The original depot stairs were built in 1910, and thousands used them as a gateway to and from downtown Popular Bluff. After a century of deterioration, the steps could not be salvaged and were demolished in June 2015. A replica staircase matching the original design was completed in November 2015. The reconstruction was made possible through Butler County Commission-sponsored grants from the Missouri Department of Transportation and contributions from local civic organizations, businesses, and individuals to the Popular Bluff Historic Depot Restoration Corporation. Local contributions exceeded 100,000, including a significant contribution from the Butler County Historical Society. The total cost of the reconstruction was 540,758, and it was completed by Concrete Strategies of St. Louis, Mo., with engineering by Smith and Company Engineers of Popular Bluff.