Aiken To Host National Train Day With Free Admission and Railroad Activities

Aiken will host National Train Day on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum. This free event honors American railroading with trackless train rides, model train demonstrations, and tours through a restored 1918 Illinois Central Pullman car.

The Aiken Model Railroad Club will show off model trains. Kids can join a model railroad scenic workshop, listen to train stories with Mother Goose, or take trackless train rides for $2 each.

"National Train Day is a great opportunity to get the community interested in Aiken's railroad story while providing train-themed fun," said Sam Ellis, museum coordinator at the facility, per the Aiken Standard. "The event is always so enjoyable."

A third annual Freight Yard Sale will offer deals for model train collectors, whether they're just starting out or have years of experience under their belt. Activity booklets packed with crossword puzzles, word searches, coloring pages, and Aiken rail trivia will be handed out to children. Crayons come with them.

R7, Chick-fil-A, and Flanigan's Ice Cream will sell food. The Friends of the Aiken Railroad Depot, Breezeline, and Security Federal Bank are sponsoring the event.

Money earned from the museum gift shop and Freight Yard Sale will help the Friends of the Aiken Railroad Depot. The venue sits at 406 Park Ave. S.E. For more information, call 803-293-7846.