Originally the local passenger house and corporate offices for the Eastern division of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, the Huntsville Historic Depot now stands as a testament to Huntsville’s transportation history. Of special note, kids will love the model train room that contains a landscaped table of Huntsville during the depot’s heyday and includes model trains riding the rails. Also, on the top floor, guests can check out Civil War graffiti left behind by Confederate soldiers when federal troops used the depot as a prison and hospital.

Outside, children have free reign on the stationary train, complete with engine, passenger car, cargo car and caboose. Several vintage vehicles — including Huntsville’s first ladder fire truck — are housed in the depot’s Autohouse. For children 6 and younger, Little Toot’s Imagination Station invites guests to buy a ticket for the play train, have a meal at the Depot Diner or care for their car at Dan’s Garage. Special tip: Visit the depot during field trips because guides dress in period costumes and all visitors can listen in on tours.