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Location
Visitor tip
Ask the museum attendant about the 'secret' detail on the tender car of the reproduction train—there's an interesting hidden fact not mentioned in the placards that makes the visit more memorable.
Visitor tip
Kids will enjoy hands-on interaction with the real train engine, including blowing the whistle. Bring coloring supplies or plan to use the provided coloring activities to extend the visit.
Visitor tip
Check out the monthly children's activities and informative talks at Best Friend Park for deeper learning about the historic 1830 locomotive and Charleston's railroad history.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Train Museum
- Main Attraction
- The Best Friend of Charleston locomotive
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 10am-2pm
What visitors say
This is a single long room with a reproduction of the first train and tracks built in Charleston in 1830 you can visit for free. There are information placards around the train and on the walls about how it was built and operated. There…
There's a secret about this particular incarnation of the iconic first American steam locomotive, which doesn't appear in any of the nearby informative placards, and requires you to ask the right question in order to 'unlock' it.…
A fantastic stop for kids or adults. Not a huge area to cover so you could just hop on here. Easily accessible as you leave the visitors center on your walk through downtown. Great info on the history of the railroad industry and the…
From 33 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- The Best Friend of Charleston was the first steam locomotive built in the United States, constructed in Charleston in 1830
- The original Best Friend locomotive was on loan to Norfolk Southern Corporation from 2010-2014 before being returned to Charleston
- The museum features an interactive experience where children can touch and blow the whistle of the real historic train engine
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