2022 Transportation Museum Field Trip

North Carolina Transportation Museum
Spencer, NC
Friday, March 25, 2022
Special Event: Wind & Wings Day!

Even if you have joined NCHE at the North Carolina Transportation Museum previously, this field trip will offer exhibits and activities not experienced before!  Wind & Wings Day is only available to groups for ONE DAY.  Our visit will permit full access to the Bob Julian Roundhouse, the largest remaining roundhouse in America and home to restored locomotives and passenger rail cars. The Flue Shop houses the museum’s Bumper to Bumper automotive exhibit. The massive Back Shop, where steam locomotives were once overhauled, is now home to rail cars of the past, antique automobiles, fire trucks, and tractors. A working, full-size turntable, once used to re-locate engines to different bays of the Roundhouse, is in the midst of it all!

But wait! There’s more!  In addition to all the train. auto and other transportation highlights, Wind & Wings Day is a day designed to explore flight as well.  Wind & Wings programs include:
trying your hand at radio-controlled flyers and flight simulators,
experiencing a wind tunnel,
getting to talk to and ask questions of Darrell Collins, an expert on the Wright Brothers
make and take kites
make and take foam plate gliders
getting up close and personal with the restoration of a DC-3 airplane

Our special discounted admission includes access to all exhibit areas, a train ride (not usually available on weekdays), a “spin” (very slow spin!) on the locomotive turntable and the Wind & Wings Day experiences.  Check-in time will be between 10:30 and 12:30, and you may stay as long as you like.  Our train times are NOON and 1pm.   Picnic areas are available on a first come/first served basis free of charge.

Tickets are $7.95 for children 3 and older; $9.95 for adults.  Children 2 and younger are free.  (Public admission for Wind & Wings Day on the 26th is $9+tax for 3-12 yr olds; $13+tax for 13 and older.)  Tickets may be purchased until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2022 or while supply lasts.  This is a rain or shine, self-paced field trip. Tickets are transferable to others for the same day but are non-refundable.

COVID:  While we have taken enhanced safety measures, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place. The CDC advises that senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. By participating in this field trip, you voluntarily assume all risk related to exposure of COVID-19.  AS OF MARCH 2022, masks are optional on the Museum property EXCEPT  while on the train ride: all visitors 3 and older must wear a mask (trains are regulated by the TSA requirements).  Subject to change. Prior to the field trip, you will receive an email with a COVID-19 self check form. To see the COVID-19 checklist now, please click here.