The Foley Railroad Museum and Model Trail Exhibit are a great family-friendly attraction in Foley, Alabama.
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Foley Train Museum
I need you to check out the Foley Train Museum and Model Train exhibit! It honestly surprised me how much I really enjoyed watching the model trains.
The first time we visited, I figured it would be a fun stop on our way home from running errands.
Since then, I find myself planning time to watch the model trains and look for all the unique features.
I was completely in awe the first time I saw the model trains. I had no idea how relaxing it would be to watch the trains move by.
The model train exhibit is so much more than I pictured it to be. It is truly an entire city that moves with model trains surrounding it.
If you visit when the train exhibit is closed, you can still enjoy the full-size train locomotive and freight cars outside of the museum.
On weekends, they offer rides for kids in a small model train. It is so much fun!
Make sure to plan time to visit the historical museum and model train exhibit. It is worth pulling off of Highway 59 and spending time
Model Train Exhibit
The "O"-gauge model railroad set model train exhibit covers 1,200 square feet of a tabletop with a replica city and trains.
It is hard to believe there is a quarter mile of track on the display table.
There are volunteers who run the model trains and will answer your questions about the exhibit.
They have a fun scavenger hunt available for kids to help them find some of the cool exhibits on the train table.
The model train exhibit looks like the town of Foley in the 1950s. Different trains with amazing locomotives travel around the tracks.
There is a working outdoor drive-in that was playing the I Love Lucy shows during our last visit.
Make sure to look for the firehouse and see the firetruck go in and out. The level of detail in this model train exhibit is unbelievable.
There are so many different pieces that form this replica city, farming community, country fair, and so much more.
Famous railroads represented include the Sante Fe, New York Central, and Erie Railroad.
Foley Railroad Museum
The railroad museum is housed in the second train depot that was built in Foley in 1909. The former Louisville and Nashville (L & N) Train Depot showcases several exhibits with artifacts detailing the importance of Foley as a rail and thriving agricultural center.
Today you can see photographs, tools, and memorabilia that document Foley's history and how important the railroad was to developing the area.
The first railroad depot was part of the Bay Minette-Fort Morgan railway which was a branch of the L&N railroad. The original train depot burned to the ground in 1908.
The current train depot (Museum) was built in 1909. At this time, Foley was a center of agriculture for potatoes, gladiolas, corn, and other produce.
In 1971, the railroad discontinued service to Foley and the depot was scheduled for demolition. Local businessman John Snook, owner of the Gulf Telephone Company, bought the building for a dollar.
It was moved to Magnolia Springs and used as a warehouse. In 1995, the building was returned to the original location and deeded back to the city of Foley to be used as the Foley Railroad Station Historic Depot Museum and local archives.
Charles Ebert Express II
Kids will love grabbing a ride on the Charles Ebert Express II. Parents will love that it is free!
They do collect donations for the train if you feel like donating.
The train ride takes kids of all ages through Foley's Heritage Park.
Kids can climb into this small train and act as the conductor.
Also check out the 1940 L&N diesel locomotive, caboose, and boxcar that are outside the museum. The are fantastic for photos.
Why you will love the Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit
- A free family fun thing to do in Foley
- Fun photo opportunities/Great for Instagram
- Great thing to do when it rains
- Perfect for train lovers.
- Featured in an issue of Classic Toy Trains Magazine, September 2019
Things to know when planning a visit
Address - 125 E. Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535
Located in Southeastern Alabama just north of Gulf Shores.
Phone - 251-943-1818
Hours
Model Train Exhibit - Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm
Train Museum - Monday through Saturday 10 am to 3 pm
Ebert Express II Hours - During the summer on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
During the Fall on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - There is a ramp leading into the museum.
Plus Size Seating - There is comfortable chairs in the model train museum
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are allowed in the Foley Heritage Park on a leash but not allowed inside of the museum.
Parking - There is a small parking lot next to the visitor center. There is also street parking.
The museum is owned and operated by the City of Foley. The local Caboose Club of volunteers helps to make sure it runs.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
What's New in Foley, AL - Check out the new restaurants, attractions, things to do, events, and more in town
Copper Kettle Tea Bar - A super cute tea bar near the train museum.
Holmes Medical Museum - Free museum displaying medical equipment from the former hospital that was used from 1936 - 1958. The 1st hospital in Baldwin County.
Drowsy Poet at The Foley Station - Great coffee, tea, and baked goods.
Bagel Boy Foley - Grab epic bagels and a coffee just down the road from the museum.
Wacked out Weiner - The original Wacked Out Weiner is located just down the street from the museum.
The Brick Oven Pizzeria - Locally owned old-world-style brick oven pizza restaurant in Foley. One of our favorite pizza restaurants.
The 250-acre Foley Downtown Historic District was established by the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
The Derailed Diner is off of I-10 and has a fun train and transportation theme.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Things to do in Foley, Alabama - All of the epic fun you can have in Foley.
Foley restaurant guide - coming soon.
Unique Things to do in Gulf Shores - There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
The Wharf Ferris Wheel - one of the most popular attractions in Orange Beach, Alabama. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Coast.
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access - provides easy access to one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
Orange Beach restaurants with a view - Check out all of the great restaurants that have epic water views.
Breakfast restaurants in Orange Beach - The best places to grab breakfast and/or brunch.
Foley Hotels and Lodging options
Planning a trip to Foley? Here are the best hotels and lodging options in the area. Foley makes a great base for visiting OWA, Tanger Outlets, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and the nearby Gulf Shores and Orange Beach beaches.
🏨 TownePlace Suites by Marriott Foley at OWA - The most convenient hotel for OWA visitors, located right on the property. Features an indoor pool, full suites with kitchenettes, and easy walking access to The Park at OWA rides and Tropic Falls. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Hampton Inn Foley (#1 Rated Hotel in Foley on Tripadvisor) - The top-rated hotel in Foley. Free breakfast, free parking, outdoor pool, and clean comfortable rooms. Located near Tanger Outlets and a short drive to OWA and the beach. A great all-around pick for families and couples. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Home2 Suites by Hilton Foley - Spacious, pet-friendly suites with full kitchens, free breakfast, outdoor pool, BBQ grills, and a firepit. A great pick for extended stays or families who want more room to spread out. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Foley - Conveniently located near Tanger Outlets and just 7 minutes from OWA. Offers a free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, hot tub, and gym. One of the most consistently well-reviewed options in Foley. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Foley (New in 2025) - Brand new hotel with an outdoor pool, fitness center, free breakfast, and a bar on site. Located 1.2 miles from OWA. A fresh, modern option if you want something newly built. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Foley - A solid mid-range Marriott option with an outdoor pool and fitness center, close to Tanger Outlets. Check Rates and Availability
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
This map will show you the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
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