Loblolly Model Train Display Reopens at Nacogdoches Depot, Free Weekend Show Through Mid December
The longtime holiday favorite Loblolly Model Train Display reopened at the historic Nacogdoches Railroad Depot on Friday, November 28, 2025, offering free admission on three consecutive weekends. The exhibit features Lionel O gauge style trains running through miniature townscapes and local landmarks, with family programming and opportunities for modelers to study scenic techniques and operating accessories.
The Loblolly Model Train Display returned to the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot on November 28, drawing families and modelers to the depot at 101 Old Tyler Road. The exhibit is free to the public and runs across three consecutive weekends, with public hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The reopening continues a community tradition that mixes holiday spectacle with hands on learning for visitors of all ages.
Inside the depot, Lionel O gauge style trains traverse layered layouts that recreate miniature townscapes and recognizable Nacogdoches landmarks. The scale and detail make the display accessible to casual visitors looking for a festive outing, and useful to modelers who want to study scenic techniques, track planning, and operating accessories up close. Observing the layout offers a close view of landscaping, lighting, and wiring solutions that modelers often replicate at home.
Family programming adds an interactive element. A scavenger hunt for children runs alongside the trains, encouraging observation and engagement while helping younger visitors connect with local landmarks featured in the layouts. The scavenger hunt also provides a simple way for families to explore the exhibit together while keeping visits focused and fun.
Practical details are straightforward. The display is hosted by Nacogdoches Historic Sites and requires no admission fee. Verify times and any schedule changes on the city historic sites pages and social channels, where organizers post updates and announce special programming. The depot address is 101 Old Tyler Road, and parking is available nearby.
The reopening reinforces the depot as a community gathering space during the holiday season and offers a low cost educational outing for families, while providing modelers with tangible examples of scenic work and operational setups. Plan weekend visits early in the day for the best viewing and to allow time for the scavenger hunt and close inspection of layout techniques.
