heart of dixie railroad museum

While classic trains and train lore might not be for everyone, my husband and I had an amazing time visiting this museum. The museum itself and the train yard are free, but there are train rides offered for a reasonable fee. The museum is one room within the stationhouse but WOW, do they have some amazing things in there. There were a number of photos of the history of the railroads in the area, which were a vital link in the various industry and mining concerns. There were also a number of pieces of equipment related to train control and driving, which my husband really liked. But my absolute favorite and something I have not seen so extensively anywhere else were the displays about the Pullman Porters, samples of the dishes and furnishings and all sorts of lovely artifacts that really gives a sense of what it was to travel by train. I poured over the menus and had to laugh - some of the items just don't sound good anymore. The train ride itself was fun, though lots of little kids on the train. We enjoyed talking with some of the staff about the history of the area and how the RR museum has grown and changed over the years. A fun few hours and some place we would recommend to anyone who loves trains and railroad history.

Santa was very rushed. Took pic with kids, but never spoke to them. Our conducter was a teenager that did not interact with any of the kids. We sat on a train car for an hour doing nothing! Save your $$$!!!

We surprised 3 young kids for a visit to the North Pole! This was our first visit and I was amazed, we had a blast, ALL 9 of us (yes, even the adults)! Everywhere we turned we were treated with Christmas CHEER! The workers including Santa and Mrs Clause, went out of their way to make it extra special for us all. I would definitely recommend it for a quick family trip during the holiday season. They also have Easter and Fall activities which we plan on checking out soon. Thank you for wonderful memories.

We visited on a weekday, no crowds. Ladies in the gift shop were very friendly and helpful. Gave us a guided tour of the station museum...small station but very nice done. Later as we walked the yards we ran in to a volunteer docent who gave us a tour of the engine barn and a close look at the current projects. There are some unique pieces there including 2 Empire Coke Locomotives from the Alabama Central Iron and Foundry...these engine were designed to operation in the high heat environment of the foundry. Also is the Alabama Power Company's Fireless Steam Engine which is also called a thermos bottle engine...it had no firebox and had to be recharged with steam to operate. This museum is not a big as others around the country but is not to be missed by railfans. An active CSX line runs nearby for train watching. Don't miss the signal garden to see operating train signals.

I took my grandchildren to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum to visit Thomas the train. The museum was really interesting, the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. We rode the train and there were lots of activities for the children to do.

We Took our Grand kids and their parents to Calera to ride the train to visit Santa. My grand kids had a blast on the trip. The museum really goes all out to ensure that the excursion is fun for all. My granddaughter had never seen or been on a train and when "All Aboard" was called she did not waste the horsepower to get on the train.Since then the Grand kids and their parents have ,made the trip from Central Mississippi to Calera for the Day out With Thomas. And my wife is planning our trip to the North Pole Express again this year. We are hoping to get First class this time

Took our 6 month old son and 3 year old son both whom love Thomas! It was a little bit chilly and some of the booths we mediocre like the play area and Maze and sandbox and bubble area. My son loved the train table area and tattoos and meeting and riding Thomas. The gift shop prices on toys was higher than at Walmart. Well worth it since it wasn't expensive. Thomas does talk and has steam but I don't think he pulls the coaches but you can get up close to him. We never saw sir topham hatt, he was only out once while we were there and not for long and there was a line. The ride was a good amount of time for little ones and not scary and the whistle wasn't load. The railroad station it was located at was very nice and had lots of trains for the kids to see and get in or on and they had better prices in their gift shop. All workers were very friendly. Only person that wasn't was a lady at a food stand that refused to give me hot water to warm the baby's bottle with. Only other issue was the gift bag we ordered our son for the trip never came in. We ordered it in Jan and it was supposed to be 2 weeks or less. It's March and we still haven't received it but my husband spoke with them while we were there and they apologized and mean to fix it this week. I would go back! Had a great time and loved the looks on those sweet faces!

I love how they have all of this planned out thorough...Everything was detailed perfectly! My grandchildren love this event and talked about it forever!!!

The place is just a few minutes away from Birmingham and a few miles away from wineries. Admission is free and you can spend the rest of your time exploring the parked trains. If you have kids, it's best if you keep an eye out for them because the area's full of sharp, rusted things. They do have a safe place for the kids but we didn't spend time there. We opted for roaming around and climbing up the old, decaying trains.

Always take our grand children to the Polor Express every year, they love it. It is always so nice to ride the train and sing the songs, see Mr & Mrs Santa Claus.

After a long drive, I love to stop by here and stretch my legs for a bit and walk around. They have several dozen historically rare peices of railroad equipment they restored and have on display. You are allowed to climb up and explore into many of them, and it's quite fun actually, as long as you are athletically fit and not a clutz. Very interesting and memorable visits. Also there is a miniaturized steam train which sometimes runs around the property on a smaller track, on which people can sit and be carried around. I believe it's an actual live steamer, that you can ride like a ride-on lawn mower. I've never ridden the real full size train yet, but I hear only good things about it. Should be a fun, different way to enjoy a relaxing weekend afternoon enjoying the picturesque landscape and fall foilage. Bonus if you like trains and nature !

What a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit than to ride aboard their very own version of the Polar Express. Sitting in your pjs while listening to the Polar Express book read aloud is a memory you and your children will cherish forever. Once the train reaches the North Pole the elves bring you cookies and milk as Santa and Mrs. Santa aboard the train and give a gift and a bell to each child. Stopping for photos and attentively listening to each child's wish for Christmas. Wonderful memories; I highly recommend this for every family!

We went on the Pumpkin Patch Express. I was expecting just a train ride, but we actually went out to an area where the boys could pick a pumpkin. There were also many other activities....more than we could do in the hour or so that our layover lasted. What a fun afternoon! I went back two weeks later to take the other grandchild.

Another beautiful place in Alabama which offers views of beautiful fall foliage, a snap shot of history and even a pumpkin patch...to which you travel by train! The pumpkin patch consists of already cut pumpkins (which was fine by me as I never have anything to cut the darn pumpkin from!) While at the museum there are many old signs, lights, models and other examples of trains. You can walk among old train cars AND there is a gift shop.

Take the kids so they can get close to a train without getting hurt. The train ride at Christmas is fun.