Cookeville Depot Museum
Originally built in 1909, the Cookeville Depot Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the heart of Cookeville’s historic west side district. The museum houses many Tennessee Central Railway artifacts, as well as an HO scale replica of what Cookeville’s west side looked like in the summer of 1955. On the other side of the diorama is a replica of a coal tipple with a model train loading up with coal.
The grounds surrounding the museum are considered a park area where the museum has a static display consisting of a 1913 Baldwin steam engine, a 1920’s classic red Tennessee Central caboose and two small track cars. This area also offers picnic tables and a number of benches for visitors. Please feel free to bring a sack lunch and stay a while!
Due to issues with safety and vandalism, our steam engine and caboose are closed to the public—no climbing aboard!
Sorry for any inconvenience.
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On September 5, 2026, we said goodbye to the wonderful Linda Youmans. To know Linda was to witness a lifetime of passionate service, boundless energy and love for our local arts and history.
Whether she was warmly welcoming visitors as a docent at the Cookeville History & Depot Museums or inspiring creative expression through the Cookeville Performing Arts Center’s C.A.S.T. program, Linda made every person feel valued and every story feel alive. Her dedication behind the scenes helped preserve the rich heritage of our city while shaping the future of young local performers.
Her kindness, infectious enthusiasm and enduring dedication to Cookeville will never be forgotten. Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and the countless lives she touched.
Director Chad McDonald remembers Linda fondly. “Linda’s passion for Leisure Services facilities, programs, and events was amazing. She was a devoted volunteer and very kind to patrons and visitors. She will be remembered as someone who could be counted on to show up and help whenever or wherever needed. She will be truly missed.”
Rest in peace, Linda. Thank you for making our community a warmer, richer place to call home. ❤️🎭🚂
Cookeville History Museum Cookeville Performing Arts Center Cookeville Depot Museum
Join us tomorrow at 10:30 AM at the Cookeville Depot Museum for a special Train Tales storytime featuring A Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton. 💕📖
We’ll gather together to enjoy a wonderful story, inspire a lifelong love of reading, and finish the morning with a fun activity for budding readers to enjoy!
Bring your little ones, their imaginations, and their love of stories, and join us for a morning of reading, creativity, and fun at the Depot! ❤️🚂
Tomorrow • 10:30 AM • Cookeville Depot Museum
Thank you and choo choo!!!
Cookeville History Museum
40 E. Broad Street
Cookeville, TN 38501
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
