The N&W 1218 is the only remaining example of a Norfolk & Western Class A locomotive, originally built in 1943 to haul heavy freight.
The N&W 611, known as the 'Queen of Steam,' was designed and built by railroad employees in Roanoke's own shops during the 1950s.
The museum site was originally a Norfolk & Western Railway freight station, preserving the architectural heritage of the railroad hub.
The collection includes a rare experimental locomotive and a variety of specialized maintenance-of-way equipment used by historic rail lines.
The aviation section features a unique collection of personal flight gear and memorabilia from Virginia-based pilots and military personnel.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation is housed in a historic 1918 freight station in downtown Roanoke, serving as the official transportation museum of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The site is most distinguished for its expansive collection of steam locomotives, including the iconic Norfolk & Western Class A 1218 and Class J 611. The outdoor railyard features over 50 pieces of rolling stock, ranging from historic steam engines to diesel locomotives and cabooses. Indoor exhibits highlight regional aviation history, including a replica of a Wright Brothers aircraft and various military aviation artifacts. Automotive galleries display a rotating selection of vintage cars, racing vehicles, and motorcycles illustrating 20th-century American mobility. The museum emphasizes the role of the Norfolk and Western Railway in shaping the industrial and economic development of the Roanoke Valley. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore the mechanics of rail operations and the history of regional transit. The facility also manages an extensive archive of rail-related photographs, technical drawings, and corporate documents.
The elevated viewing deck in the railyard provides a panoramic vantage point of the massive steam locomotives.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the outdoor railyard covers a significant amount of ground with varying track surfaces.
Check the museum's calendar for 'steaming' events if you wish to see the historic locomotives in operation.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid extreme heat or cold while touring the outdoor rail displays.
Do not attempt to walk across the active rail tracks that surround the perimeter of the museum property.
Closed on certain major holidays; check the website for seasonal changes to operational days.
No climbing on locomotives or equipment unless explicitly permitted by staff.
