story by MANDY HOWARD
photos courtesy of NEW HOPE VALLEY RAILWAY
Do you have a train table at home? Is “choo choo” a go-to methodology for getting your toddler to eat their veggies? Do you want a fun, educational and unique experience that delights your whole family with lessons of history and technology?
If you said “yes” to any of these questions, a day of exploration at the North Carolina Railway Museum (NCRM) will be perfect for your choo-choo choosy family.
Located in New Hill, a short distance from Apex, the all-volunteer NCRM operates the New Hope Valley Railway which, in addition to interactive exhibits, offers an hour-long ride along 4 miles of historic railroad track behind a real locomotive. The railway has existed since 1905.
While the train ride is often the draw, the attraction offers so much more to visitors. Art Kotz, a volunteer and member of the NCRM Board of Directors, says he loves being able to share what he’s learned about railroading. “I find it fascinating how much the railroads have contributed to science and technology and how it influenced our country’s development and culture.”
Exhibits include a G-scale garden railway (Kotz notes that kids love the garden railway, especially when a certain friend named Thomas visits), a restored post office car and a caboose from the 1920s. NCRM is also renovating an actual depot, which was moved from Goldston, and a baggage car for indoor displays.
Kotz notes that every visitor will walk away with a greater understanding of both history and science. He says, “Come for the train ride, but also take the opportunity to learn a little history. You don’t [often] get to experience a real-life train ride or learn about the history and technology that goes behind the railways.”
PLAN YOUR VISIT
NCRM’s website, triangletrain.com, offers a user-friendly, convenient way to plan your visit. Check out the schedule for excursions through December and purchase tickets online.
Tickets range from $13–$17 with discounts for children and seniors. Children under the age of 2 are free.
Food and beverages are not sold at NCRM (except for special events), so visitors are welcome to take anything they need for the day and the ride. Picnic tables are provided, and it’s the perfect space to pack a lunch and enjoy a meal after a morning ride. Kotz recommends arriving at the museum at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time so you can check in and have a chance to explore the grounds.
NCRM is also a unique space for a birthday party. The stationary Birthday Party Caboose can be rented and decorated, and offers a memorable venue for kids of all ages.
CATCH THE TRAIN AT SPECIAL EVENTS
While every train ride is memorable for families, New Hope Valley Railway offers special events that will fill your phone with photos you’ll be smiling at for years to come. Be sure to check out these unique opportunities. Tickets for all events are available at triangletrain.com.
• June 14 — Brew ‘n’ Choo Train Ride. Take a ride and enjoy a local brew from Thirsty Skull Brewery.
• Ongoing — Operate-a-Loco. Learn how to drive a locomotive. Operators must be 18 with a valid driver’s license.
• September 13-14 — Thomas & His Friends in the Garden. Little locomotives chug along the miniature garden railroad, pulling a variety of Thomas the Tank Engine-themed cars through the layout of tunnels, bridges, plants, trees, residential houses and an engine house.
• October 11, 18 and 25 — Track or Treat Halloween Express. See scenes of flying witches, smoking cauldrons, large pumpkin faces, Count Dracula and other friendly creatures along the tracks. Halloween costumes are encouraged.
• December 6–7, 13–14 and 20 — Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express. Locate Santa’s missing reindeer in the woods. Santa will greet all of the guests on the train.
The Track or Treat Halloween Express and Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express are eagerly awaited events that sell out every year. If you don’t want to miss that magic, look for tickets in July.
The North Carolina Railway Museum is located at 3900 Bonsal Road in New Hill.