Illinois Central Railroad Depot

The Illinois Central Depot is a museum of local railroad history. It was built in 1892 to accommodate the increasing number of passengers coming to Independence for harness racing on the nationally famous kite-shaped track built by Charles W. Williams. The Illinois Central Railroad was one of the first lines to reach across Iowa, bringing settlers to Buchanan County. The site includes the station, baggage room, a 1926 90-ton steam engine and a 1978 32-ton caboose. It is open by appointment.