)

📍 8614 Chestnut Ave, Bowie, MD 20715

📞 (240) 216-1104

🌐 www.cityofbowie.org/293/Bowie-Railroad-Museum

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	Closed
Friday	12–4 PM
Saturday	12–4 PM
Sunday	12–4 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About Bowie Railroad Museum

Bowie Railroad Museum is a children's museum in Bowie, MD. The museum features a historic Baltimore and Potomac Railroad station built in 1872, making it a preserved example of 19th-century railroad architecture. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 44 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Historic Railroad Museum
Best For: All ages
Highlights: 1872 Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, Railroad Research Library
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (self-guided)
Admission: Free (donations welcome)

💡 Did You Know?

🏛️The museum features a historic Baltimore and Potomac Railroad station built in 1872, making it a preserved example of 19th-century railroad architecture
⭐The Bowie Tower houses the National Railroad Historical Society's Martin O'Rourke Railroad Research Library, a specialized research collection focused on railroad history
⭐The museum features a complete Chessie System caboose as a main exhibit, allowing visitors to view an authentic freight railroad car from this historic rail system
⭐The museum is located directly adjacent to the Northeast Corridor high-speed rail line, providing visitors the opportunity to observe active train traffic during visits

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Visit Friday through Sunday between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. for self-guided tours without needing to book in advance. The museum is only open these three days, so plan accordingly.
💡Book a private guided tour on weekdays (Monday-Friday) if you have a group of 10 or more people—guides explain the operational history of switch stations and rail communication systems that enhance understanding beyond what's visible. Contact Ruth Murphy at 240-216-1104 to schedule.
💬Arrive prepared to see active trains pass by on the adjacent high-speed Northeast Corridor. Bring layers or warm clothing as visitors noted being outdoors can be chilly, but watching live trains is a highlight of the visit.
💡Don't miss the signal tower and the Chessie System caboose—these are the featured attractions visitors consistently mention. The museum spans 3 buildings including a freight shed and covered waiting area, so allow 1-2 hours to explore.
💬Admission is completely free with donations welcomed, making this an excellent budget-friendly family outing. Only pay if you book a group guided tour ($5-$200 depending on group size).