The Depot

The Historic Venice Train Depot (303 E. Venice Ave., Venice FL 34285), built in 1927 and renovated in 2002-2003, was central to the founding and development of Venice, Florida.  Volunteer docents from VAHS provide free public tours of the Depot and surrounding campus.  Panel displays and artifacts in the Depot's two waiting rooms illustrate key events in Venice's history and the history of the Depot itself.  For more information about the history of the Depot and its role in the history of Venice, click Train Depot Brochure.

Tour the Historic Venice Train Depot

The Depot is open

  • year-round on Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM, with the last docent-led tour beginning at 12:30, and
  • November through April on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, with the last docent-led tour beginning at 2:30.  

Tours start in the main waiting room.  The length of tours can be tailored to your needs.  In addition to docent-led tours, self-guided tours are an option.  Both the Depot and the caboose are accessible facilities.  The caboose is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM.  Donations are appreciated to help defray expenses. 


How to Arrange a Tour for a Group of 10 or More

If you plan to bring a group of 10 or more people to the Depot, please call 941-412-0151 or e-mail depot@veniceareahistoricalsociety.org to make special arrangements so that your group can be adequately accommodated.  For Depot rentals, contact Sarasota County at vcc@scgov.net or call 941-861-1380.

Other Features of the Depot Campus

  • Louisville and Nashville 6445 caboose, built in 1974, donated by CSX Transportation, Inc. to Sarasota County
  • Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park with picnic tables
  • Statue of Gunther Gebel-Williams, world famous animal trainer and mega-star of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
  • Access to the Legacy Trail and the Venetian Waterway
  • Opportunities to rent Depot freight room, covered north-end platform, or deck behind the caboose*
  • Legacy Park, located across from the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot, includes Venice's newest, train-themed playground.  The shaded playground structure, climbing apparatus, cornhole equipment and swings enhance the existing multi-use trail, kayak/canoe launch, picnic shelters, restrooms and parking facilities.**
*The Depot is owned by Sarasota County, and county staff handle rentals.  Please call 941-861-1380 for pricing information and to make reservations.

**To reserve a picnic shelter for a birthday party or other event, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.

VAHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has registered with the State of Florida to solicit contributions.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN (800-435-7352) OR OUTSIDE (850-410-3800) FLORIDA.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” Ch 32089

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