Did you know there is a free model railroad museum you can visit in Hendersonville, NC?
The Apple Valley RR Club is located in the historic train station in Hendersonville, and visitors can check out the indoor and outdoor model trains and climb aboard a real caboose, totally free. It’s one of my all-time favorite stops in Hendersonville.
Read on to find out all the details to plan your visit to the Apple Valley Model RR Club.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I planned a stop on our day in Hendersonville, NC at the Apple Valley Model RR Club. But, I figured with free admission and several kids who enjoy model trains, it was worth a stop.
Wow, was it worth the stop! The station is full of some of the coolest displays we’ve seen. How rare it is to find something like this without an admission cost! We loved our time watching the trains and look forward to stopping by again.
Take a Peek!
Here’s a fun video from our visit so you can see some of the trains at the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club.
See new footage from our Fall 2026 visit!
Things to See at the Apple Valley Model RR Club
The model train displays at the Apple Valley Model RR Club flow through the several rooms that make up the historic train station. In one room, you can watch club members work on trains and scenery, and beyond that are rooms full of elaborate scenery, tunnels, and HO scale model trains.
The station is filled with the sounds of running trains chugging and whistling across the displays. Train lovers young and old can watch as the trains go by, and meander from room to room to check out the different displays. Take as much time as you’d like, it’s free, and there is a lot to see!
Don’t Miss the Thomas Exhibits
BUT, its not just all watching. Kids can help control some of the trains and sounds! In the last room of the museum, there’s an interactive Thomas display where kids can push buttons to make whistles blow and operate parts of the display.
If the kids like this area, make sure you don’t skip the outdoor setup behind the building.
Outdoor Train Display at Apple Valley
A G-scale model train runs outdoors behind the station and there are some very special features of this outdoor display. First, young ones should head here to visit both Thomas the Train and Percy. They both chug through the large outdoor display. If you’re not familiar with the scales, G-scale is a much larger train, and so all of the scenery is larger, too. This a kid favorite spot, but, I really enjoy it, too.
Secondly, don’t miss the mirrors along the back of the G-scale display. You’ll be able to watch the trains moving behind the display on their way to the other side.
Climb Aboard the Caboose
Beside the train station is an old caboose. When the station is open, the caboose is also open. Climb aboard and check out the interior with its coal stove and storage, benches, and even a toilet.
Where to Find the Apple Valley Railroad Club
The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club is located in a historic 1902 train station beside the railroad tracks in downtown Hendersonville, NC. There is free parking beside the station. It is also an easy walk to or from the restaurants and shops on Main Street if you want to park and walk.
There is a paid parking garage at 418 N. Church Street, and the first hour is free. I’ve never been unable to get parking here (except during big downtown events).
Visit the Apple Valley Model RR Club
- Admission is FREE!
- Hours: Wednesday 1 pm to 3 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm
650 Maple Street
Hendersonville, NC
Apple Valley Model RR Club
More Pictures from Apple Valley Model RR Club
Find so many more fun and totally free things to do in Hendersonville, NC!
- See glow-in-the-dark minerals at the Lapidary Gem Museum on Main Street
- Visit Jump Off Rock
- Play hard at the SPECTACULAR Park at Flat Rock
