About
The Virginia Museum of Transportation offers the perfect activity for people of all ages. As I toured through the museum, I noticed a lot of people with kids, and the kids were just so excited about all the realistic models and exhibits.
The facility was created back in 1963. Back then, it was in Wasena Park on the Roanoke River, appropriately located inside an old train depot. It had humble beginnings, but it did have a locomotive train and a U.S. Army rocket on display.
A big flood in 1985 almost ruined the Museum. The entire facility had to be shut down, refurbished, and reopened in the spring of 1986. By then, it was relocated to downtown Roanoke, where it still stands today. Notably, the General Assembly of Virginia has recognized it as the official transportation museum of the Commonwealth.
When you come, be sure to wear weather-appropriate gear, because a good many of the exhibits are outdoors. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must, too.
The Museum of Transportation in Roanoke is just under an hour’s drive from Smith Mountain Lake and Casago's surrounding rentals. Just hop onto 40W and then take the right to get onto SR 834.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The many exhibits here will astound you. It’s a time portal to the days of horse-drawn buggies, passenger trains, and rockets soaring into space.
Here you’ll see automobiles dating from the late 19th century to the modern day. There’s also a special, occasional event called the “Hollywood Star Cars.” This event showcases autos used in movies and TV shows. You’ll see diesel engine cars, the famous Ghostbusters wagon, an old 1932 Desoto, hot rods, and more.
With a focus on aviation in Virginia, this exhibit also has an oral history feature, where you can listen to tales of actual aviation workers from the first days of flight all the way to space flight. Back in 2012, the Museum received a $25,500 grant, which they used to repair the roof and beef up its hands-on exhibits as well as add interpretive exhibits that trace Virginia’s history of aviaton all the way back to the days of barnstormers.
Here, you’ll see the gigantic old train locomotives, passenger trains and steam engines from way back when. There are also model train exhibits that are fascinating to see. If your child loves trains, you’ll have a hard time getting them to walk away from this impressive exhibit!
Allow between one and two hours for a visit to this Museum. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children between three and 11 and $8 for seniors aged 60 and older. Kids under three get in for free. There’s also a 10% discount on admission for AAA members.
Don’t forget to visit the gift shop, which is filled with a wide selection of souvenirs, transportation-related toys, and gifts.