SPENCER — The N.C. Transportation Museum continued to provide a significant and increasing economic impact to Rowan County and North Carolina last year. For 2024, the site had a projected economic impact of $30,463,559, an all-time high. 

That impact is up approximately 16.9 percent from the previous high of $26,051,717 set in 2023. The N.C. Transportation Museum contributes 14 percent of the annual $218 million-dollar economic impact of visitation and tourism in Rowan County, according to the local tourism development authority.

“It is very important to the museum to bring people into our community,” Executive Director Kelly Alexander said. “Our visitors are also visitors to our county and region, bringing important revenue to hotels, restaurants and local businesses.”

Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO James Meacham added,“The North Carolina Transportation Museum is an integral part of what makes Rowan County an original destination. It not only preserves the rich history of our state’s transportation heritage but also serves as a major draw for visitors to Rowan County for the museum and fantastic events such as The Polar Express and Day Out with Thomas. The North Carolina Transportation Museum plays a key role in boosting the local economy by attracting visitors and providing a memorable and lasting experience for many.”

Visitation to the museum increased from the previous year and marked an all-time high with over 172,603 guests enjoying special events, train rides, museum exhibits, and programming. Ridership for The Polar Express Train Ride set a new annual record, with 83,000 attendees in 2024. That total represented a 12.7 percent increase over 2023’s previous record attendance of approximately 73,600. The holiday-themed event operated for 27 nights and two school days, bringing attendees from several states and other countries. Other major events included Day Out With Thomas, which is the museum’s second-largest attended event each year, Easter Bunny Express, Wind and Wings, Tractors and Trains, the Fire Truck Festival, and a variety of other public and educational experiences focused on a variety of transportation themes.