Housed in a restored depot from Wilton, Ala., the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the official railroad museum for Alabama. A wide variety of rolling stock and locomotives are displayed on the museum campus. The museum’s excursion trains are pulled by diesel locomotives.
Choices
The Calera & Shelby Railroad operates over 6.5 miles of the Louisville & Nashville former Alabama Mineral rail line through the forested countryside of Shelby County. Train ride tickets are available for purchase online. The gift shop, museum and outdoor exhibits are available Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free, although donations to support operations and restorations are appreciated.
When to go
One-hour, diesel-powered excursions run every Saturday from the beginning of March through the week before Christmas. With open-air cars as well as a variety of coach options, excursions are comfortable year-round. Weekday charters and field trips may be booked by contacting the museum office.
Good to know
Each month of the operating season features at least one theme-related excursion, such as the Easter Egg-spress, Mother’s and Father’s Day events, Pumpkin Junction, Fall Foliage rides, Christmas at the Station, and the ever-popular nighttime North Pole Express events.
Worth doing
The Ozan Winery & Distillery is located trackside a short distance from the museum. This business offers a wine tasting before/after a train ride. Nighttime events are also offered in partnership with Ozan Winery, a short distance from the Museum.
Don’t miss
Housed in an early 1900s L&N freight house, the Boone Library is available by appointment and contains an extensive archive of books, periodicals, and maps. A pavilion is available for picnics during daylight hours and rides on a narrow-gauge Shelby & Southern steam train are offered on select Saturdays.
Getting there
The museum is located between Birmingham and Montgomery just off I-65. Take exit 228 and turn west for approximately 0.8 miles. Turn left onto 9th Street before reaching the CSX railroad crossing.
Location: 1919 9th Street, Calera, AL 35040
Phone: 205-668-3435
Website: hodrrm.org
E-mail: info@hodrrm.org
