Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit

A journey into the past begins in an old depot building, home to the Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit. This unique site in the city of Foley captures the spirit of an era when railroads were the primary lifeblood of the USA. The museum is housed in a building constructed in 1909, which is itself a monument to the architecture and history of southern Alabama.

The centerpiece of the collection is the massive model train exhibit, spanning over 110 square meters. These are not just toys, but a detailed O-scale reconstruction of an American town from the 1940s and 1950s. Here, dozens of trains travel along a quarter-mile of track, rushing past miniature farms, hospitals, and even an amusement park with a working drive-in theater.

In addition to the layout, the museum holds a rich archive of photographs and artifacts that tell the story of how agriculture and transportation transformed this region into a prosperous land. This place will be equally interesting for serious historians and young explorers dreaming of seeing real railroad magic in motion.

For details before your visit or to organize group tours, you can use the museum's official contact information.

Inside the museum walls, an immersion into the world of industrial romance awaits. Start by exploring the main exhibition, where authentic trackmen's tools, archival photos, and memorabilia are collected. Special attention should be paid to the giant model railroad layout: volunteer engineers from the Caboose Club are happy to run the trains and talk about the intricacies of managing twelve trains simultaneously.

Watching the miniature life is a fascinating process. You will see replicas of famous locomotives, such as the L&N Hummingbird, as they pass through tunnels, over wooden bridges, and past the town's tiny residents. For both children and adults, it turns into a kind of quest: finding the detailed fairground, the fire station, or hidden animated elements that come to life as the trains move.

If your visit falls during the summer or on a Saturday, be sure to take a ride on the Ebert Express II mini-train. It runs through Heritage Park, bringing plenty of excitement to young passengers. After a walk in the fresh air, you can take a photo in front of the full-sized historic railcar standing at the museum entrance, which makes for a perfect conclusion to your visit.

The Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit is located in the heart of the historic center at 125 E Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535. It is easy to find — the building is situated in the picturesque Heritage Park. For those arriving by private or rental car, free parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the entrance.

If you are planning a trip from neighboring Alabama cities, the most convenient routes are via AL-59 or US-98. The drive from Pensacola (PNS) or Mobile (MOB) airports takes about an hour (approximately 45–50 miles), while the popular resort of Gulf Shores is just 20 minutes away. This makes the museum an excellent option for a short weekend trip.

Public transportation in the area is limited, so a car remains the most comfortable way to travel. However, you can always use taxi or Uber services from anywhere in the city. The historic district of Foley itself is very walkable, and after visiting the museum, you can easily reach other local attractions on foot.

The history of this site is inextricably linked with John B. Foley, the city's founder. In the early 20th century, he used his own funds to purchase land and finance the construction of the first railroad station to connect this remote agricultural corner with the main line. It was thanks to the railroad that Foley became a prosperous center for the trade of potatoes, corn, and flowers. The current depot building was erected in 1909, replacing the original structure that was destroyed by fire.

For over 60 years, the depot served as the "heart" of the city, where all cargo and news passed through. In the mid-90s, the building was given a second life as a museum. A landmark event was the 2004 donation by Alan Goldman, who gave his colossal collection of model trains to the city. Although Hurricane Ivan temporarily halted work, volunteers from the Caboose Club carefully reassembled the layout, and the exhibit opened to the public in 2007.

Today, the museum is a jewel of the Foley Downtown Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It houses unique city archives and artifacts that clearly demonstrate how the steel rails shaped the look and character of all of southeast Alabama. It is not just a storehouse of old things, but a living chronicle of the hard work and engineering ingenuity of several generations.

A quick tour of the main museum exhibits and watching the model trains usually takes about 1–2 hours. This is enough time to explore the historical photographs in the depot building and enjoy the detail of the massive layout in the annex.

If you are planning a family trip, especially on days when the Ebert Express II miniature train is running, we recommend setting aside half a day (about 2–3 hours). This will allow you to stroll through the adjacent Heritage Park without rushing, take commemorative photos by the real railcar, and have a small picnic in the fresh air.

The museum welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please note that the main highlight — the model train exhibit — has its own schedule and is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The children's mini-train usually runs on Saturdays during these same hours.

The museum is always closed on Sundays. Since the operation of the exhibit and trains is provided by volunteers, it is recommended to check the official website before your trip to ensure there are no changes to the schedule for a specific date.

A visit to the railroad museum is just the beginning of your introduction to the charm of this region. A stroll through the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the local culture and enjoy Southern hospitality.

Cozy parks and squares are within walking distance, and a bit further away are modern entertainment centers that will make great additions to the historic depot on your itinerary.