North Alabama Railroad Museum

History & Excursions

The North Alabama Railroad Museum began in July 1966 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. We celebrated our 50th birthday in 2016. After spending several years in the Shoals area, the North Alabama Railroad Museum moved to its current location in the 1980s. We currently operate five miles of Nashville, Chattanooga, & St. Louis Railway’s Huntsville Branch Line, which ceased operations in 1984. We extend west from Chase Depot to Meridian Street and east to Naugher Road. The North Alabama Railroad Museum is home to the smallest union depot in the country, meaning two railroads converged here. NARM also takes pride in its restoration projects. Take a walk around our grounds and see our progress! Most excursion revenue and donations made by visitors and guests are spent directly toward preserving historic artifacts. We are proud to be an all volunteer organization.

Full Length Excursions: The North Alabama Railroad Museum operates several full length excursions along the five miles of track throughout the year. These rides are about an hour and fifteen minutes in duration. Our Spring Fling Special draws a crowd every year as the flowers & trees begin to bloom and bud. Flip-Flop Fun is a great way to get away from the summer heat. Our coaches are air conditioned, making the ride very comfortable during Alabama summers. The Magic on the Mercury & Chase is an enchanting ride just before school starts. Special guests visit the museum to entertain visitors. The annual Fall Color Specials are always a sell-out, drawing crowds from across the Southeast to see the changing of the leaves in the Tennessee Valley. Our Mother & Son Special and Father’s Day Special are also very popular as families take time to honor loved ones.

Special Excursions: There are several special trips scheduled throughout the year that only take place on the western end of our track. Special Excursions begin in the Spring each year with our Easter ride, the Peter Cottontail. A Fall excursion, the Punkin’ Pickin’ Extravaganza allows families an opportunity to disembark the train at Normal for some fun in NARM’s pumpkin patch! A huge hit in it’s inaugural run during the 2013 season, this ride is a sell-out year after year. NARM ends every year with our extremely popular Christmas Trains. The Santa Train is a ride during daylight hours, featuring both regular coaches and our first-class coach. Started in 2015, The North Star Special features a unique first-class, night-time excursion. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas, and everyone on board receives a treat and extra time with Santa Claus. North Alabama families put these rides on their annual Christmas to-do list. We love seeing the faces of smiling children & adults alike as they visit with Santa & his elves. NARM truly enjoys seeing our visitors excited about riding a train for the first time or sharing a ride with a loved one or friend. Memories are always made along the Mercury & Chase Railroad!