Background

Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit: A Journey Through Time

Explore Foley's railway history at the Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit, a free and engaging experience for all ages in Heritage Park.

4.8

Step back in time at the Foley Railroad Museum, housed in the beautifully restored 1909 Louisville and Nashville Railroad depot [3]. Explore railroad memorabilia, historical photos, and an impressive O-scale model train exhibit depicting scenes from 1940s Foley [4, 12]. The museum offers a glimpse into the city and Baldwin County's history, highlighting the railroad's pivotal role in the area's growth [3].

A brief summary to Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit

  • Monday 10 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the operating hours for the Model Train Exhibit, as it's not open every day. It typically runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays [5].
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Heritage Park, where the museum is located. The park features beautiful gardens and green spaces [5].
  • Look for special events and activities at the museum throughout the year, such as train-themed festivals and educational programs [5].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Foley Railroad Museum is located in Heritage Park in downtown Foley, making it easily accessible on foot from most downtown locations [9]. From the intersection of US Hwy 59 (S McKenzie St) and E Laurel Ave in Foley, walk east on E Laurel Ave [5]. The museum is located at 125 E Laurel Ave, within Heritage Park, a short walk from the intersection [5]. Look for the historic train depot building [5].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Foley [5]. Request a ride to 125 E Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535. The driver will be able to drop you off directly at the Foley Railroad Museum in Heritage Park [5]. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a short ride within Foley, depending on the distance and demand [5, 25].

  • Public Transport

    Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS) offers public transportation throughout Baldwin County [9, 20]. Check the BRATS On-Demand app or call for scheduling and routes to Foley [9]. From the BRATS stop, the museum is a short walk within Heritage Park [9]. Fares are $2 for the first five miles and $0.50 for every five miles beyond [9, 25].

  • Driving

    If arriving by car, navigate to the intersection of US Hwy 59 (S McKenzie St) and E Laurel Ave in Foley [5]. The museum is located at 125 E Laurel Ave, within Heritage Park [5]. Limited free parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the visitor center, with additional street parking available along the perimeter of the park [5, 7]. Be mindful of parking regulations [5]. During peak season or special events, parking may be limited, so allow extra time to find a spot [5].

Unlock the Best of Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit

The Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit offers visitors a captivating journey into the history of Foley and Baldwin County, Alabama, through the lens of its railway heritage [3]. Housed in the meticulously restored 1909 Louisville and Nashville Railroad depot, the museum stands as a testament to the vital role the railroad played in the development of this region [3, 4]. The museum's story begins with John B. Foley, a Chicago native who, in 1902, purchased over 40,000 acres of land in south Alabama [12]. Recognizing the need for rail access to develop and sell his property, Foley invested his own money to extend the rail line from Bay Minette to Foley [4, 12, 16]. The original depot was built in 1905 but was destroyed by fire, leading to the construction of the current depot in 1909 [4, 12]. For decades, the depot served as the heart of the town, facilitating the transport of settlers, farmers, and goods [12, 16]. Inside the museum, visitors can explore a collection of railroad memorabilia, photographs, and exhibits that chronicle Foley's history and the impact of the railroad on the community [4, 12]. A highlight of the museum is the expansive O-scale model train exhibit, created by the Foley Caboose Club, which recreates scenes of Foley from the 1940s, including iconic landmarks like the Foley Hotel, Crosby's Drugstore, and the Holmes Hospital [12]. The model train exhibit has received accolades as one of the top public exhibits of toy trains in the country [12]. Outside the museum, visitors can admire a preserved Louisville & Nashville switcher and other train cars, offering a tangible connection to the region's railway past [16]. The museum is located within Heritage Park, a lovely green space that also features other historical buildings [5, 8].

Popular Experiences near Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit

Popular Hotels near Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit

Select Currency