If you haven’t visited in a while you might not realize there is a large new model train layout with amazing details, created by “The Train Guys,” Dave Roelli and Joe Boll (with help from others as well). You might not know that the deck between the two buildings has been stained for beauty and preservation, that the latest engraved bricks have been installed in the patio, or that there is a new sign out front.
It’s no surprise to Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society (LCHGS) members and staff that visitors to the campground enjoy visiting the depot and caboose. The amazing thing is that so many Darlington area residents don’t know that the Depot is a fun place to visit just one block off Main Street. Local folks tell us they didn’t know about it, or don’t remember the last time they checked it out.
When a group of Milwaukee Road Historical Association members recently toured the Depot, they snapped a photo to compare with historical photos. That’s when LCHGS realized the large sign in front of the depot didn’t give any clues about what might be inside. It advertised a Visitor Welcome Center. It is a welcome center for visitors, providing free tourism information and recreation trail maps. LCHGS enjoys a great relationship with the City of Darlington and loves sharing information with all who visit. But the mission of LCHGS is to preserve, celebrate and share the history of the county with everyone. Their two museums in historic buildings are open to the public FREE of charge. And in the last few years a lot of work has been done to showcase Lafayette County’s railroad history, at the Darlington Depot including the restored 1937 caboose. The new sign is smaller to allow better view of the building and emphasizes “Railroad Museum” hopefully letting tourists and local folks know that this is a place worth a visit. The sign was made by Bryan Dove of Dove DeSigns, and paid for by a generous donation.
The 1889 Depot includes real railroad artifacts, photos and paintings, several model railroad layouts, a shop with books, t-shirts, hats, water and lucky cow gelato, and the 1937 caboose to see how a real caboose crew lived. Open Summer Fridays and Saturdays from 11 to 3 and by request (call the museum 608-776-8340).
