As we prepare the site and restore the historic museum building, we’re also planning a series of exhibits that will preserve the legacy of Garyville while creating an engaging destination for students, families, and railfans.

Visitors will soon be able to explore The History of the Lyon Cypress Lumber Company, featuring:

• The Story of the Garyville Northern Railroad — Featuring maps, artifacts, equipment, and stories from the line that once connected the mill to the world.
• Timber & Rail Industry Tools and Machinery — Hands-on displays showcasing how timber was harvested, transported, and milled.
• Community Life in Early 20th-Century Garyville — A look at the homes, businesses, and daily life shaped by the mill and the railroad.
• Interactive Media & Oral Histories — Bringing the voices of former workers and local families into the museum experience.

Over the past few weeks, crews have been working to clear property along the planned route of our new railroad, which will follow sections of the original Garyville Northern Railroad.  With final approvals nearly in place, we’re aiming to begin rail construction early next year.

The new tracks will run from the museum depot and extend for one mile north, bringing history back to life while laying the foundation for future passenger operations. Our track plan is designed for future growth while allowing us to provide regularly scheduled train rides and special events such as Train Rides with Santa.

We’re preparing to build a new multi-purpose passenger platform that will serve not only the revived Garyville Northern Railroad, but also become an important part of the Trailhead for the Garyville Pedestrian-Bike Trailhead. 

This new platform will function as both a boarding point for our passenger trains and a welcoming hub for walkers, runners, and cyclists exploring the growing trail system. Designed with accessibility and community in mind, it will be a shared natural space where recreation, history, and railroading all come together.

Thanks to generous public and private funding, and the commitment of our community partners, we’re moving forward with a bold plan to revitalize the Garyville Historic District!

The 70+ acres surrounding the Garyville Timbermill Museum will become a cornerstone of this community-focused development. While the revived Garyville Northern Railroad will play a key role, the vision goes far beyond rail: restoring historic spaces, expanding public amenities, and creating places where families, students, and neighbors can connect.

Work is already underway, including major repairs to the historic museum building—originally the Lyon Cypress Lumber Company and Railroad Headquarters. Once renovated, this landmark will once again serve as a vibrant hub for exhibits, events, education, and community events.

From LASTA’s South Yard to Garyville: Rails Arrive at our new Home

DEC 15, 2025 | Our restoration journey is officially underway at the Garyville Timbermill Museum  This historic building —a cornerstone of Garyville’s past—once served as the headquarters of the Lyon Cypress Lumber Company and Garyville Northern Railroad.

The renovations will allow us to create new exhibits showcasing the rich history of the Lyon Cypress Lumber Company, the timber industry of Southeast Louisiana and the people who shaped the region. The museum’s annex building will soon transform into the railroad’s passenger depot, where LASTA will operate regular service along the former roadbed of the Garyville Northern Railroad. 

This building has seen more than a century of local industry, railroading, and community life—and soon, it will welcome visitors again!

DEC 14, 2025 |  This week marks a bittersweet milestone for LASTA as contractors begin dismantling the South Yard. For the past decade, this 500-foot stretch of track has been home to SP 745. It’s where many supporters first connected with the locomotive’s ongoing story. Now that those rails have been removed, they will soon find their new home in Garyville!

18 AUG 2025 – As many of you are aware, LASTA received notice to relocate sooner than expected. The move is a significant change but we want to reassure everyone that none of our historic equipment, especially the iconic steam locomotive #745, is at risk of loss.

Here’s what’s happening:

Site Cleanup and equipment inspections have started

A complete inventory is underway.

Moving plans are being finalized.

This move marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for LASTA. We’ll be sharing progress updates, photos and ways you can help. We’re thrilled to have you with us on this journey.

Over the past few years, LASTA has conducted an extensive search for a suitable new home for our operations. We have investigated potential sites from Algiers (near SP 745’s birthplace) to the French Quarter, to Slidell, and Westwego.

Meanwhile, the folks at the Garyville Timbermill Museum (GTM) and members of the LASTA Board had been discussing the idea of relocating LASTA’s operations to their property in Garyville, Louisiana, just upriver from our current location. The museum was the headquarters of the Lyon Lumber Company and the Garyville Northern Railroad.

In late 2023, LASTA and GTM embarked on an exciting Joint Venture. This partnership was a significant step forward, which allowed us to raise funds for much-needed repairs to the museum (damaged by Hurricane Ida) and to start building a new home for SP 745 and her vintage railcars.

The recent notice to vacate the Ochsner Medical complex was expected but it has now accelerated our relocation plans. Our initial efforts will focus on clearing out part of our yard and preparing our equipment for the move to Garyville. While these efforts are underway, we anticipate that work will begin soon at the Garyville site.

Earlier this week, we held our first public meeting with the Garyville community, with over 50 guests attending. The Joint Venture was able to outline the site plans and answer questions. Over the next few weeks, we will be posting additional information and updates on our progress.

Many of you have been asking about the rebuild of #745. Originally, most of the work was to be completed at our current yard. However, given current circumstances, we are working to adjust our rebuild schedule and plan to begin at Garyville or another suitable location soon.

Stay tuned for updates!