Railroad museum open Saturday

Everyone interested in area railroad history and model train layouts will have two opportunities to visit the Moark Regional Railroad Museum on Saturday.

Located in the historic 1928 Frisco Depot in Downtown Poplar Bluff, the museum will be open from 1-4 p.m. and from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for those awaiting the annual fireworks display.

The museum, across Fifth Street from the Black River Coliseum, is filled with 148 years of railroad history in Poplar Bluff, Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.

Visitors will enjoy seeing a new English train layout in the remodeled south room. This 16-foot layout was donated by retired missionaries Richard and HaeJa Brosseau of Silva.

In its 29th year, the museum also feature a 33-foot model train layout, an elevated train and an open Missouri Pacific caboose for visitors to walk through.

The Train Shop, which is full of model trains, track and layout accessories, will be open.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to maintain the museum which is operated by a dedicated group of volunteers. There is no paid staff.

Social distancing will be practiced as much as possible. There may be delays on entering the building and moving into the next room.