Southeast Depot Tour Oct. 4-5 provides an unforgettable journey

As stated in the brochure, “Embark on a journey through time and discover the rich history of our region's historical depots.” Museums, railroad displays and preserved depots are open Saturday and Sunday, October 4-5. Some of the sites are walk around only as they are currently being restored. An additional advantage of the tour is the route through Southeast Iowa with its marvelous scenery and quiet by-ways..

The website of the Villages of Van Buren contain a brochure you can download, print and take with you on your tour: https://villagesofvanburen.com/events/southeast_iowa_depot_tour/2025-10-04/ There have been changes in times at some sites and the latest information is contained there. Following is a list of the depots so you can begin planning.

Pilot Grove (CB&Q) Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Sun: 1 – 5 p.m. Dover Museum, 213 W Main St, New London, IA The Dover Museum in New London will feature a unique display during the Southeast Iowa Depot Tour. Seth Eberhardt of Mediapolis, who has been crafting miniatures for more than 20 years, will showcase his impressive model of the former Mediapolis Rock Island Depot. While built to scale, the miniature is much larger and more detailed than you might expect. Don’t miss this unique display at the Pilot Grove Depot!

Eldon Depot Museum & Rocket Room Model Railroad (CRI&P) Sat: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 405 KD Ave, Eldon, IA Hobo Stew Supper – Saturday at 5 p.m. (Free Will Offering)

Pulaski Depot (CB&Q) Sat & Sun: Walk-Around 42 1st St, Pulaski, IA

Douds Depot (CRI&P) Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Sun: 12 – 4 p.m. 14168 Walnut St, Douds, IA

Milton Depot (CB&Q) – NEW SUNDAY TIME Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Sun: 12 – 4 p.m. N Main St, Milton, IA

Peavine Line Museum (CB&Q) ~ OPEN SATURDAY ONLY Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 104 N Main St, Stockport, IA

Fort Madison Museum (AT&SF) Sat & Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. South end of 10th St, Fort Madison, IA

Fort Madison Railroad (CB&Q) Sat & Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. South end of 10th St, Fort Madison, IA

Donnellson (CB&Q) Sat: 12 – 4 p.m. • Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 376–498 Mill St, Donnellson, IA

Yarmouth (CB &Q) & Hillsboro (CB&Q) ~ NEW TIME AND OPEN FOR TOURS SATURDAY, NOON-4p.m.

Yarmouth (CB&Q) Sat: Noon-4p.m. & Sun: Walk-Around Look through the Yarmouth Depot and take a trolley ride!

Hillsboro (CB&Q) Sat: Noon-4p.m. & Sun: Walk-Around

Look through the Hillsboro Depot while visiting the Yarmouth Depot

Both are Located at Old Threshers, 405 E Thresher Rd, Mt Pleasant, IA

Keokuk Union Depot (CB&Q, CRI&P, WAB, TP&W)

Sat: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. • Sun: 1 – 5 p.m. 100 S Water St. Dr, Keokuk, IA

Pancake Days – Saturday morning (pancakes & sausage, free-will donation for depot restoration). No tours on Saturday.

Montrose Riverfront Museum Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 203 N 1st, Montrose, IA (Museum Only) Exhibits include photos of the old depot, Wabash Woodside automobile car, an observation platform, and a 1911 blueprint of the Keokuk–Montrose rail line before the dam was built.

Hel-Mart (HO Model Railroad Display) Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 301 State St, Farmington, IA

NEW! Centerville CB&Q Depot Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 1124 S 18th St, Centerville, IA

Hosted by the Historic Preservation Corporation Featuring: Albia & Northern Model Railroad’s large working model train, exhibits on Appanoose County’s rail history, and a guided Caboose Tour to explore traditional rail tools of the past.

For those of use who need help remembering the original railroad companies the Railroad Abbreviations are: CB&Q = Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, CRI&P = Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, AT&SF = Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, WAB = Wabash, TP&W = Toledo, Peoria & Western

Plan your route — you won’t want to miss these exciting stops on the 2025 Depot Tour! Some people have made all the depots during the tour weekend. The Tour Committee recommends taking your time and plan to return next year. There will always be something new to learn and sights to enjoy.

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