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Location
Accessibility
Accessible for people with disabilities
Best time
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.
Visitor tip
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.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Railroad Museum
- 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)
What visitors say
Its 3 buildings, freight shed, signal tower and a covered waiting area with a complete bay window chessie system caboose. Its only open on fri sat sun. Couldn't give u ticket prices. Its right next to the high-speed northeast corridor.…
I got a personal tour on this museum! I learned about the purpose of switch stations and how they communicate to the rail. The tour guide was pretty cool!
Got to see several trains pass by! It was a bit chilly, but I still had a great time. 🚅 ❤️ 🙂
From 44 Google reviews
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
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