Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit

The Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit offers a glimpse into the history of Foley and Baldwin County, emphasizing the vital role the railroad played in the area's development. Housed in the historic Louisville and Nashville (L&N) train depot, built in 1909, the museum showcases the town's evolution from a small settlement to a bustling agricultural center. The museum's story begins with John B. Foley, a Chicago businessman who recognized the area's potential in the early 1900s. He invested in vast tracts of land and played a crucial role in extending the railway line to connect Foley with Bay Minette, facilitating the transport of goods and people. The original depot, built in 1905, was destroyed by fire, leading to the construction of the current structure in 1909. Inside, visitors can explore a collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of Foley's past. Exhibits also highlight the impact of Barin Field, a naval aviation base that significantly impacted the city throughout the 1940s and 1950s. The highlight for many is the remarkable O-scale model train exhibit, created and maintained by the Foley Caboose Club. This expansive display features over a quarter-mile of track and a meticulously crafted landscape that recreates scenes from Foley in the 1940s, including miniature replicas of local landmarks like the Foley Hotel, Crosby's Drugstore, and the Holmes Hospital. Outside, visitors can climb aboard a caboose and marvel at a massive locomotive. The museum is located within Heritage Park, a landscaped green space that hosts many of Foley's annual events.