About Us

The History of the L&N Depot

Located on a major north-south corridor between two major cities, Bowling Green has a long history tied to the evolution of transportation in Kentucky; from steamboats traveling the Barren River to the railroad, and eventually the current interstate systems. The current L&N Depot was built in 1925 to replace an older station. At one time, over 20 trains per day departed the current site, providing a hub for Bowling Green’s economic foundation and exposure to travelers between Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN.

Our Philosophy

All proceeds from the museum, gift shop, and railcar tours are utilized in the continuation of the goals and efforts to produce an interactive museum of Smithsonian quality; the ongoing restoration efforts on the railcars, as well as the cost of research, construction, maintenance, and acquisition of artifacts within the displays, exhibits, and galleries.

How Did We Get Here

After approval by the Depot Development Authority and Operation Pride, the Historic Railroad Committee (now called Friends of L&N Depot), an all-volunteer and non-profit group, was formed for the purpose of acquiring authentic, historic railroad cars for display at the Bowling Green Louisville and Nashville Depot. The goal of Friends of L&N Depot is to provide a venue for tourism and local interest, and for educational development, within a historic facility.

Within the museum, galleries of regional and national importance have been developed for public interest of cultural, historic, and socioeconomic importance. Behind the museum lies 450 feet of track displaying an E8 Engine, a Railroad Post Office Car, the Duncan Hines Diner – a 1949 Pullman diner, the Towering Pine – a 1953 Pullman Sleeper, the 353 Presidential Office Car – the personal car of the president of the L&N built in 1911, and a Chessie Class C-27 caboose. The first cars were placed there in May 2002 and community volunteers have worked hard to restore them to their original splendor. The cars are available for guided tours as well as rental for small catered community meetings on the diner, birthday parties in the caboose, and many other special functions. Visit the facility rentals section of the site for more information.

Team

Jamie Johnson

Executive Director
director@historicrailpark.com

Mitchell Berman

Director of Development 
development@historicrailpark.com

Gloria Mayo

Rental & Events Coordinator
events@historicrailpark.com

Debbie Eaton

Trolley Tour & Programming Manager
debbie@historicrailpark.com

Board Members

Will Adams

Account Executive at Charles M. Moore Insurance

David Daughdrill

Chief Financial Officer, Houchens Food Group

Mike Davenport

Retired Banking Manager, Monticello Banking Company

David Hosay

Project Manager at Sublime Media Group

John Knight

Applications Analyst at Holley Performance Products

Larry Snyder

Professor Emeritus and retired Dean, Potter College of Arts & Letters at Western Kentucky University

Neal Tucker

Owner – Neal Tucker, Attorney at Law, PLLC.

Barry Williams

Owner at Communications Systems

Brett Stinnet

Attorney at Law

Bobby Rabold

Sales Director at Real-Time Safety Solutions