A visit to Hendersonville, North Carolina, just isn’t complete without a stop at the historic Hendersonville Train Depot. Built it 1902, the historic building is now home to the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club which operates a number of model railroads both inside and outside the restored yellow building.
Kids — and kids at heart — love stepping inside to check out the fully operational model trains that couldn't occupy a more appropriate building.
The set up here is designed to resemble an earlier era in Western North Carolina. It's an era when the railroad was at its peak. Model buildings, automobiles, water towers, even grass and trees have been added for a realistic affect.
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And if this indoor train park is open, then you can bet the trains are running!
And for visitors that actually are kids, a special layout with an operational Thomas® train will have the youngest members in the family grinning from ear to ear.
Outside the depot, a real caboose awaits exploration and another model train layout whips around the exterior of the building for even more hours of mesmerizing fun.
In case you're not entirely familiar with geography in western North Carolina, Hendersonville is located about 30 minutes south of Asheville and easily accessible from both I-26 and I-40.
Visiting the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club is always free and so is the parking on nearby streets. The attractions are open to the public every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more from the official website and pop over to Facebook to see the latest. Want more things to do while in Hendersonville? Have lunch at this Beatles-themed restaurant and then go check out the overlook and hiking trails at this nearby town park.
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