Welcome to the Texas Transportation Museum, where you’ll embark on a journey through time! This spectacular entertainment and educational facility is located in San Antonio, Texas. The museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the transportation history of the state of Texas and the United States. Visitors of all ages can explore a collection of over 40 different locomotives, cabooses, buses, and historical artifacts. The museum offers a chance to learn about the fascinating history of transportation and its impact on society. Join us as we take a closer look at the exhibits and discover the unique stories behind each one.
Texas Transportation Museum
History of the Museum
The Texas Transportation Museum, located in northeast San Antonio, was established in 1964 by a group of transportation enthusiasts. Their aim was to preserve and showcase the transportation history of Texas and the rest of the country. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection and exhibits and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The museum’s campus covers 40 acres and features indoor and outdoor exhibits, providing visitors with a unique experience of stepping back in time and exploring the evolution of transportation. The museum has been operated by the Texas Transportation Museum Society, a nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to preserving and displaying the transportation history of the state and the nation.
For over five decades, the museum has expanded and improved its exhibits and collections, attracting thousands of visitors each year. With its rich history and valuable contributions to the community, the Texas Transportation Museum has become an essential part of San Antonio’s cultural landscape.
Exhibits and Collections
The Texas Transportation Museum has a vast collection of transportation artifacts, including trains, automobiles, trucks, buses, military vehicles, and aircraft. Visitors can explore over forty different exhibits and collections that showcase the unique features and stories of each vehicle.
The museum’s exhibit halls are climate-controlled, enabling visitors to enjoy themselves year-round. These halls have several interactive displays that allow visitors to get a hands-on experience. One of the museum’s prized exhibits is the S.P. #794, which was one of the most significant steam engines used to deliver mail and express packages across the Southwest.
One can also take a ride on one of the museum’s operating trains, which runs along a three-mile railway track located on the museum’s campus. The historic train ride is a unique experience that offers visitors a glimpse of a bygone era of transportation.
The museum has an extensive collection of automobiles, from vintage classics to modern-day muscle cars. Visitors can view some of the most iconic cars in automotive history, such as the 1963 Auburn, 1965 Ford Mustang, 1934 Ford Model A, 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, and many others.
The museum also has an impressive aircraft collection, which includes planes and helicopters that served in the military or general aviation. Visitors can view the aircraft up close and even board some of them, gaining a unique perspective of the aircraft’s design and capabilities.
Special Events and Programs
The Texas Transportation Museum offers special events and programs throughout the year that cater to different age groups. Their most famous event, Santa’s Railroad Wonderland, takes place every year during the Christmas season. This event attracts many visitors and offers a beautiful experience of a winter wonderland with its decorated train layouts and holiday lights.
In addition to this, the museum also offers educational workshops and programs for adults and children, which cover different aspects of transportation history, such as automobile mechanics, welding, and railroad safety. They also offer guided tours and scout and school programs.
The museum relies solely on donations and volunteers to run its operations. By visiting the museum and partaking in its events and programs, visitors contribute to the preservation and restoration of the transportation history of Texas and the nation.
In conclusion, the Texas Transportation Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in transportation and its history. With its impressive exhibits and collections, interactive displays, and educative events and programs, the museum offers an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Visit the museum and take a journey through history, exploring the evolution of transportation and its impact on society.
Planning Your Visit to Texas Transportation Museum
Location and Hours
Are you planning to visit the Texas Transportation Museum? Great! Let me give you all the information you need to make your visit worth your time. The museum is located at 11731 Wetmore Rd, San Antonio, Texas. You can easily spot it to the east of the Starcrest Dr. and Wetmore Rd. intersection.
The museum is open Thursdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military personnel, and $8 for children aged 4-11 years old. Children below 4 years of age can enter for free.
Visitor Tips
Before you head over to the museum, it’s good to know what to expect and how to prepare for your visit. Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes is highly recommended, as the museum has a lot of areas to explore on foot. Also, be sure to bring water because the museum doesn’t have a water fountain around.
If you want to extend your visit, you can bring some snacks along and have a picnic on the designated area outside of the museum. It can also be useful to pack sunscreen as most exhibits are outdoors.
Lastly, keep in mind that the museum only accepts cash and checks; they don’t have a card reader on site. So, make sure to go to the ATM before your visit if you plan on buying souvenirs or paying for admission.
Getting Involved
Do you want to get involved with the Texas Transportation Museum? There are a lot of opportunities to choose from, and they welcome anyone who wants to be part of their mission to preserve transportation history in Texas.
Volunteering is one great way to contribute. The museum is always looking for volunteers to help with different activities, including leading guided tours or working on the exhibits. They also offer membership plans for individuals or families who want to support the museum’s operations financially.
If you can’t volunteer or become a member, you can also donate directly to the museum. All donations, no matter how big or small, are appreciated and will go a long way in helping the museum’s efforts in preserving Texas’ transportation history.
Don’t forget to visit their website to get more information about their volunteer opportunities, memberships, and donations.
In conclusion, the Texas Transportation Museum offers a unique experience for anyone interested in learning about Texas’ transportation history. Now that you have all the information you need, pack your bags and head over to San Antonio to explore this exciting museum!