Railroad Rendezvous

The annual Railroad Rendezvous returns to the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History with a full day of railroad history, transportation displays, hands-on activities, and a few big machines.

The event takes place from 9:30 am to 5 pm and fills the museum with activities related to railroads, transportation, mechanics, and historic craftsmanship. Children can enjoy flatcar rides, while guests can see a model car display, railroad artifacts from the Military Railroad Society, and demonstrations throughout the day.

This year, AgPro Marietta will present tractors in the front lot, Big Bear’s Forge and Homestead will lead a blacksmith demonstration, Atlantic Coast S Gaugers will bring an interactive train layout, and The Savoy will host a hands-on car engine station. The Cobb County Radio Control Modelers Club will also return, giving visitors another reason to stare at tiny machines with the same seriousness usually reserved for tax documents.

Families can also visit the Railroad Worker’s kids area, which will include hands-on activities with the Atlanta Typewriter Club. It is a fitting addition for an event built around older machines, mechanical skill, and the lost art of making things that do not require a software update.

One of the biggest draws is the rare chance to climb aboard the General locomotive, the Civil War-era steam engine made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. Visitors can tour the cab and get a close look at one of Kennesaw’s most important historic artifacts.

Guests can also go inside the renovated Southern Railway Caboose X372 for a look at railroad crew life during the golden age of rail travel. The “Board the General Experience” and “Board the Caboose Experience” cost $5 per person each, or $7 for both. Children age 2 and younger are free. Proceeds benefit the Kennesaw Museum Foundation.

In addition to the day’s special events, visitors can explore the Museum’s permanent exhibits to learn about the Great Locomotive Chase, one of the Civil War’s most thrilling episodes. The Museum also includes a full-scale replica of The Glover Machine Works, a locomotive factory in nearby Marietta that helped rebuild the South after the war.

The Museum is located at 2829 Cherokee Street in downtown Kennesaw (exit 273 on Interstate 75).

Date:
Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

Address:
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
2829 Cherokee Street
Kennesaw, GA 30144

For more information, please call 770-427-2117 (ext.) 3058 or visit southernmuseum.org