The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was the first common-carrier railroad in the United States, and its museum on West Pratt Street is the best place in the country to understand how the whole idea of the railroad began. The museum now presents itself as the National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation, though most locals and visitors still call it the B&O Railroad Museum. The campus covers about 40 acres and includes the historic site, a newer building, Innovation Hall and a working restoration shop, together with an archive and library and a collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Seeing full-size engines and cars close up is the draw, and it is a particular favorite of children who love trains and of enthusiasts who come for the historic locomotives. The museum says it welcomes all ages and abilities, offers free on-site parking and lies about a mile and a half west of the Inner Harbor, so it is easy to reach by car or rideshare. Because the museum has been renamed and reorganized, it is wise to check its visit pages for current hours, tours and any train-ride schedule before you set out.
Planning your visit
The museum is at 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, and its visit pages explain hours, admission and discounts, including reduced rates for groups of 20 or more with advance reservation. Check those pages for the current schedule, since the museum has changed its name and structure, and for any special train rides or guided tours, which are described under separate sections of the website. Free off-street parking on site is a real advantage compared with downtown garages.
What to expect
The visit is about walking between buildings and outdoor tracks, so wear comfortable shoes and check the weather. The collections are organized around locomotives and rolling stock, railroad objects and artifacts, an archive and library and a restoration shop where historic equipment is worked on. Guided tours and special events are offered from time to time, so look at the events calendar before you choose a day.
Making the most of it
Allow at least two hours, longer for rail enthusiasts. It is a strong choice for families with children who love trains, and a good rainy-day option because the main buildings shelter much of the collection. Pair it with the Baltimore Museum of Industry, which tells the story of the city’s other working past, or finish the day with a harbor cruise. If your time is short, prioritize the historic site and the locomotive halls over the newer galleries.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit to a railroad campus with historic locomotives, rolling stock, a restoration shop and exhibits.
Best time
A dry day for the outdoor tracks; check the visit pages for current hours.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Use the free on-site parking and check the museum’s pages for tours and any train rides.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Train lovers, families with young children and rail history enthusiasts.
- Families
- One of the best rainy-day and young-child options in the city.
- Couples
- Suits railroad and engineering fans more than a romantic outing.
- Pair with
- The Baltimore Museum of Industry or a harbor cruise.
- Time needed
- About two to three hours.
Good questions
Where is the B&O Railroad Museum?+
At 901 West Pratt Street in Baltimore, with free off-street parking on site.
Has the museum changed its name?+
It now presents itself as the National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation, but it is still widely known as the B&O Railroad Museum.
What is in the collection?+
Locomotives and rolling stock, railroad objects and artifacts, an archive and library and a restoration shop.
Is it suitable for all ages?+
The museum says it welcomes all ages and abilities across a 40-acre campus; see its accessibility page for specifics.
Are there group rates?+
Reduced rates are offered for groups of 20 or more with advance reservation.
