Southeastern Railway Museum
Southeastern Railway Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Southeastern Railway Museum occupies a 35-acre site in Duluth, Georgia, in northeast suburban Atlanta. In operation since 1970, the Southeastern Railway Museum features about 90 items of rolling stock including historic Pullman cars and classic steam locomotives. Museum hours vary seasonally. Take a short ride in restored cabooses behind restored antique diesel locomotives, stand next to the massive driving wheels of the locomotive that once pulled passenger trains to Key West on the “railroad that went to sea,” tour the business car that helped bring the Olympics to Atlanta, pose in the private car once used by President Warren G. Harding, and step inside a dining car used by FDR on one of his many trips to Warm Springs, GA. The mission of the Southeastern Railway Museum is to provide an educational atmosphere that will vividly bring to life the cultural, technological and historical importance of transportation to our region.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
146 reviews
Excellent
73
Very good
51
Average
13
Poor
6
Terrible
3
jmaxwellb
Atlanta, GA83 contributions
Jul 2021
Went with my two year old grandson train enthusiast and we both loved it.
Highlights:
The short ride on the open car train.
The freedom to roam inside old sleeping car trains and old Atlanta buses and amongst a wide variety of old locomotives & rolling stock, some stull rusty and neglected, some painstakingly restored. There's a real honesty and authenticity to that.
Very friendly and well-informed staff (volunteers presumably).
Makes a great family visit evoking times before air travel became dominant.
Mostly outdoors under open sided sheds - so best of both worlds with low Covid risk and some shade.
Highlights:
The short ride on the open car train.
The freedom to roam inside old sleeping car trains and old Atlanta buses and amongst a wide variety of old locomotives & rolling stock, some stull rusty and neglected, some painstakingly restored. There's a real honesty and authenticity to that.
Very friendly and well-informed staff (volunteers presumably).
Makes a great family visit evoking times before air travel became dominant.
Mostly outdoors under open sided sheds - so best of both worlds with low Covid risk and some shade.
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margi Philbin
Fair Play, SC5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Great place to spend a day. You can see lots of trains, touch them and even go inside them. They have a short ride on the big train and a ride on the little antique park train. Lots of fun and very educational
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
06Matt
Peachtree City, GA21 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
This is a little jewel of a museum! We had a great Sunday afternoon day trip with my three young kids and their granddaddies. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, there’re many different examples of train engines and cars, buses, and models. So much history from a bygone era.
Written 7 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bhlraven1916
Atlanta, GA1,506 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Attended the Trains, Trucks, and Tractors event. Had a great time. A lot of history. Lots of artifacts and well preserved. Great Staff. Very nice gift shop. Off the beaten path. If you're in the area it's a must visit.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendy I
Suwanee, GA1 contribution
May 2013 • Family
To any mom who is planning a trip to the Southeastern Train Museum.
I went there this morning with my MOPS group we were having a great time going in all the trains and looking around. The kids got on an Engine to look around. We moms decided we would set on a bench next to the train and watch them play; we let them play on this train for about 20 minutes. A man came walking over and started yelling, “What are they doing on here this is a live train!” We started questioning why there was not a rope, sign or something letting people know this is not a train to tour/play on to which he replied they were not allowed to do that. The man then said we were only allowed on the ones with yellow stairs, this train had yellow stairs so we didn’t know. He said the man should have told us this was one to not get on when we got our tickets and he didn’t. A friend and I got our tickets at the same time. Two other friends came a little later and got their tickets after we did and he didn’t tell them. Other people’s kids were playing on it as well so they failed to tell all of us. This man did not stop to help us get the kids off but stood there yelling at them to get off and when people were trying to help get the kids off he yelled at them to not get on. The kids were pulling the brakes, pushing buttons; we really thought it was one they could play on like all the others. I can truly say I have never been so scared and mad in my entire life. I mean does this man really thing we would put our children in harm’s way on purpose? It’s not like we were not watching them we were right next to it taking photos of the kids and talking to them. I would say to never go and pay to visit this place when they do not put the safety of its visitors first!
I went there this morning with my MOPS group we were having a great time going in all the trains and looking around. The kids got on an Engine to look around. We moms decided we would set on a bench next to the train and watch them play; we let them play on this train for about 20 minutes. A man came walking over and started yelling, “What are they doing on here this is a live train!” We started questioning why there was not a rope, sign or something letting people know this is not a train to tour/play on to which he replied they were not allowed to do that. The man then said we were only allowed on the ones with yellow stairs, this train had yellow stairs so we didn’t know. He said the man should have told us this was one to not get on when we got our tickets and he didn’t. A friend and I got our tickets at the same time. Two other friends came a little later and got their tickets after we did and he didn’t tell them. Other people’s kids were playing on it as well so they failed to tell all of us. This man did not stop to help us get the kids off but stood there yelling at them to get off and when people were trying to help get the kids off he yelled at them to not get on. The kids were pulling the brakes, pushing buttons; we really thought it was one they could play on like all the others. I can truly say I have never been so scared and mad in my entire life. I mean does this man really thing we would put our children in harm’s way on purpose? It’s not like we were not watching them we were right next to it taking photos of the kids and talking to them. I would say to never go and pay to visit this place when they do not put the safety of its visitors first!
Written 23 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob H
Lawrenceville, GA13 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
Obviously, this attraction is in dire need of money (lots of money!) and the curatorship to make it an impact collection of exhibits. We (two adults) visited on a Saturday morning and we seemed to be the only people without kids. So, I believe this venue is more about kids parties and train rides than it is about railway lore and education. The train car exhibits we experienced were generally,dim, dirty, run down and badly in need of restoration. Too much of the seat upholstery was held together with duct tape. The documentation stands were not well done and in poor repair. We did not see any special effects such as A/V enhancement of exhibits. I would rather see fewer but professionaly done exhibits and I would be happy to pay double the current price of admission to have this improved experience.
Written 22 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conversation S
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, United States55 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
First of all this preface: I love railroads and am a model railroader. That said, the Southeastern Railway Museum is fun not only for train buffs, but for folks interested in history and what kid doesn't love trains. There are two actual trains running, a small one that loops around for kids. The other is powered by a real diesel locomotive and shuttles back and forth pulling two cabooses. Short but fun.The museum itself is both indoor and outdoor with a great variety of vintage locomotives and rolling stock, many of which you can actually get inside and walk around. Rates are very affordable and we saw a wide variety of ages represented while we were there. ALL having a fun time. So much to see, so take your time to explore. (Again, I only rate attractions etc that either are very good or very poor)
Written 24 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kurokitty
Atlanta, GA697 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
About a month ago I was in the area and saw a sign for this museum on the road. For some reason I remembered it the other day and we were pleased to learn our visit would be timed with the museum's second Thursday preschool program.
Basically, once a month the museum has an educational program for kids age 2-4. The event lasts from 10:30 a.m. to noon and for $7 includes five different sessions, ranging from stories to crafts and games.
My 3-year-old loves trains so this was perfect for him and this week he happened to be out on spring break from his preschool. We got there about 15 minutes early and we were glad we did -- the line was about 10 deep with parents and kids and although there were 2 cashiers, it didn't move too quickly. Our cashier was helpful and we added two train rides each on the big train and the park train for $5 each more (total price was $17).
We then were given an armband and a program of where to go to start. We started off in the depot, where we learned about flag signals for trains and then we did a craft. Then we went to the second session, which involved a game in which the pupils formed a train. At this point, the line for the program (which was next to our session) was at least 30 parents long! We also had more kids join our session.
The third session was a tour of some of the trains inside the building and the little one was a little more restless so we went back outside and because of the timing of the train rides ultimately did not join the last two sessions, which involved making a craft and storytime. We waited a little bit for the smaller park train, which started at 11:30 a.m. This ride was fun -- you go twice around a small loop in an open-air train.
After that we went across the lot to the big train -- a regular size diesel with a passenger car. The train is not air conditioned so it was pretty hot inside while we waited for everyone to board. They even run with the doors open (the conductor advises people to stay seated while the train is moving) to let open some air. I didn't realize what other TripAdvisor reviewers previously mentioned, that this ride doesn't go too far -- first you back up to their maintenance shed then go forward a little bit past where you boarded and then back up to the start. I probably would skip this the next time around.
There was lots to see and still some things the little one would enjoy seeing if we hadn't participated in the preschool program. I think next time we will just come with the grandparents and look around and ride in the park train. It's a great resource for the local area to have something like this around!
Basically, once a month the museum has an educational program for kids age 2-4. The event lasts from 10:30 a.m. to noon and for $7 includes five different sessions, ranging from stories to crafts and games.
My 3-year-old loves trains so this was perfect for him and this week he happened to be out on spring break from his preschool. We got there about 15 minutes early and we were glad we did -- the line was about 10 deep with parents and kids and although there were 2 cashiers, it didn't move too quickly. Our cashier was helpful and we added two train rides each on the big train and the park train for $5 each more (total price was $17).
We then were given an armband and a program of where to go to start. We started off in the depot, where we learned about flag signals for trains and then we did a craft. Then we went to the second session, which involved a game in which the pupils formed a train. At this point, the line for the program (which was next to our session) was at least 30 parents long! We also had more kids join our session.
The third session was a tour of some of the trains inside the building and the little one was a little more restless so we went back outside and because of the timing of the train rides ultimately did not join the last two sessions, which involved making a craft and storytime. We waited a little bit for the smaller park train, which started at 11:30 a.m. This ride was fun -- you go twice around a small loop in an open-air train.
After that we went across the lot to the big train -- a regular size diesel with a passenger car. The train is not air conditioned so it was pretty hot inside while we waited for everyone to board. They even run with the doors open (the conductor advises people to stay seated while the train is moving) to let open some air. I didn't realize what other TripAdvisor reviewers previously mentioned, that this ride doesn't go too far -- first you back up to their maintenance shed then go forward a little bit past where you boarded and then back up to the start. I probably would skip this the next time around.
There was lots to see and still some things the little one would enjoy seeing if we hadn't participated in the preschool program. I think next time we will just come with the grandparents and look around and ride in the park train. It's a great resource for the local area to have something like this around!
Written 9 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DeoniaNeveu
Burlington, NC6,199 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
When I first arrived to this Train Museum I had no idea what a great treat and pleasure and learning experience this Museum would offer. I have never in all of my life been able to be so up front and personal with getting on and off of real Nostalgic Trains that were left as they were from the last occupants, from back in their prime time in history. These are really old, old, old Trains to see on the inside and outside.
They have an Army Train, and the kitchen is left as it was, where you can walk right though it all, and open doors and cabinets, and see everything, even the bathrooms.
Most impressive was the President's Train, which was like the Air Force One in transportation back in those early years for our Presidents. This train was the one that carried President Warren G. Harding's body back to Washington, when he died suddenly during his travelling to San Francisco, etc. The entire Train is there at this Museum, located in the indoor display areas, and you are allowed to get on this train and see everything, even the President's bed, and walk down the corridors of the Train, and everything is just as it was last used, nothing is repaired, even the stains are on one bed on the Train.
The Museum also has a double Decker Train, that looks like it was from the 70's or something of the sort, with its colorful seating and 70's style tables and chairs.
The Museum also has some old old vintage Buses, Cars, Taxis, and a Fire Truck, and this Museum has indoor exhibit displays behind glass that holds the silverware and dishes and uniforms of the Train Crews, and Menus, from way back in time. Inside the display room, there is also a model train set that runs for show.
This Museum does have some train rides, there are different types of rides, one is a small wagon mini train ride for the tiny tots and their parents, or "grown up kids", there are rides on a Caboose, and other event type rides that they Host throughout the year for the Holidays, etc. The rides are very reasonably priced.
The Staff at this place are very friendly, and very approachable to answer whatever questions you may have for them, although this museum is a self-guided Tour, where you can spend all day going through this place, and see so much history, and being right there in it, where you feel as though you are back in time just being there. This is not a fancy place, but rather one that is left in the raw, untouched history as is, and you are invited to go back in time at your own pace.
There are no fancy stores in this place, but there is a small gift shop, not fancy, but you can buy a drink of water or soda, and something small. This place has clean rest rooms, and a cooling off place to sit inside with air-conditioning (Theater), on a hot day, when you have been out there in the field getting on and off the vintage trains located on the outdoor tracks.
Also, this Museum is located sharing some of the active Train tracks, and so you will hear Trains still roaring through this place, and you have to be careful and follow the rules and go only where they tell you that you can go in the places located out in the Train yard areas, and they do tell you when you purchase a ticket where you can and cannot go for safety reasons.
In any event, I can't say enough about this very rustic, real, vintage historical Museum, and I have been to many others, like in Strasburg, PA, which is nice too, and fancy, but this place, the Southeastern Railway Museum, in Duluth, GA is like no other I have seen before, it is the GREATEST place for any Train lover or just a lover of History, you will be in great delight at this place indeed. The ticket price at this Museum is very reasonably priced for both kids and adults. This is a place for any age group, and they do accommodate class (school) trips that visit.
Also, they let you take photos and video of everything in the place, and that is a treasure in itself, but although you may show your photos and video to others who have not gone, it can't compare to you actually being there. This place is a MUST SEE, and worth the trip. I took a lot of photos so be sure to see them. I took some photos of some of the floors and walls, in some trains, just so that people can see how untouched these Trains are left from their history. Again, an OUTSTANDING MUSEUM THIS PLACE IS INDEED, go and enjoy.
They have an Army Train, and the kitchen is left as it was, where you can walk right though it all, and open doors and cabinets, and see everything, even the bathrooms.
Most impressive was the President's Train, which was like the Air Force One in transportation back in those early years for our Presidents. This train was the one that carried President Warren G. Harding's body back to Washington, when he died suddenly during his travelling to San Francisco, etc. The entire Train is there at this Museum, located in the indoor display areas, and you are allowed to get on this train and see everything, even the President's bed, and walk down the corridors of the Train, and everything is just as it was last used, nothing is repaired, even the stains are on one bed on the Train.
The Museum also has a double Decker Train, that looks like it was from the 70's or something of the sort, with its colorful seating and 70's style tables and chairs.
The Museum also has some old old vintage Buses, Cars, Taxis, and a Fire Truck, and this Museum has indoor exhibit displays behind glass that holds the silverware and dishes and uniforms of the Train Crews, and Menus, from way back in time. Inside the display room, there is also a model train set that runs for show.
This Museum does have some train rides, there are different types of rides, one is a small wagon mini train ride for the tiny tots and their parents, or "grown up kids", there are rides on a Caboose, and other event type rides that they Host throughout the year for the Holidays, etc. The rides are very reasonably priced.
The Staff at this place are very friendly, and very approachable to answer whatever questions you may have for them, although this museum is a self-guided Tour, where you can spend all day going through this place, and see so much history, and being right there in it, where you feel as though you are back in time just being there. This is not a fancy place, but rather one that is left in the raw, untouched history as is, and you are invited to go back in time at your own pace.
There are no fancy stores in this place, but there is a small gift shop, not fancy, but you can buy a drink of water or soda, and something small. This place has clean rest rooms, and a cooling off place to sit inside with air-conditioning (Theater), on a hot day, when you have been out there in the field getting on and off the vintage trains located on the outdoor tracks.
Also, this Museum is located sharing some of the active Train tracks, and so you will hear Trains still roaring through this place, and you have to be careful and follow the rules and go only where they tell you that you can go in the places located out in the Train yard areas, and they do tell you when you purchase a ticket where you can and cannot go for safety reasons.
In any event, I can't say enough about this very rustic, real, vintage historical Museum, and I have been to many others, like in Strasburg, PA, which is nice too, and fancy, but this place, the Southeastern Railway Museum, in Duluth, GA is like no other I have seen before, it is the GREATEST place for any Train lover or just a lover of History, you will be in great delight at this place indeed. The ticket price at this Museum is very reasonably priced for both kids and adults. This is a place for any age group, and they do accommodate class (school) trips that visit.
Also, they let you take photos and video of everything in the place, and that is a treasure in itself, but although you may show your photos and video to others who have not gone, it can't compare to you actually being there. This place is a MUST SEE, and worth the trip. I took a lot of photos so be sure to see them. I took some photos of some of the floors and walls, in some trains, just so that people can see how untouched these Trains are left from their history. Again, an OUTSTANDING MUSEUM THIS PLACE IS INDEED, go and enjoy.
Written 14 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravelers0123
Atlanta, GA1 contribution
Mar 2011
My family and I had a blast celebrating my son's 2yr old birthday here! My son is a train fanatic and was excited from the moment we got there! The 20 min train ride was a real thrill for him, and hosting the party in one of the train cars made things really intimate. Absolutely a great spot for tots!
Written 18 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adults-10.00
Seniors-65+ -8.00. Children2-12 -7.00
Written 8 September 2018
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