Sometimes we plan out major road trips and vacations and head out to popular tourist destinations and share them with you, but other times we find hidden treasures in our own backyard that amaze and impress us. Recently, we were on the road traveling through Versailles, Kentucky and we saw a little sign pointing to a place called Nostalgia Station. We had about an hour to spare, so we followed the sign to see what we could discover. I’m happy to share this best-kept secret because I know you are going to want to check this place out!

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Nostalgia Station Toy & Train Museum

Located in Versailles, Nostalgia Station Toy Train Museum is in a restored Louisville & Nashville depot built in 1911!

The Museum is not large and could be viewed in 30 minutes, but to properly appreciate the exhibits, you should plan to spend some time just studying the extensive collection.

While at Nostalgia Station you can view an extensive collection of postwar era toy trains from several companies including Lionel, American Flyer, and many others. Nostalgia Station hosts a collection of pre-war era toys and trains dating back all the way to the turn of the century!

Also on display are operating layouts including a re-creation of a 1930’s Lionel store display showcasing famous pre-war pieces such as the Blue Comet set and the Hells Gate Bridge. While in the postwar display room you can view an authentic functional Lionel Dealers Display made especially by Lionel in the 1950’s for a store front in downtown Lexington.

We were fortunate enough to get a personal tour from the proprietor who took his time sharing his favorite pieces of the exhibits and many stories about the different pieces in the collections.

Don’t forget to look up!

The Museum is full from floor to ceiling. So look all around you but don’t forget to look up!

Family Connections

I was fascinated by the collection of L&N Lineman Lanterns because I have a great grandfather who worked on the rails as a lineman in Louisville.

Where do they get all the trains?

This was one of my questions and since we were given the private tour by the owner, I asked! He told us how he had collected trains as a child and has always been fascinated. Some of the toy trains are from his personal collection, others have been purchased at train shows around the country and other pieces have been donated or sold to the museum for people like us to enjoy and appreciate.

Each of the trains has a unique story and our private tour guide was happy to share something interesting at each exhibit window.

Things to Know

• Tickets are affordable & required (Admission starts at $3.50 per adult and goes down from there based on age.
• Most of the exhibits are in cases making this a great experience for children.  Just remind them to keep their hands to themselves.

• The museum is small and covers only 3 main rooms so there is minimal walking involved.
• Don’t let the small building surprise you.  It may be a small building, but there are thousands of toys and trains on display.
• Photography is allowed.
• There are restrooms available.
• Ask questions!  The proprietors love to share their memories and detailed knowledge of the exhibits.

Fair warning: Once you see the toy trains on exhibit, you are going to want to go home and dig through your crates in the attic and find your toy trains. Here are some colletors guides to help you discover their history and value.

Ticket Information:

Located at 279 Depot Street (at the corner of Depot and Douglas Street) in Versailles, KY

For directions and info please call the museum:
1-859-873-2497

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

Have you ever visited a toy or train museum? What is your favorite part about this museum? Heading to visit Nostalgia Station? It’s definitely worth your time!