Background

Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit

Explore Foley's railway heritage at this free museum featuring local history, artifacts, and a captivating model train exhibit for all ages.

5
A question is required

Step back in time at the Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit, housed in a beautifully restored 1909 Louisville and Nashville Railroad depot. Explore local history, railway artifacts, and a captivating 'O' gauge model train exhibit showcasing a miniature world with intricate details. It's a free, family-friendly attraction that celebrates Foley's rich railroad heritage.

A brief summary to Model Train Museum

Local tips

  • Check the Model Train Exhibit schedule, as it has limited operating hours compared to the main museum.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Heritage Park and explore other nearby attractions like the Holmes Medical Museum.
  • Visit during the summer months to catch a ride on the Charles Ebert Express II, a miniature train that takes kids on a fun journey through Heritage Park.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of US Hwy 59 (S McKenzie St) and E Laurel Ave in downtown Foley, head east on E Laurel Ave. The Foley Railroad Museum is on your right in Heritage Park, a short walk of approximately 2 blocks. Look for the historic train depot building and the train cars on display.

  • Driving

    If arriving by car, navigate to the intersection of US Hwy 59 (S McKenzie St) and E Laurel Ave in Foley. The museum is located at 125 E Laurel Ave, within Heritage Park. 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. Be mindful of parking regulations. During peak season or special events, parking may be limited, so allow extra time to find a spot. Parking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Foley. 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. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a short ride within Foley, depending on the distance and demand. From Mobile, a taxi will cost $100-$130.

Unlock the Best of Model Train Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

q

Discover more about Model Train Museum

The Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit offers a captivating glimpse into the history of Foley and Baldwin County, emphasizing the impact of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Housed in the meticulously restored 1909 L&N railroad depot, the museum provides a tangible link to the past, showcasing the vital role the railway played in the region's economic and social development. The museum building itself is a historical artifact. The depot served as the town's bustling transportation hub for over 60 years. In 1971, when the railroad discontinued service to Foley, the depot was slated for demolition, but local businessman John Snook bought it for a dollar and moved it to Magnolia Springs for use as a warehouse. In 1995, the city was able to return the building to its original location to be used as the Foley Railroad Station Historic Depot Museum and local archives. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits detailing Foley's origins as an agricultural center, the challenges and triumphs of early settlers, and the evolution of transportation in the area. See photographs, documents, and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of life in a bygone era. One of the museum's most popular attractions is the Model Train Exhibit, an elaborate 'O' gauge layout that is a miniature world unto itself, featuring a quarter-mile of track, intricate scenery, and numerous operating trains. The exhibit is created and maintained by the Foley Caboose Club, a group of dedicated volunteers who share a passion for model railroading. The attention to detail is remarkable, with meticulously crafted landscapes, buildings, and figures that bring the miniature world to life. The set replicates scenes of Foley from the 1940s, including the Foley Hotel, Crosby's Drugstore, the Holmes Hospital, Foley's Depot building, and other landmarks.

Popular Experiences near Model Train Museum

Popular Hotels near Model Train Museum

Select Currency