Discover farm equipment, live demonstrations, and train rides at the North Carolina Transportation Museum April 25-26, 2025.

There’s something magical about watching a child’s face light up at the sight of a massive tractor or hearing the whistle of a historic train. This spring, the North Carolina Transportation Museum invites families to experience this wonder firsthand at their annual Tractors & Trains event, taking place April 25-26, 2025, in Spencer.

The North Carolina Transportation Museum isn’t your typical static exhibit space. As part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, this historic site brings transportation history to life through immersive experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

A weekend of agricultural heritage and railroad history

The two-day festival transforms the museum grounds into a celebration of rural life, combining both modern farming technology and cherished traditions of the past. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of contemporary tractors alongside meticulously preserved antique farm equipment that tells the story of agriculture’s evolution.

“We’re gearing up for a huge day of Tractors & Trains and fun!” says the museum’s event team. This beloved annual gathering has become a springtime tradition for many North Carolina families, offering a perfect blend of education and entertainment.

Something for every age

What makes this event particularly special is its multi-generational appeal. Children can participate in hands-on activities like seed planting and corn shelling demonstrations, while adults appreciate the craftsmanship of vintage machinery and gain practical farming knowledge.

The festival’s interactive elements include:

• Live cooking demonstrations showcasing traditional farm-to-table techniques
• A working sawmill demonstration highlighting timber processing
• Cider press operations showing how apple cider was traditionally made
• The popular “Teaching Tractor” exhibit for young farmers-to-be
• Handcrafted whirligig toys that delight visitors of all ages

The Saturday festivities culminate in a parade of tractors at 3 p.m., offering a special photo opportunity as these magnificent machines roll through the museum grounds.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Johnson/Flickr.

Educational opportunities

Friday, April 25 is dedicated to student groups, homeschoolers, and other pre-formed educational groups, who receive special admission rates. This provides an excellent field trip opportunity for teachers looking to supplement classroom learning with tangible history.

Meghan DeLapp, the museum’s educational coordinator, can be reached for group rates and arrangements, while June Hall handles tractor and equipment registration for those wishing to display their own vintage or modern agricultural machinery.

A living museum experience

The Tractors & Trains event exemplifies the museum’s commitment to preserving both the technological innovations and cultural traditions that have shaped North Carolina’s agricultural and transportation heritage.

Whether you’re a farming enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a wholesome family outing, this spring celebration promises a day of discovery and delight among the tractors and trains of North Carolina’s rich past.

Plan your visit

Located at 1 Samuel Spencer Drive in Spencer, the museum offers various admission options to suit different interests, including Basic Admission and Admission + Train Ride. Children under 3 enter free, and museum members enjoy complimentary admission, though advance ticket reservations using membership numbers are encouraged.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website to secure your spot at this popular springtime event.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Cardinal & Pine staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.