Creating Unforgettable Memories: Our Journey with the H&R Caboose Roost

Sometimes the most meaningful journeys aren’t the ones we plan. What started as a restoration project quickly became a shared adventure for my daughter, Claudia, and me.

From revitalizing a historic railroad caboose to welcoming our very first guests, this endeavor has been about more than hospitality. It’s been about building something special together.

Claudia has taken a leading role in creating content for our social media and helping with marketing. She brings creativity and energy to every photo, video, and story, helping us showcase the caboose in a way that feels warm, inviting, and true to its railroad roots. While she captures the magic behind the scenes, we also work side by side preparing for each stay — cleaning, shopping, restocking, and adding thoughtful details that make guests feel at home.

Every stay at our restored train caboose is personal to us.

One of our favorite rituals is reading the guest book after visitors head home. Those handwritten notes are more than reviews — they’re snapshots of anniversaries celebrated, children discovering the loft for the first time, couples enjoying slow mornings with coffee, and families exploring the beauty of Fredericktown and the surrounding Missouri countryside. Their words remind us that this little caboose carries more than history — it carries memories.

We also love refreshing the space with seasonal decor. From cozy winter textures to fresh spring accents, small changes keep the caboose feeling alive and welcoming year-round. I especially enjoy searching antique stores across Missouri for authentic train memorabilia. Each piece we add connects the caboose to its railroad heritage and adds another layer of charm for guests who appreciate history.

Hosting the H&R Caboose Roost has become far more than operating a short-term rental. It’s a creative partnership, a shared dream, and a family experience we’re building together — one guest, one story, and one stay at a time.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a night in a historic railroad caboose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.