When it comes to train museums in the South, McComb Railroad Museum can’t be beat. But it’s not just us who think so. According to train enthusiasts, it’s the best railroad museum south of Chicago. And with over 1,500 artifacts, including a few trains, it’s easy to see why the museum is so highly regarded. Take a look:

When visiting McComb Railroad Museum, the train-themed fun begins right from the start – and that’s because the museum is located inside the Illinois Central Depot, which dates back to 1901.

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Though work on the museum began back in 2000, it didn’t open until 2003. That’s right; it took three years to get the museum ready. However, the wait was well worth it.

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Today, the top-rated museum houses an unparalleled collection of more than 1,500 artifacts!

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Life-sized displays and replicas, such as the vintage waiting area pictured, transport visitors back in time.

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But you can do more than observe the items in the museum. There’s an interactive area - complete with buttons that make train sounds and an actual train whistle.

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Featuring a restored steam locomotive and other rolling stock, the area outside of the museum is nearly as impressive as the inside.

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There’s even a train-themed play area to keep younger visitors entertained.

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And you may get some close-up views of a train in-action since the museum is situated near some tracks.

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Only adding to the museum’s allure is the fact that it’s ran by volunteers, who are all railroad retirees! Their hard work combined with their firsthand knowledge makes for a truly informative experience.

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Visit McComb Railroad Museum Monday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, call (601) 684-6487. You can also visit the McComb Railroad Museum website or Facebook page.

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This isn’t the only place to soak up some railroad history. Read about others here.

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Address: 108 N Railroad Blvd, McComb, MS 39648, USA