Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit
A free museum in Foley, AL, featuring a massive model train exhibit, real train cars to explore, and scenic park train rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Model trains & rides are often available
Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit
Best Time
Model trains & rides are often available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free museum in Foley, AL, featuring a massive model train exhibit, real train cars to explore, and scenic park train rides.
"This free museum is a hidden gem, offering an incredible model train exhibit and real train cars that delight visitors of all ages."
🎯 Check Model Train Hours
The model train exhibit has specific hours; confirm before you go! :informationdeskperson:
💰 Donations Appreciated
Admission is free, but donations help keep this gem running. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Massive Model Train Exhibit
Model Train Building
An enormous, detailed miniature world with working trains, tiny towns, and hidden surprises. Mesmerizing for all ages!
Explore Real Train Cars
Outdoor Rail Yard
Climb aboard restored boxcars and cabooses, sparking imagination for kids and nostalgia for adults.
Heritage Park Train Ride
Heritage Park
Enjoy a charming 10-minute train ride around the park, offering scenic views and a delightful experience for children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Model Train Exhibit Hours
Free Admission, Donations Welcome
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Model Train Hours
The model train exhibit has specific hours; confirm before you go! :informationdeskperson:
💰 Donations Appreciated
Admission is free, but donations help keep this gem running. :moneywithwings:
🧒 Scavenger Hunts Fun
Engage kids with scavenger hunts featuring 'Thomas the Train' or 'caged gorillas'. :detective:
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of vintage train cars and scenic park views for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Model Train Hours
The model train exhibit has specific hours; confirm before you go! :informationdeskperson:
💰 Donations Appreciated
Admission is free, but donations help keep this gem running. :moneywithwings:
🧒 Scavenger Hunts Fun
Engage kids with scavenger hunts featuring 'Thomas the Train' or 'caged gorillas'. :detective:
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of vintage train cars and scenic park views for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring train cars and walking around the park. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Foley Railroad Museum as a delightful and engaging experience for all ages, especially families. The free admission, impressive model train exhibit, and opportunities to explore real train cars are major highlights. While the museum is small, the knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with the charming train rides, make it a highly recommended stop. Some visitors note that the model train exhibit has limited hours, so checking in advance is advised.
"This museum at Heritage Park is such an awesome place to visit. Kids and adults love the miniature train world. You can do scavenger hunts inside the little village. Very nice, helpful and knowledgeable workers help to engage everyone. Kids love the 10 minute little train ride around the park. Adults can enjoy the beautiful scenery too. There is an old train you can walk around inside of too. One of the best free things to enjoy in Foley."
Patrina Jones
"The museum isn't large, but there's a lot of history there and the people working there are very knowledgeable. The model train building is only open part of the time, so make sure that you go on a day and time when it's open. That was our favorite part of the museum and we're glad we went back on Saturday to see the model trains because that building wasn't open on Friday when we stopped. They have a scavenger hunt for 3 levels of players so small children can have fun looking for "Thomas the Train" while older children and adults can try looking for "caged gorillas". It's a free/by donation exhibit and well worth the stop!"
Sharon Diener
"If you’re anywhere near downtown Foley, the Foley Railroad Museum is an absolute can’t-miss experience! Whether you’re a train enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a fun, unique family outing, this place delivers in every way—and the best part? It’s completely free!
The moment you arrive, you’re greeted with an authentic rail yard feel, complete with restored train cars you can explore. My kids were thrilled to climb aboard the real boxcars and caboose, imagining themselves as conductors and passengers. Outside, there’s an adorable train-themed playground that kept them entertained for a long time, perfect for burning off energy while parents take in the scenery or snap some great photos.
Inside, the museum is beautifully curated with fascinating exhibits on Foley’s railroad history and local heritage. The displays are interactive and well-organized, making it easy to learn while you explore. But the real showstopper is the incredible model train exhibit—an enormous, detailed miniature world that spans multiple rooms and levels. Every time we looked, we spotted something new: tiny towns, working trains, bridges, tunnels, and little surprises tucked into the landscape. The kids were absolutely mesmerized, and honestly, so were we.
Every year we come, we always make sure to pick the days where they provide free train rides, which is always such an amazing bonus. Watching my kids ride around with big smiles on their faces was a memory we’ll treasure. The staff and volunteers were also wonderful—friendly, welcoming, and passionate about sharing the museum’s history and stories.
There’s truly something for everyone here, from kids climbing on the playground train to adults soaking up the rich history inside. It’s the perfect blend of fun, learning, and nostalgia, all in a charming small-town setting.
If you’re planning a trip to Foley or even just passing through, make the time to visit the Foley Railroad Museum. It’s a hidden gem that offers so much more than you’d expect, and with no admission fee, it’s one of the best values around. We loved every minute and can’t wait to come back again!"
Bryce Hopper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Heritage Park in downtown Foley, Alabama, at 125 E. Laurel Ave. It's about a 20-minute drive from the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available in Heritage Park, making it easy to access the museum and its exhibits.
Public transportation options directly to the museum are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Foley Railroad Museum.
The museum is a prominent feature within Heritage Park. Look for the historic depot building and the outdoor train cars upon arrival.
While the outdoor exhibits and some areas of the depot may be accessible, the historic train cars and the model train building might have limitations. It's best to inquire directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Foley Railroad Museum and its exhibits is completely free! Donations are greatly appreciated to support the museum.
The museum is typically open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. However, hours can vary, and the model train exhibit may have separate or limited hours, so it's crucial to check in advance. +1
The model train exhibit is a highlight but is not always open. It's best to confirm the specific days and times it's accessible, as it was closed during some visits.
No advance booking is required as admission is free. However, for special events like train rides, it's wise to check for any specific instructions or availability.
There are no age restrictions for entry to the Foley Railroad Museum. It's designed to be enjoyable for visitors of all ages, from toddlers to adults.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
You can explore a massive O-gauge model train layout, climb aboard real train cars like cabooses and boxcars, learn about Foley's railroad history, and enjoy a scenic train ride around Heritage Park.
Absolutely! Kids love exploring the train cars, the interactive model train exhibit, and the train rides. There's also a train-themed playground outside.
The model train exhibit is a huge, detailed O-scale layout featuring tiny towns, working trains, bridges, and tunnels. It's a captivating miniature world that visitors can spend hours admiring.
The train rides are a short, 10-minute journey through Heritage Park and part of the Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail. They are often available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, weather permitting.
Yes, Heritage Park offers a train-themed playground, and you can explore the exterior of the historic train cars. The park itself provides a pleasant atmosphere for a stroll.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the vintage train cars, the intricate details of the model train exhibit, and the scenic park surroundings. The caboose and boxcars are popular subjects.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the model train exhibit. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disrupt the display or other guests.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography, especially in crowded areas.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for the indoor exhibits. However, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the charm of the museum and its displays.
Consider photographing children interacting with the train cars or the detailed scenes within the model train exhibit. The train rides also offer unique perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a stroller for younger children, and be aware that the model train exhibit has specific hours. The museum also offers scavenger hunts with different difficulty levels, adding an interactive element to keep kids engaged. It's a wonderful, free activity that offers hours of entertainment and learning.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
Exploring the restored train cars, including cabooses and boxcars, offers a tangible connection to railroad history. You can learn about their function and imagine life on the rails. The museum's focus on Foley's specific railroad heritage provides a unique local perspective that enthusiasts will appreciate.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic in Heritage Park or explore other free attractions in the Foley area to create a full day of affordable fun. The train ride, while sometimes having a small fee or being donation-based, is also a very budget-friendly activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Model Train Exhibit
What makes this exhibit particularly special is its interactive nature and the sheer amount of detail packed into every corner. You could spend hours spotting new elements, from quaint storefronts to miniature cars and even tiny figures engaged in daily life. The volunteers often share fascinating insights into the construction and operation of the layout, adding another layer of appreciation for this remarkable display.
It's important to note that the model train exhibit has specific operating hours and may not be open on all days the museum is accessible. Many visitors emphasize checking these hours beforehand to ensure they don't miss out on this highly praised feature.
Exploring the Historic Train Cars
These outdoor exhibits provide fantastic opportunities for both learning and play. The train cars serve as immersive exhibits, offering a glimpse into the operational side of rail travel. Parents often highlight how much their children enjoy this aspect, using the cars as a backdrop for imaginative play and creating lasting memories.
These restored train cars, along with the charming train-themed playground nearby, contribute to the museum's appeal as a family-friendly destination. They offer a different kind of engagement compared to the indoor exhibits, allowing visitors to enjoy the fresh air while still connecting with the railroad theme.
The Charming Train Ride Experience
+1These rides are typically available on specific days, often Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and are weather-dependent. The availability of these rides adds an extra layer of fun and makes the visit feel even more special. Many reviews mention the joy on children's faces during these excursions, making it a memorable part of the museum visit.
The train ride complements the other attractions by offering a different perspective of the park and a chance to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance the overall visitor experience, providing a charming and accessible activity for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit