We didn’t expect the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia to have THIS much to see!
Come along with us as we explore one of Virginia’s coolest transportation attractions, packed with massive locomotives, classic cars, aviation history, model trains, interactive exhibits, and an incredible outdoor railyard.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation is located in a century-old freight station in downtown Roanoke and has been preserving Virginia’s transportation history since 1963. It’s recognized as the Commonwealth’s Official Transportation Museum and features an impressive collection covering the history of railroads, automobiles, aviation, and more.
🚂 Inside the museum you’ll find:
- Historic steam, diesel, and electric locomotives
- The famous Norfolk & Western locomotives
- An outdoor railyard filled with railroad history
- More than 30 historic automobiles
- GM EV1 electric vehicle technology
- 1913 Studebaker
- 1949 Packard Super Eight
- Norfolk Southern SD40 locomotive cab
- O-Gauge model railroad
- 1941 Piper J-3 Cub
- Aviation displays and artifacts
- Interactive exhibits for kids and families
One of the museum’s most famous pieces is Norfolk & Western J Class #611, built right here in Roanoke in 1950. The 611 is the only surviving Norfolk & Western Class J steam locomotive and is recognized as Virginia’s Official Steam Engine. Because #611 is operational and travels for excursions and events, it may not always be at the museum.
If you’re a car enthusiast, railfan, history buff, or you’re simply looking for something unique to do in Roanoke, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is absolutely worth checking out.
📍 Virginia Museum of Transportation
Roanoke, Virginia
🌐 Museum Information:
https://vmt.org/
