Train Station Open Weekends

There has been so much interest in the historic Waterloo depot since its renovation and relocation, volunteers have decided to make it available for visitors.  Friends of the Depot will open the train station for free every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. from now through October.

Currently, the Amtrak station is open one hour before train arrival times and stays open until the trains depart for Amtrak passengers.  This means it is closed most of the day when visitors tend to come to the station.  Now there will be opportunity for history and train enthusiasts to see the building.

“The Waterloo Train Depot was built in 1883 and refurbishing it was complete in 2010.  This Train Depot played a central role in Waterloo’s history and it is playing a significant role in our future,” says David Bolton, Town Council President.

The Town of Waterloo recently completed a 10-year project to restore an historic train depot and open it for more than 20,000 Amtrak passengers annually, who have been waiting in sub-standard conditions with minimal facilities.  The depot has been decorated like a museum with pride by a new volunteer group that formed to maintain the exhibits and develop programs to sustain the building.

“The Friends of the Depot have done a terrific job of respecting the historic quality of the train station, while planning for passenger comfort with amenities like nice seating, snacks, beverages and souvenirs,” says Tena Woenker, Town Manager.  “It’s great they have volunteered to open it to the public. We have had many visitors to Waterloo that wanted to visit the station, this will be a real benefit.”