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

The Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit offers a captivating glimpse into the history of Foley and Baldwin County, Alabama. Housed in the beautifully preserved 1909 Louisville and Nashville (L&N) train depot, the museum showcases the town's evolution from a small settlement to a bustling agricultural center, highlighting the railroad's pivotal role. The museum features a collection of photographs, tools, and memorabilia that document Foley's history and the impact of the railroad. Exhibits also highlight the influence of Barin Field, a naval aviation base that significantly impacted the city during the 1940s and 1950s. In December 2024, Foley opened an exhibit commemorating its designation as one of the country's American World War II Heritage Cities. The undisputed highlight 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. Miniature trains chug through detailed replicas of local landmarks, including the Foley Hotel, Crosby's Drugstore, and the Holmes Hospital. Visitors can also climb aboard a real 1940 L & N diesel locomotive engine, boxcar and caboose train cars located outside the museum. During the summer, children can enjoy a ride on the Charles Ebert Express II, a miniature train that takes passengers on a fun journey through Heritage Park.