Roanoke is so lucky to have this gem of a museum. Covering transportation by car, boat, and train the museum has something for everybody. The model ships are superbly crafted with fine details. They are small, but fascinating. The huge garage with vintage and late model cars is a place you can linger and appreciate the jumps in technology that made it to your car today. Model trains inside are a delight and real trains outside are a spectacle of engineering (they are huge). A great reason to visit Roanoke.
Great museum! Lots of variety between all modes of transportation. My favorites were the train yard outdoors, and the African American exhibit in the historical section.
If you like trains, this is a must-see destination. They have steam locomotives, cars, displays about the history of trains in Roanoke. Displays about the importance of black workers to the railroads. And a whole warehouse filled with antique cars. There were even some model ships (most named Roanoke!) And a room dedicated to aviation in Virginia. If you are a read-everything-in-the-museum person, I’d recommend about 2 hours at least. If you have kids, you can occupy their attention for a solid hour.
It's was outstanding, beautiful trains and information about other modes of transportation. Friendly folks you can ask any questions to. Great gift shop. Just a wonderful place to take the kids or anyone.
If it's man made and can get you from point A to point B then it's probably represented here. Vechicles of all kinds and time periods can be found here. Planes, Trains, and automobiles... even a rocket out back. Interesting history of travel in the Roanoke Valley.
Ever see the movie planes, trains and automobiles? Well that's exactly what the Virginia Museum of Transportation has all under one roof in Roanoke, Virginia.
The displays are well done and offer some interactive features. The kids can have a ball getting up close too! Even the gift store was excellent! Made a few purchases.
It's a one off for me, but was worth the visit to see the rich history of the railways the Roanoke community has. 4.5 rounding up. I can understand why it's a beloved local attraction.
I’m from Indiana, and while vacationing in the Roanoke area, I came across this museum, and given my liking for just about everything technology and transportation, this place did not disappoint. I had a fun time here. It’s also nice knowing the history behind different technology and transportation.
Definitely would recommend! The trains did need some work, car selection was great, same go’s for the train section. N&W 611 was getting worked on but we didn’t mind since it keeps her running. I was very happy to see N&W 1218 since he is my favorite part of the museum. Although the lady behind the ticket booth wasn’t very pleasant, we were going to do the behind the scenes work of 611. She didn’t know where we were supposed to go, so we had to figure it out ourselves but we eventually got there. Behind the scenes part was very cool, and we a demonstration on the restoration of N&W 611 and also got to get inside the cab of the 611. Would give more than a five stars if I could!