One of the best railroad museums in Texas is hiding in the small town of Marshall, which sits in the heart of the Piney Woods region in the eastern part of the state. Few people know how what an integral role Marshall played in locomotive history - it's located at the intersection of two major railroad lines, and thus was a crucial stop on the Texas & Pacific Railroad. Today, you can visit the city's historic train depot (which is still in service!) and marvel at railroad artifacts, a model train display, and even actual trains!

Very few railroad museums are housed in working train stations, which is just one of many reasons why the Texas & Pacific Railway Museum is so special.

Located in the small town of Marshall, the museum is located on the historic Marshall Depot, which was built in 1912 and restored in 1999. The building alone is worth visiting for!

What really sets the Texas & Pacific Railway Museum apart from others like it is the fact that Amtrak still makes stops here on the Texas Eagle route! Visitors also have to enter the depot via an underground pedestrian tunnel, which is very cool.

Inside, you'll see lots of original artifacts that help tell illustrate the integral role Marshall played in the railroad industry.

From informative exhibits to interactive elements such as a telegraph, train whistle, and punch-your-own tickets, all ages are sure to enjoy a trip here.

There is also a model train display featuring the depot, its trains, and the surrounding area. It was constructed with painstaking attention to detail, and you won't believe the intricacies.

Kids especially love seeing (and climbing on) the trains out front. From a Union Pacific caboose...

...to a majestic Texas & Pacific car known as "The Moccasin," these incredible locomotives are incredible to see up close.

For more information about the Texas & Pacific Railway Museum, including current hours and entrance fees, please visit the Texas & Pacific Railway depot Facebook page.

Have you ever visited the Texas & Pacific Railway Museum, one of the best railroad museums in Texas? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article to learn about Caddo Lake State Park, a nearby natural wonder that's home to the world's largest cypress forest.