Historic Hendersonville Railroad Depot
Updated: April 2019
Large Scale Model Railroad with Impressive Detail
Whether you are a train enthusiast or are just fascinated by trains, the impressive model train layout is truly something to take in.
The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club has created an H0-model railroad capturing in great detail the flavor of Western North Carolina’s landscape. Over the years, the Club has built a highly detailed prototypical model that includes Hendersonville, Saluda, and Asheville with its train yards and the natural settings that surround them.
The diorama is incredibly realistic, featuring mountains, wooden bridges, steep inclines, tunnels and even an engine facility with a turntable. Skillfully operated by the Club’s members, trains of varying lengths and different periods wind through the miniature landscape.
Make sure you take the time to appreciate the meticulous details that the club members had put in when they constructed these models.
There is even a camera connected to a train allowing visitors to experience the view from the train’s perspective on a TV-screen as it travels along the scenic track.
Youngsters can also run a Thomas the Train model on their own.
The Southern Railway Caboose outside of the station has a few exhibits of historical artifacts and videos about the local railroad.
The History of the Railroad Station
The Historic Hendersonville Railroad Station was built in 1902 after the first structure of 1879 became too small to handle the ever-increasing number of passengers. However, the new railroad station also was soon not large enough and was finally extended by 50 feet to 75 feet in 1916.
With the end of passenger service in 1968, the railroad station became obsolete. Before Norfolk Southern Railroad re-routed the traffic further south in 2002, freight trains were passing this station 6 to 7 times a day.
Through a lack of maintenance over the years, the condition of the railroad station had deteriorated considerably. However, in 1992 the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club received permission to move into the railroad station.
With the help of the City and much work by its club members the building was completely restored and painted in its original colors. In 2000, the North Carolina Historical Society registered the railroad station as a Historical Landmark in Henderson County, which it truly is.
650 Maple Street, Hendersonville NC, 28792
Tel.: → (828) 890-8246
Museum:
Wed.: 1pm to 3pm.
Sat.: 10am to 2pm.
All year.
Museum:
Free admission.
Street parking.
The Historic Hendersonville Railroad Station is family friendly and the model railroad is certainly a great attraction for everybody.
Ideal for rainy or wintery days.
The museum is accessible by wheelchair.
Restrooms are available.