The South Carolina Railroad Museum’s Rockton, Rion & Western Railroad offers visitors a slice of Southeastern shortline history. A former granite-hauling freight line, the RR&W brings the experience of a casual Southeastern short line to life on a scenic 10-mile, 1-hour round-trip excursion. It is the only operating tourist railroad in the state.
Choices
The railroad runs past antebellum plantation remains and through pine forests and a hand-hewn rock cut on the way to Rion. On varied excursions, passengers have the choice of riding in a historic Southern Railway dining car, passenger coaches, an open-air car, or a caboose. The museum’s collection showcases South Carolina’s railroad heritage through track tools, artifacts, and photographs. Rolling stock includes passenger cars, freight cars, cabooses, and other equipment from the Lancaster & Chester, Southern, Seaboard, Ringling Bros. Circus, and other railroads.
When to go
The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays throughout the year, with most train rides scheduled on Saturdays. It also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including Easter, barbecue, Pumpkin Patch, and Santa trains. Please check the website for details and exact schedules.
Good to know
The railroad is more than 100 years old and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its two 100-ton EMD SW8 diesel locomotives saw action for the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Worth doing
Wet a fishing line in one of the state’s top fishing lakes. Lake Wateree has more than 13,700 acres and contains bream, catfish, crappie, and bass. Lake Wateree State Recreation Area also features a nature trail for a short hike.
Don’t miss
Take a look at steam locomotive 4-6-0 No. 44 from the Hampton & Branchville. It is one of the few steam locomotives on display in South Carolina. The gallery and display train contain bells, whistles, and other railroad artifacts.
Getting there
About 70 minutes from Charlotte, N.C., Winnsboro is between Columbia and Rock Hill, just off I-77. Take Exit 34 and follow Route 34 for about 5 miles and turn left before the museum sign and railroad crossing. The entrance and parking lot are on the right.
Location: 110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro, SC
Phone: 803-635-9893
Website: scrm.org
E-mail: Form on website
