Heart of the Heartlands Train Depot and Museum

So on this Fourth of July weekend, we decided we would go visit the largest steam shovel west of the Mississippi--yes, Big Brutus.  On our way there, we took a detour when we saw a sign for a train museum and depot. We were so impressed, we never made it to Big Brutus!

The Heart of the Heartlands Train Depot and Museum is located in Carona, Kansas (not far from Columbus or Pittsburg). Manned completely by volunteers since its inception in 1991, the depot has several historic engines, cabooses, passenger cars, and freight cars. It has restored depots that are really cool to walk through.  Their museum building has train memorabilia and educational materials. You can even sign up for one of their train rides throughout the year.   
It is obvious that the volunteers and train club members love what they do. Your visit is free, but make sure to give them a donation or buy a t-shirt to help support all the work they do. Our son wants to have his next birthday there, he was so impressed! 

They are only opened weekends June, July and August or for special events. Like them on Facebook