Learn more about what we do

Vision and Goals

The Rail Yard at Depot Square, formerly the Wichita Falls Railroad Museum, is a visionary project committed to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of rail transportation in Texas, with a focus on Wichita Falls. Located in Depot Square of Downtown Wichita Falls, the museum site holds historical significance as its location is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The original site of the Wichita Falls Union Station, next to the site of the museum, was designated as a Landmark District in 1976.
As the only railway museum within a 50-mile radius, The Rail Yard at Depot Square offers a unique and immersive experience for train enthusiasts and the local community alike. Adjacent to the bustling Downtown Wichita Falls Farmer’s Market and other popular downtown destinations, utilizing a main entrance off of Eighth Street would provide ease of access to the public. Its strategic location enables the museum to capitalize on a maximum number of visitors with ease of access into the captivating world of rail history. The museum’s key goals and objectives encompass preserving and interpreting railway history, providing educational opportunities, developing high-quality exhibits and programs, expanding its inventory and collections, and building strategic community partnerships to extend reach beyond Wichita Falls.
To achieve these goals, The Rail Yard at Depot Square is embarking on a series of comprehensive milestones. These include improving the grounds through landscaping, finalizing a lease with City of Wichita Falls Management, securing liability insurance, robust marketing efforts, evaluating restoration bids, initiating volunteer membership drives, and planning a captivating calendar of events leading up to the much-anticipated opening in the Fall of 2023.
The museum is legally registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a newly formed Board of Directors who are anxious to see the vision for the museum become a reality.
The Rail Yard at Depot Square’s strategic alliances and partnerships with foundations, corporations, local community entities, preservation associations, and railroad industry leaders position it for sustainable growth and positive community impact. By actively engaging with the community and offering a diverse range of experiences, to include historical reenactments, train shows, and educational exhibits, the museum seeks to captivate and inspire visitors of all ages.
As it moves forward, The Rail Yard at Depot Square envisions becoming a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts across Texoma and beyond. By preserving the rich history of rail transportation and fostering a strong community connection, the museum is set to make a positive impact on Downtown Wichita Falls and the city’s economy.
With unwavering dedication, careful planning, and a clear vision, The Rail Yard at Depot Square stands poised to create a lasting legacy, weaving together the past, present, and future of rail transportation, to be cherished by generations to come.