Locals and visitors are invited on a railroad-themed journey across North Alabama. From Elkmont to Oneonta and Red Bay to Bridgeport, the North Alabama Train Depot Trail takes train enthusiasts across north Alabama on a journey back in time. The Trail spotlights 14 historic depots and museums, two train-related festivals, four train rides, 15 historic markers and a restaurant located throughout the 16 northernmost counties in Alabama.
Visit the Cullman County Depot, where German immigrants entered the lobby of the Pueblo-style structure with Moorish influences for the first time in 1913. Tour the Historic Huntsville Depot that still reflects the graffiti on the interior walls written by Civil War soldiers during the turbulent War Between the States. And walk in the footsteps of the “Miracle Worker” Annie Sullivan who arrived at the Tuscumbia Depot on March 3, 1887 to teach a young Helen Keller.
Housed in the museums are exhibits typical of the lifestyles of the late 1800s and early 1900s, local memorabilia, military items and railroad artifacts and signage. Of the 14 historic depots, many are located on the National Register of Historic Places and served as important Civil War railroad junctions.
The Trail also features a festival that is held on the grounds of a historic depot, a restaurant housed in a remodeled L&N loading depot where diners can still watch trains pass by and four small scale train rides that offer short, scenic excursions. Fifteen historic markers are also recognized, marking significant events and places relating to north Alabama’s railroad heritage.
Make plans today to get on board the North Alabama Train Depot Trail and ride the rails into history. Download a copy of the Train Depot Trail Brochure at https://www.northalabama.org/trails/north-alabama-train-trail/.
