The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (HoDRM) is the kind of place where history isn’t parked behind ropes—it moves. As the museum describes it, its mission grew from “humble beginnings” as a chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society (NRHS) and continues today through preservation, restoration, and hands-on public experiences.
Just as importantly for visitors, HoDRM isn’t only about exhibits (though it has plenty). It’s a living, operating railroad museum with both standard-gauge and narrow-gauge train rides, restored depots, indoor artifacts, and an outdoor collection of historic railroad equipment. In other words: you can spend part of your day learning about Alabama railroading—and part of your day hearing a diesel notch up, feeling the cars sway, and watching the piney woods slide by from a vintage coach.
For the Valentine’s Day weekend in 2026 the railroad will host their “Sweetheart Special,” a wine tasting event to the nearby Ozan Winery & Distillery.
From Railfans To A Railroad Museum: A Brief History
HoDRM’s story begins in the early 1960s, when Birmingham-area railfans organized an NRHS chapter called the Heart of Dixie Railroad Club. Their purpose was simple and timeless: preserve railroading’s sights, sounds, and artifacts for future generations…