How often do you hear the whistle of a train these days? Probably not as often as 40 years ago, when Amtrak first opened its passenger cars to America and transformed the way people get around. Chances are, if you hear a whistle in Raleigh on March 10-11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., it will be the free Amtrak Exhibit Train heading to the downtown Raleigh Amtrak station to commemorate the train’s 40^th anniversary!

The Amtrak 40^th Anniversary Exhibit Train is touring the country, and it couldn’t pass up an opportunity to visit Raleigh. This special train is a unique traveling display that showcases memorabilia from the national passenger railroad’s four decades of history, like vintage advertising, past menus, dinnerware, and period uniforms. You can even learn more about the operational elements of the train, and what the differences are between how Amtrak trains ran 40 years ago versus now.

The Exhibit Train will also include an interactive train-themed kids’ activity area, Chuggington Depot, based on the popular television series on Disney Junior. With activities and displays geared towards both adults and children, this is an event that’ll be perfect for the whole family. Did we mention it’s free?

Local businesses and vendors will also be present to round out the event. For more information on this unique traveling celebration, please visit the Amtrak 40^th Anniversary website.