Loblolly Model Train Display Returns to Nacogdoches Depot This Holiday Season

The much loved Loblolly Model Train Display will reopen at the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot beginning Friday November 28, offering free admission and family friendly programming over three consecutive weekends. Operating hours will be Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The display is staged at 101 Old Tyler Road and will be open to the public without charge.

Each year the depot is transformed into a miniature landscape populated by intricate Lionel O gauge style trains weaving through small town scenes and detailed vignettes. Many displays include recognizable businesses and landmarks from around Nacogdoches, giving local visitors a chance to spot familiar sites recreated in miniature while hobbyists can study layout design and scenic techniques. The exhibit also offers photo opportunities and family activities designed to make the visit accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Organizers will again offer the Loblolly Scavenger Hunt to guide young visitors as they search for special details hidden among the scenes. The interactive hunt has become a popular way to keep children involved while adults enjoy the modeling work and the motion of the trains. The exhibit blends community nostalgia with model railroading craft, creating an event that appeals to collectors, layout builders, and casual observers alike.

The display is hosted by the Nacogdoches Historic Sites and presented at the depot. “The Loblolly Model Train Display has become a cherished part of the holiday season in Nacogdoches,” said Veronica Amoe, Historic Sites Manager. The remark underscores the show s role as both a local tradition and an accessible entry point for newcomers curious about model railroading.

For model train enthusiasts, the Loblolly display provides a chance to observe Lionel O gauge equipment and layout innovations in person, examine scenery methods up close, and pick up ideas to incorporate into home layouts. For community members, the exhibit reinforces seasonal traditions and offers a free outing that spans generations.

Visitors seeking additional details should consult the Nacogdoches Historic Sites website and the depot s social media channels for updates on special programming and any schedule changes. The return of the Loblolly display continues a long standing holiday attraction, bringing miniature railroading and local history together under one roof for the season.