Garyville Museum & Heritage Railroad Project
A New Home for Louisiana Railroad History
The Louisiana Steam Train Association (LASTA) and Garyville Timbermill Museum are working together to preserve Louisiana’s railroad and timber-industry history through a developing museum and heritage railroad campus in Garyville.
What Is Planned
- Restoration and development of the historic museum property.
- A connection to the Canadian National rail network and initial heritage-railroad trackage.
- Relocation and preservation of historic locomotives and rolling stock.
- Visitor amenities, interpretive displays, trail connections, and educational programs.
- Future maintenance and training facilities, developed in phases as funding permits.
This video was produced with the Trainz: A New Era to provide a representation to help the public visualize what’s coming.
Project Status — November 2026
Engineering, drainage coordination, grant administration, track planning, and equipment relocation preparations remain active workstreams. Historic rail equipment is not yet offering scheduled public rides in Garyville. Project milestones depend on funding, permitting, contractors, and railroad coordination.
How You Can Help
Volunteer your time, contribute to preservation and construction needs, or contact LASTA about sponsorship and in-kind support.
Volunteer | Support LASTA | Learn about the Joint Venture
Joint Venture
RJ serves on the Timbermill board and the local Historical Planning Commission, demonstrating his dedication and passion for the community. He played a key role in securing over $4 million in funding to refurbish the timbermill and relocate LASTA rail operations to Garyville.
As a licensed Louisiana General Contractor, RJ is the Executive Vice President of a national field services company that specializes in property preservation services. He holds a degree in construction management from Louisiana State University.
Matt became involved with LASTA in late 2004 when he learned about SP745’s and its crew’s radio troubles during a test run of the locomotive. Matt was successful in solving SP745’s radio equipment issues prior to the Bicentennial trip. Since then, he has continued to work on expanding and improving LASTA’s communication systems. Matt also helps maintain various electrical and electronic systems around the yard.
Matt currently works in the telecommunications industry, providing technical services for broadcast and the wireless data industry.
As a long-time volunteer and board member, Colin actively participates in projects focusing on local development and historic preservation, showcasing his dedication and passion for these initiatives. He was instrumental in contacting LASTA and laying the groundwork for the new joint venture.
Colin is a Business Development Manager at a prominent local restoration and construction company. His background in planning and estimating, combined with his industry knowledge, allows him to identify new business opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and cultivate long-term relationships.
Mr. Berg's practice includes a wide variety of commercial litigation. He represents individual and institutional investors, public pension funds, and hedge funds in investment disputes with investment banks, investment advisors, and brokerage firms.
Mr. Berg also counsels businesses and individuals on their legal rights to navigate disputes without litigation. In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Mr. Berg has represented property owners in insurance claims seeking recovery of property damage and loss of business income.
Dottie and her staff provide a broad spectrum of services, from creative event planning of multi-location conferences and summits, multi-day extravaganzas, transportation, and registration to total meeting management. Dottie serves on numerous boards, associations, corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Dottie was a significant event planner for the most recent Republican National Convention held in New Orleans, manages the annual Bayou Classic and manages the efforts of numerous other clients.
University of New Orleans (UNO) history professor John Fitzmorris supports LASTA and SP-745. He is working to develop a new railroad job training program with Bill Langkopp and a local junior college. John recently assisted with our historic place designation and is helping to plan exhibits for the future museum site.