Hub City Railroad Museum in Spartanburg, SC: See Real Trains and Explore Hands-On History

Why Is Spartanburg Called the Hub City?

Beginning in the late 1800s, seven railroad lines extended outward from central Spartanburg like the spokes of a wheel. By the early 20th century, the “Hub City” had become a major transportation center carrying passengers, textiles, peaches, and other goods across the country.

The museum occupies the surviving portion of the historic railroad depot on Magnolia Street. Built in 1915 for the Southern Express Company, it was saved from demolition after a 1996 fire through a local teenager’s letter-writing and public awareness campaign.

Exhibits connect Spartanburg’s railroads with its textile mills, peach industry, and railroad car shops, along with actual items from the original station. One display covers the Hayne Car Shops, which once employed approximately 1,100 workers maintaining Southern Railway passenger and freight cars. Displayed in a glass case near the museum’s entrance, a detailed replica shows what the Spartanburg depot looked like during the 1950s and took two men approximately 700 hours to complete.

Hands-On Exhibits Kids Love

Our kids enjoyed looking at the model station, but the exhibits they could touch were definitely their favorites!

Children can ring two different railroad bells, activate the dinging sound of a railroad crossing, and pull a handle to blow a real train whistle. A posted list lets kids practice traditional whistle signals and learn what some of the horn patterns they hear around Spartanburg mean.

The operating telegraph was one of my favorite exhibits. A laminated Morse code alphabet sits right in front of it, so kids can choose a word or message and try tapping it out for themselves.

These are real historic artifacts, so children need close supervision, gentle hands, and reminders to respect roped-off or non-interactive displays.

The volunteers we met from the Carolina Railroad Heritage Association were knowledgeable and wonderful with our children. Full tours are available upon request, but volunteers are also happy to simply answer questions and share more about whatever interests you.

Don’t Miss the Children’s Train Room

Families with toddlers and preschoolers will want to look for the small playroom near the museum’s front entrance. Inside, there is a low train table covered in wooden railroad tracks, Thomas the Tank Engine pieces, and all kinds of little trains.

My kids settled in immediately, and the playroom gave them a fun break between exhibits while I looked around. Public restrooms are available inside the museum, too, which makes visiting much easier with young children.

The main museum also has a gift shop with hats, mugs, souvenirs, and children’s train books. Purchases and donations support the museum and caboose.

Public restrooms are available inside the museum, which makes visiting much easier with young children. The main museum also has a gift shop with hats, mugs, souvenirs, and children’s train books. Purchases and donations support the museum and caboose.

Climb Inside the Red Caboose

Outside, the bright red caboose has quite a story. Built in Spartanburg in 1947, it spent nearly 30 years in service before being donated to a Boy Scout troop, abandoned, and nearly becoming a beachside hot dog stand!

The restored caboose now contains a working model train and railroad videos playing in the window.

Watch Real Trains Pass the Museum

The trackside observation area gives families an incredible view of Norfolk Southern freight trains traveling through Spartanburg. The station remains an active Amtrak stop, so train enthusiasts often gather outside to watch, especially on Saturdays.

We got to meet a railroad photographer and a former railroad employee who explained the signal lights and let us know that a train was expected within the next 20 to 30 minutes. Train schedules vary, so seeing a train is not guaranteed, but if you spot any enthusiasts on the platform, ask them if they know when the next one is due.

Special Events and Things to Watch For

The museum hosts special activities throughout the year. One annual highlight is Train Day, usually held each May, with attractions like mini train rides, a Thomas the Tank Engine display, live music, food trucks, and vintage motor cars. Past events have also included railroad yard sales, children’s coloring contests, seasonal events, and Touch-A-Truck Day.

You can also watch Norfolk Southern traffic from home through the museum’s Virtual Railfan cameras. Look for heritage locomotives, watch Amtrak passengers arrive and depart, or wave toward the camera during your visit and find your family later in the online footage.

Follow the museum on Facebook or check its website at hubcityrrmuseum.org for upcoming programs, yard sales, and temporary closures.

Plan Your Visit to Hub City Railroad Museum

Hub City Railroad Museum FAQs

Is the Hub City Railroad Museum free?

Yes. Admission is free, and the museum is run entirely by volunteers. Donations are appreciated and help keep the museum and caboose operating.

What are the Hub City Railroad Museum’s hours?

The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. It occasionally closes for special off-site events, so check hubcityrrmuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page before you go.

Can we see real trains at the Hub City Railroad Museum?

Possibly. Norfolk Southern freight trains and Amtrak trains pass through regularly, but schedules vary, so seeing a train during your visit is not guaranteed. Train enthusiasts often gather at the observation deck on Saturdays and are usually happy to share tips on timing.

What ages will enjoy the museum?

All ages are welcome. Toddlers and preschoolers will especially enjoy the wooden train table in the children’s playroom, while older kids and adults can dive into the hands-on exhibits and caboose. Young children need close supervision around the museum’s historic artifacts.

Is the museum good for sensory-sensitive children?

The museum can be loud. The train whistle and bells are interactive, and passing trains outside are very loud. Consider bringing noise-dampening headphones for sensory-sensitive children, and know that they can stay inside away from the outdoor observation area if needed.

Does Hub City Railroad Museum host field trips?

Volunteers are happy to provide tours during regular open hours, but space for large groups is limited. Call the museum at 864.278.4453 during open hours to ask about scheduling group tours.

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Sources: Hub City Railroad Museum official website (verified September 19, 2026); Hub City Railroad Museum About page (verified September 19, 2026); Hub City Railroad Museum Hours of Operation page (verified September 19, 2026). Firsthand visit details courtesy of Sarah Burnett, September 2026

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