Model Railroad Garden — Attraction in Northfield Township

The model railroad garden is always a favorite so for me and my family. Though it's in a small space, there's so much to see as the path winds around various US "landmark" scenes (including a working Mount St Helens and Old Faithful) with trains passing every few seconds in various directions. The kids always get a kick out of the Thomas the Train (or Thomas the Tank Engine) loop, as well as some of the more curious trains like the circus and candy trains. The volunteers are incredibly nice and are always willing to answer questions. Admission is free with membership, but you have to leave strollers outside of the small garden. When you come to understand the amount of work involved to keep the trains and exhibits running, the cost is...

It doesn't matter if you're a train enthusiast or not, this spot is a treat for all ages and interests! From the cicada train to the dessert train, and all models in between, there's something for everyone. The exhibit is a trek across the country at a scale that makes you feel like that old Paul Bunyan cartoon. The structures are made of natural materials, fashioned to look like the many North American wonders.

I encourage you to bring a small child so you can get down on their level and truly immerse yourself in this world.

The docents are so kind and enthusiastically share...

Inexplicably when I had already paid the garden admission I was told needed to have my ticket scanned again. No one told me I needed to hold onto my ticket after I already paid and had it scanned at the garden entrance. It was cool to see once I went back up to the front of garden and had my ticket reprinted, a needless hassle. Remainder of the garden was pretty boring for paying $35 between parking and ticket and driving an hour of city to get here. Lots of large fields of grass and empty building. More like a county park that would...