Travel the Rails
All aboard! Chickasaw Country is filled with south-central Oklahoma's railroad history in attractions you can explore in your car.
Let’s hit the tracks for fun train travels.
Waurika Rock Island Depot
The Waurika Depot was opened in 1912 for the Rock Island Railroad in the town of Waurika, Oklahoma. As you approach the building, you will notice the beautiful red brick façade with an original model, red Rock Island Railroad car to the left. Walking through the doors, you will see the Italian marble floors in a diamond pattern. Continuing through the building, you will find the artifact room with exhibits and displays of memorabilia and a pictorial collection showcasing the history of Waurika. The museum also houses a public library.
Rock Island 905 Railroad Depot Museum and Gift Shop
This depot is a replica of the 1892 Rock Island Depot located in Duncan, Oklahoma. The Rock Island 905 locomotive ran from 1920 to 1952 as a passenger rail service for the Duncan area and now sits in front of the depot. The site also includes a 1980 MOPAC (Missouri Pacific) caboose to the rear of the depot and other displays and exhibits on the grounds and inside the depot.
Did you know? The first Rock Island train arrived in Duncan on June 27, 1892, a date considered Duncan's birthday and celebrated annually. Learn more: www.905railroadmuseum.com
The depot is located in Fuqua Park, also the home of Kiddieland Park and the Stephens County Historical Museum. All three attractions make a great stop for families!
Grady County Historical Society Museum
The Grady County Historical Society Museum in downtown Chickasha, Oklahoma, tells the story of Grady County history through the decades. The museum features Rock Island Railroad artifacts and photos, in addition to military items relating to U.S. Army Borden General Hospital, Grady County schools, a doctors office, telegraph office and more!
Make sure you check out Chickasha’s own version of the leg lamp in the museum, as well as the 50-foot permanent display on the west end of downtown.
The previous stops were along the Rock Island Railroad lines on the western side of Chickasaw Country. These next few stops are along the Santa Fe Railroad line in more of the central area of Chickasaw Country.
Santa Fe Depot Museum
The restored 1905 Santa Fe Depot in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, is filled with memorabilia and artifacts about the Santa Fe Railroad and the Pauls Valley area, including school memorabilia and pioneer collectibles. Outside the museum is a 1902 Santa Fe steam engine with a coal tender and a vintage red caboose.
The Santa Fe Depot is still an active train station for the AMTRAK Heartland Flyer, running between Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth, Texas.
Plan a visit to see the train aglow in Christmas lights during Pauls Valley’s annual Christmas in the Valley events.
Arbuckle Historical Society Museum – Davis Branch
Housed in the refurbished 1907 Santa Fe Depot, the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum in Davis, Oklahoma, is a treasure trove of history and artifacts. In addition to the depot and its significance to the community and Santa Fe Railroad, the museum offers First American exhibits, military exhibits, vintage clothing, displays from pre-statehood, the Spirit of St Louis pedal car and a linotype!
Ardmore’s Depot District
You will find the Depot District in downtown Ardmore, Oklahoma. The Depot District is a commercial district filled with coffee shops and restaurants, antique stores and boutiques, and the historic Santa Fe Depot and Mercy Train in Depot Park. The depot sits on the eastern edge of the park near the Mercy Train. This steam locomotive, Engine #1108, brought medical personnel to the city to care for the injured following a devastating explosion in the town in 1915. Later, named The Mercy Train, it has become a favorite photo spot in the area.
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