Elva Railway Station is a wooden building characteristic of the 19th century, which has survived to this day and is under heritage conservation. The construction of Tartu-Valga railway and the railway station laid the foundation of Elva settlement.

Within years Elva became a very popular summer health resort. The railway station and its surrounding area became an important place of entertainment and the original building became too small for the increasing number of travellers. Later on extensions were added to both sides of the railway station building.
The historical railway station building is in daily use even today. The hospitable Lively Elva Centre is open to visitors.