Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

With being a hub for Norfolk-Southern, Roanoke is widely known for its railroad heritage. This is evident when driving around town, as it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid having to cross a set of tracks, or seeing (or hearing) a train in the distance.

At the Center of the Railwalk Rests This Memorable Monument

To commemorate Roanoke’s history and connection with the railroad, the city had established a Railwalk downtown which features artifacts, exhibits, and other information on the history and operation of trains in the area.

And as it turned out I couldn’t think of a more thoughtful way to spend an hour or two on a pleasant afternoon.

Let’s go for a walk:

The Railwalk is located downtown on Norfolk Avenue (between 1st and Market Street), and actually runs parallel to railroad tracks that are just on the other side of the fence. And as I walked along the path I remember at least 3 different trains passed by, which definitely added to the experience.

For this walk, I started at the intersection with 1st Street but I don’t think there is any specific starting point.

Start of the Railwalk, the Rumble of a Train Passes Nearby

A Working Railroad Crossing Gate on the Railwalk

The first exhibit is an actual railroad crossing gate, and it really works! One push of the button on the nearby stand is all it takes.

The button activates the notable bell ringing, associated flashing lights, and then follows with the guard lowering all in a single continuous motion.

Very cool!

Several more feet down the walk is another interactive railroad signal device, this time in the form of a horn and whistle, similar to those used when an oncoming train is approaching a road crossing.

Push one of the buttons, and from overhead on a post the sound will be released.

Be ready because they’re pretty loud!

Just ahead is one of several benches along the entire walk, which are built onto an axle with the two train wheels on either sides acting as the armrests. In the near distance is an old mine car, like the ones originally used to carry coal and other minerals.

An Axle Bench and Old Mine Car on the Railwalk

And, of course, the mine car here is carrying a full load of coal.

There is a third signal device a few feet further, and this one is a railroad safety bell. It works and is authentically loud as well.

Historic Information on Display on the Railkwalk

Throughout the railwalk there are displays of historic information, and like the benches, they are mounted as part of a train axle.

This one in particular gives information and pictures on the history of the nearby Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Bridge.

Next up is an elevated section to resemble a platform at a train station.

This would be where the conductor or other passengers would board and unboard the train.

Elevated Train Station Platform on the Railwalk

And, for a short while, we’re going to unboard here.

But, there’s much more to see so catch the next train and we’ll finish with Exploring Roanoke - The Railwalk (Part 2).

This is Part 1 of a 2 part series. To read the rest of the experience along the Railwalk, click over to Exploring Roanoke - The Railwalk (Part 2).