Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Museum Name | The National Capital Trolley Museum |
| Website | https://www.dctrolley.org/ |
| Ride | Rural ride around the museum grounds on one of their many streetcars. |
| Location | 1313 Bonifant Road Colesville, MD 20905-5955 Google Maps |
| Length of trip | 1.5 miles |
| Cost of single ticket | $10.00 |
| Special Events | The museum literally features special events all year long. |
Information/History
The National Capital Trolley Museum is located in Colesville, Maryland, about 10 miles north of Washington, D.C. The museum is a unique attraction that showcases the history of trolleys and streetcars in the United States. Visitors can enjoy a ride on a vintage streetcar, view historic trolleys and streetcars, and learn about the history of public transportation in the country.
The museum was established in 1959 by a group of trolley enthusiasts who wanted to preserve the history of streetcars and trolleys in the Washington, D.C. area. The museum started with just a few trolleys and streetcars, but over the years, it has grown to become one of the most important museums of its kind in the country.
The museum’s collection includes over 40 historic streetcars and trolleys from various cities across the United States. Many of these vehicles have been beautifully restored and are fully operational. Visitors can take a ride on one of these vintage streetcars on a 1.5-mile track that runs through the museum’s grounds.
The trolleys and streetcars at the museum come from cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. The museum also has a number of vehicles from the Washington, D.C. area, including several that once ran on the city’s famous “Capital Transit” system. The museum’s collection includes a variety of different types of trolleys and streetcars, from early horse-drawn cars to the more modern PCC streetcars of the 1940s and 1950s.
In addition to its collection of trolleys and streetcars, the museum also has a number of exhibits and displays that explain the history of public transportation in the United States. Visitors can learn about the development of streetcars and trolleys, the impact of the automobile on public transportation, and the rise of modern mass transit systems.
Visitors to the museum can also take advantage of other attractions in the area. The museum is located near several other historic sites, including the Sandy Spring Museum and the Brookside Gardens. The city of Silver Spring is also just a short drive away and offers a variety of shopping and dining options.
Getting There
For those traveling to the museum by train, the nearest Amtrak station is located in Silver Spring, about 5 miles from the museum. The station is served by several Amtrak trains each day, including the Northeast Regional and the Capitol Limited. Visitors can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from the station to the museum.
For those flying into the area, the nearest commercial airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located about 20 miles from the museum. Visitors can rent a car at the airport and drive to the museum, or take public transportation to the Silver Spring Amtrak station and then take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the museum.
For those driving to the museum, it is located just off of Route 29 in Colesville, Maryland. The museum offers free parking for visitors.
In conclusion, the National Capital Trolley Museum is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of public transportation in the United States. With its collection of historic trolleys and streetcars, informative exhibits, and beautiful grounds, it is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of transportation.
