Trains once housed throngs of the nation's aristocrats and coal deposits, which led to an inordinate amount of melted monocles and top hats reporting the Black Lung. Experience locomotives through a clearer lens with today's Groupon: for $7, you receive one adult admission to the B&O Railroad Museum in southwest Baltimore.

Sitting on the treasured site of the first commercial long-distance track and passenger station in America, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum harbors one of the oldest and most comprehensive collections of train relics in the world. Weave through the 40-acre campus to discover more than 200 pieces of finely preserved locomotive and rolling-stock materials, which are flanked by hundreds of thousands of artifacts such as tools, art, uniforms, and memorabilia. The trainy display expertly lays out a timeline of America's railroad industry, its impact on culture, and the foolhardiness of starry-eyed tycoons.

Through eye-popping photos and exhibits, you'll also learn about the fascinating history of the site itself, where Charles Carroll, the only living signer of the Declaration of Independence, laid the first stone of the B&O in 1828, as well as the museum's massive restoration after a treacherous 2003 snowstorm collapsed the roof. In addition to revving the mind-engines of adult history buffs, choo-choo children will pogo like pistons upon visiting the B&O Railroad Museum. There are toy-train displays and engaging hands-on exhibits to keep wee conductors busy as parents sift through the intriguing world of the iron, rail-bound horse. Or keep the family intact and take a train ride, offered Wednesdays through Sundays until December ($2 for adults, $1 for children ages 2 to 12).

Reviews

The B&O Railroad Museum is a Frommer's Very Highly Recommended Destination. Nine TripAdvisors give it an average of 3.5 stars, while seven lilaguide users, eight Judy's Book users, and six Yelpers give it an average of four stars:

• …it's still filled with an awe-inspiring collection of engines and rolling stock. – Frommer's
• The B&O Railroad Museum is for train lovers. The restored equipment is top notch and lovingly cared for. The displays make good use of audio and video to enhance the experience. – Sparky1954, TripAdvisor
• If you have a little boy who loves trains- you've got to see this! – A lilaguide user on 11/3/2005