Mainline railroad museum and ride

National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation

About 4 driving miles

Formerly the B&O Railroad Museum, this landmark Mount Clare campus pairs a major American railroad collection with a seasonal 20-minute ride on the nation’s first mile of commercial track.

The place

About National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation

The museum adopted the name National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation in July 2026 while retaining its historic Mount Clare campus and collections. The roundhouse, locomotives, rolling stock and first-mile setting make it Baltimore’s strongest mainline-rail complement to the streetcar museum.

The seasonal Mile One Express runs approximately 20 minutes. It is a separate onsite purchase, not part of general museum admission, and capacity is first come, first served. The 2026 schedule generally lists Thursday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. from April through November, with listed exceptions and select 12:30 p.m. summer Sundays.

This is substantial enough for a half-day: allow time for the roundhouse and outdoor equipment before deciding whether the train schedule, observation-car upgrade or guided experience fits the visit.

What stands out

The first commercial railroad mile

A seasonal ride moves through the historic landscape where American commercial railroading began.

Landmark roundhouse

The circular Mount Clare building frames locomotives and rolling stock from multiple periods.

Useful access planning

The museum publishes parking, sensory-support and wheelchair information, including train capacity.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Baltimore Streetcar Museum trip

About four driving miles from the streetcar museum, Mount Clare expands a Baltimore transit day from urban electric cars to locomotives, passenger equipment and the first commercial railroad mile.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Museum hoursDaily 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; review the official closure list and event calendar before travel.
  • General admission$20 adult; $17 senior age 60+; $12 child age 2–12; members free. Current discounts have separate eligibility rules.
  • Mile One ExpressApproximately 20 minutes, seasonally April–November. Standard ride tickets are $5 adult and $4 child age 2–12; members ride free.
  • Ride purchaseMuseum admission does not include the ride. Buy onsite, first come, first served, and confirm the day’s departure on the official calendar.
  • ParkingFree off-street onsite parking at 901 West Pratt Street.
  • AccessibilityThe museum says its buildings and pathways are accessible, with six mobility spaces and a drop-off zone; the passenger train can accommodate two wheelchairs.

Return to city transit

Add Baltimore Streetcar Collection & Carhouse

See the operating streetcars, displays and working preservation program included with the Falls Road admission.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is this the former B&O Railroad Museum?

Yes. The organization renamed itself the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation in July 2026.

Is the train ride included with museum admission?

No. Mile One Express tickets are purchased onsite and are first come, first served.

How long is the ride?

Approximately 20 minutes round trip.

Does the ride run every day?

No. It is seasonal and can be canceled; check the official calendar for the visit date.

Can the train accommodate a wheelchair?

The museum says its passenger train can accommodate two wheelchairs. Contact the museum for the specific departure.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-12. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.