Discover Venice Train Depot’s rich history with a train depot tour. Stroll through Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park, featuring scenic walkways, picnic tables, and a restored caboose.
Volunteer docents from Venice Area Historical Society provide free docent-led tours of the historic Venice Train Depot and its surrounding campus. The length of tours can vary based on visitors needs. Self-guided tours are also offered.
Learn about the Venice Train Depot from panel displays that illustrate key events in Venice, Florida’s history and the history of the Train Depot in the Depot’s two waiting rooms.
Call to schedule private or group tours. Discover more things to do in Venice, Florida here.
The Venice Train Depot and the caboose are handicap accessible.
History of the Venice Train Depot
In the mid-1920s, the Venice train station was the arrival point for people interested in purchasing a property. During World War II, trains delivered personnel, vehicles, construction materials, and supplies to maintain the Venice Army Air Base. From 1960 to 1991, the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus made its winter home in Venice. The circus arrived by train and left weeks later for circus performances around the country. Passenger service ended in 1971.
Venice Train Depot Circus Car
A retired circus train car made its final stop at the Historic Venice Train Depot, where the Venice Area Historical Society (VAHS) installed the car to help tell the story of Venice’s role in U.S. circus history.
The outside of the train car has been restored and VAHS is now working on interior exhibits.
When interior restoration is complete there will be three rooms inside illustrating how performers lived on the circus train. Venice, Florida served as the winter quarters for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1960 to 1992.
The Venice Train Depot is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round. The last docent-led tour begins at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The last docent-led tour begins at 2:30. The caboose is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
