Niles Depot

Staff is very knowledgeable, museum is kid friendly and interactive. Train layout is spectacular well detailed.

This is a tiny museum in the Niles Town Plaza, with extremely limited days/hours of operation (select Sundays 10-4pm), so we had to take advantage on Sunday afternoon while I was in the area for Charlie Chaplin Days and the steam engine train ride nearby. This place offers the opportunity to learn about the history of the Niles Depot and several displays to explore related to the trains and railway, including the top section of a Southern Pacific semaphore signal, pot-belly stove, departure signs from 1909, old photos of passenger trains in Niles, model trains, dvd's, Niles dispatcher, old phones and typewriters, and a train that visitors can control (for a fee). There was also a model railroad which was cute, and it had a drive-in theatre which I've never seen before in similar exhibits, so that was cool. The museum pretty much consists of just two rooms, so it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to check it out, though if you have a kid who's going to play with the train, it may take longer. Also, free admission.

We parked in the town of Niles and walked around. Saw the train and wanted to go visit the Depot. We were so excited to see the museum open. The staff is friendly and informative. They have a model train set up and it looks like they're continuing to add upgrades to it. A great place to take children to see the history of this quaint town. If you're in the area stop on by, there is no admission charge just donate what you can if you would like to.2016 Review #13

This place is awesome. I walked around the main strip with my nephews and played Ingress and Pokémon. All the shops are cozy and everyone is friendly, for the most part. Be sure to stop by the thrift store, for a quick knickknack or The Vine for a great bite to eat. I also take my daughter to the park not far from "downtown" Niles.

They aren't 'closed closed' just temporarily closed!February, 2008 update: The Niles Depot is currently closed while preparations are made to move the depot to Downtown Niles. We anticipate being closed for approximately one year as construction progresses. We'd like to thank everyone for their patronage throughout the past 20 years. The Tri-City Society of Model Engineers and The Niles Depot Historical Foundation continue to accept applications for new members during this transition period. Visit the Future of the Niles Depot page for more information or call 510-797-4449.

Cute small train museum.