American Passenger Rail Heritage Foundation (APRHF)

American Passenger Rail Heritage Foundation (APRHF) The APRHF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the role that passenger rail played in the building of this nation.

What does the APRHF currently do? We operate the APRHF Exhibition of Amtrak History:
This exhibit is currently closed for pending move to a new area in the Lookout Point Park. For more information or to donate to this project. Please check out these links. Go Fund Me: gf.me/u/wmtr74
Organization Website: www.aprhf.org

We operate the Train Watching Cabin and Deck:
What a cool place to watch tr

ains! This Cabin is located on the former right-of-way of the Wabash Railroad, overlooking the BNSF Transcon, so you get a full view of the many fast trains that run by here everyday. It is heated for those chillier days. This is a fun place to be to watch trains and maybe catch up on some work in-between. We are in the process of building Lookout Point Park. This part is situated on 3 acres to the east of the road that goes to the lookout. It will be the home to all things APRHF. Gallery, Store, Minature Train, Exhibition of Amtrak History and Camping. Park Website: www.lookoutpointpark.org

Last but not least we are involved in the maintenance and upkeep of the La Plata Amtrak Station via grant monies from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

We wanted to let you know that the lookout point will be closed from March 26th thru the 31st. We are going to be redoin...
03/18/2026

We wanted to let you know that the lookout point will be closed from March 26th thru the 31st. We are going to be redoing the deck, fixing the road, working on the camera and anything else that is needed. Thank you for your understanding. If you want to help please reach out to us and we can discuss it.

We are all setup and ready at the Lawrence, Kansas train show. It is going to be a good time. Come on over to Crown Toyo...
02/28/2026

We are all setup and ready at the Lawrence, Kansas train show. It is going to be a good time. Come on over to Crown Toyota this weekend and get some stuff.

Loved that hint of spring in the area and got some projects done. Trimmed the west hillside and the lookout road. Deck w...
02/22/2026

Loved that hint of spring in the area and got some projects done. Trimmed the west hillside and the lookout road. Deck work is next on the list.

Let's take a look at last year and see what lies ahead. Thank you all for your support.
02/13/2026

Let's take a look at last year and see what lies ahead. Thank you all for your support.

As we look back on 2025 we were reminded of what happened to us personally and the continued brick walls that we kept running into with projects. Below is an update on each project/continuing item that we have going. We are hopeful of a fun and enjoyable 2026. Thank You all.

We will be there with some great deals on some new old stock. We will have a full array of beautiful train puzzles also....
01/18/2026

We will be there with some great deals on some new old stock. We will have a full array of beautiful train puzzles also.

This year Lawrence Model Railroad Club Train Show and Swap meet will have some exciting new additions and options for both our visitors, vendors, & exhibitors. Our Special Layout for this year will be the famous “Santa Fe all the way” layout.

Coming up in a little over 6 months. More info on that later. Let's enjoy the memories of last years event.
01/10/2026

Coming up in a little over 6 months. More info on that later. Let's enjoy the memories of last years event.

June is always an exciting time due to this event. This will for sure be the last year for the “Unofficial” title. This event is just as strong as it was since we were dealt the terrible blow with our park project a few years ago. You can read about that in other posts on this site. I will also ...

No matter how you slice it. Community is where it is at. We are thankful for the one that has been created via the Virtu...
01/02/2026

No matter how you slice it. Community is where it is at. We are thankful for the one that has been created via the Virtual Railfan cams at the Amtrak station and the Lookout Point. High five to you all.

One of the evenings I went to work at the LaPlata train station I saw a box by the back door. The box was from the UK. That got my interest up. I of course ran into the station and opened it up. Inside was a custom made puzzle from a photo from one of our Rail Road Days events here in LaPlata. Matt....

Here is an update on our G-12 trainset.
01/02/2026

Here is an update on our G-12 trainset.

The first part of October was beautiful and it brought us a gift from Michigan. Bill and Gail Barr showed up with the engine to the G-12 train. The train set is now complete and ready to run when the track is laid. We have four pieces of track completed and two more at the welding shop being built.....

http://www.aprhf.org/2025/12/24/display-updates-at-the-depot-inn/
12/24/2025

http://www.aprhf.org/2025/12/24/display-updates-at-the-depot-inn/

As many of you know we maintain the exhibits in the glass showcases at the Depot Inn here in LaPlata. We at least update them once a year to keep them interesting. Earlier this year that project found its way to the top after some work travel. Robert, Greg, Amy and I loaded up the new items for disp...

http://www.aprhf.org/2025/12/24/holiday-time-at-the-amtrak-station-nov-2025/
12/24/2025

http://www.aprhf.org/2025/12/24/holiday-time-at-the-amtrak-station-nov-2025/

Hello and Merry Christmas from the APRHF!! What started out as a few folks having fun putting the Christmas decor up at the station has turned into a day full of fun and fellowship. This year we started with a wonderful meal at El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant here in LaPlata. After that is was time....

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good time over the next few days. Thank you for your support.
12/24/2025

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good time over the next few days. Thank you for your support.

Address

P. O. Box 175
La Plata, MO
63549

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

(660) 956-4157

Website

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What does the APRHF currently do? We operate the APRHF Exhibition of Amtrak History: This is the only Exhibition like it in existence. This exhibition features many items related to the rich History of Amtrak. There is also exhibits featuring 40th anniversary, National Train Day and much more. There is also a operating Lionel Layout for your enjoyment. This is a self guided exhibit. The key is available at the Front Desk of the Hotel.

We operate the Train Watching Cabin and Deck: What a cool place to watch trains! This Cabin is located on the former right-of-way of the Wabash Railroad, overlooking the BNSF Transcon, so you get a full view of the many fast trains that run by here everyday. It is heated and has free Wi-Fi. This is a fun place to be to watch trains and maybe catch up on some work in-between.

We are also involved in the maintenance and upkeep of the LaPlata Amtrak Station via grant monies from the Missouri Department of Transportation. This station sees daily Amtrak service from the Southwest Chief. They are trains #3 and #4.

For more information or to stay updated all the time. Please visit www.aprhf.org and consider joining our organization or becoming a chapter. We have some neat opportunities available.