The Cotton Belt Depot welcomes visitor to see its train display. During the last weekend in April, trainlovers can enjoy the annual Cotton Belt Depot Model Train Show.
Construction on the Cotton Belt Depot began in 1902 and on June 2, 1905 the depot was open for passenger service and continued in service until April 22, 1956. After the passenger trains stopped running, the depot served as offices, shops and storage until 1977. The depot sat vacant for about 11 years. On Nov. 6, 1988 Southern Pacific Rail Road deeded the Cotton Belt Depot to the City of Tyler and the Depot was ultimately renovated to house the Tyler Transit Department and the Cotton Belt Depot Museum, which is staffed by volunteers from the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society.