The N.C. Transportation Museum continues to provide a significant and increasing economic impact to Rowan County and North Carolina. For the year 2024 the site had a projected economic impact of $30,463,559, an all-time high. That impact is up approximately 16.9% from the previous high of $26,051,717 set in 2023. The N.C. Transportation Museum contributes 14% of the annual $218 million-dollar economic impact of visitation and tourism in Rowan County, N.C., according to the Rowan County Tourism Development Authority. "It is very important to the museum to bring people into our community. Our visitors are also visitors to our county and region, bringing important revenue to hotels, restaurants, and local businesses," said Executive Director Kelly Alexander.
"The North Carolina Transportation Museum is an integral part of what makes Rowan County an original destination. It not only preserves the rich history of our state's transportation heritage but also serves as a major draw for visitors to Rowan County for the museum and fantastic events such as THE POLAR EXPRESS and Day Out with Thomas. The North Carolina Transportation Museum plays a key role in boosting the local economy by attracting visitors and providing a memorable and lasting experience for many," said James Meacham, Chief Executive Officer of the Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Visitation to the museum increased from the previous year and marked an all-time high with over 172,603 guests enjoying special events, train rides, museum exhibits, and programming. Ridership for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride set a new annual record, with 83,000 attendees in 2024. That total represented a 12.7% increase over 2023's previous record attendance of approximately 73,600. The holiday-themed event operated for 27 nights and two school days, bringing attendees from several states and other countries. Other major events included Day Out With Thomas ™, which is the museum's second-largest attended event each year, Easter Bunny Express, Wind and Wings, Tractors and Trains, the Fire Truck Festival, and a variety of other public and educational experiences focused on a variety of transportation themes.
The museum is looking ahead to 2025 as a year of further growth as it welcomes visitors to a variety of programming that appeals to a larger and more diverse audience.
About N.C. TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
The N.C. Transportation Museum is located at 1 Samuel Spencer Dr., Spencer, N.C. The mailing address is 411 Salisbury Ave., Spencer, N.C. 28159. The physical address is 1 Samuel Spencer Dr., Spencer, NC 28159. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and closed Monday. Regular admission is $4 to $6 based on age. Train rides are available on select days for an additional charge of $8 to $10 based on age. Children under age 3 are no charge. Admission and train ride prices may vary on special event days. For information about the site call (704) 636-2889. The N.C. Transportation Museum is part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Submitted by Grant Miller