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.
About Us
The History of the L&N Depot
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
To Be Filled
Development Assistant
development@historicrailpark.com
Haley May
Rental & Events Coordinator
events@historicrailpark.com
Alexandra Wade
Marketing & Media Assistant
marketing@historicrailpark.com
Kathy Ellis
Interim Trolley Tour & Excursions Coordinator
bgtrolleytours@historicrailpark.com
Dustin Ferguson
Visitor Services & Administrative Coordinator
visitorservices@historicrailpark.com
Board Members
Barry Williams
President
Owner- Broadcast & Communications Systems LLC
John Forsee
Vice President
Retired- Dairy Industry
Leo Eggleton
Treasurer
Tax Advisor- H&R Block
Miliska Knauft
Secretary, Museum Committee Member
Retired- Healthcare and Higher Education
David Hosay
Development Committee Chairman
Account Manager- Sublime Media Group
Mitchell Berman
Nominations Committee Chairman
WKU Philanthropy
Board Members
Joe Cox: Attorney- Cole, Loney, & Cox
Mike Davenport: Retired- Banking
Jim Lockwood: Retired- Electrical Contractor
Bobby Rabold: Businessman
Richard Webber: Retired- Owner, The Bodymans Friend
Rick Williams: General Manager- Forever Communications