NORTHLANDZ (World's Largest Miniature Wonderland & Train Museum) — Attraction in Raritan Township

Northlandz is a must-see if you are a railfan, either casual or highly dedicated. The last time I was here, I wasn't even a teenager yet. I came back, older and wiser at the age of 32, and the wonder I felt was like my first time all over again.

Children will be impressed and amazed at the dizzying array of trains and miniatures, but adults will be awe-struck by the sheer beauty and scale of the craft.

From the outside, you may think you have a decent grasp on the scale and size of the interior, but the layout of the museum takes you on a long and winding journey through incredible scenery and craftsmanship, walking here and there along the path, and there always seems to be more.

The attention to detail, the little quirks of the exhibits, and the interesting and creative scenes, all tell a story. Every single place feels lived in, as though you are a giant, looking down into the lives of these fanciful locations.

Whether its small rural towns, an impressive bustling city skyline, or a dizzying array of industrial tracks, buildings, and equipment, your imagination can run wild as you picture how everything must work, envisioning the goings on in every single display.

Though some of the displays are showing their age, and repairs obviously must be made here and there, I felt that it added to the charm of the whole experience. These tiny little peeks through the cracks that reminded you that this entire place was built by hand, that it was crafted meticulously and lovingly, to build something truly amazing.

I'll not soon forget the feeling of awe when I turned one of the first corners and was able to see down a long canyon, taller than myself, which stretched on as far as I could see, with running trains and bridges through it, letting you know right off the bat, that you are not just going to see little trains in villages like you might find in your rich uncle's basement. You are going to see an entire world.

Just when I felt that this first massive canyon was impressive enough, the exhibits continued to impress and grow larger and more expansive. Binoculars are recommended, or at least a camera with a good zoom. Yes, there really are parts of the tour so vast, you cannot see all the details from where you are standing.

But don't worry, sure enough, you will find yourself on the other side, or at different vantage points of most of the larger exhibits, able to take everything in from all angles.

The only downside I could possibly mention is that I'd have likes to have seen more model steam engines, but those may be difficult to maintain, given their increase in moving parts. And also the outdoor train ride, while pleasant, was extra grindy and noisy when I went on it. It's expected that trains will squeal when rounding corners, but the metal on metal caused the coach to vibrate and groan quite a lot. This could be due to the cold weather of the season when I attended, or possibly even the old age of the railway and engine, as I am sure this is the original engine I rode when I was a child.

With that said, I would love to see the train and it's tracks maintained and renovated to a better state one day, as Northlandz surely deserves it.

To top it all off, I picked up a Northlandz branded HO-scale caboose and boxcar, something to add to my own personal train set back home. Quite possibly the most clever and functional piece of gift shop memorabilia I've ever seen at any attraction.

Absolutely go to Northlandz. This place deserves your attention, and is worthy of preservation. The pictures attached here do NOT properly convey the scale and beauty of the museum.

You must see...

Northlandz: The World's Largest Miniature Wonderland

Tucked away in Flemington, New Jersey, Northlandz holds the title of the world's largest model railroad, an awe-inspiring testament to miniature engineering and creativity. Spanning an impressive 52,000 square feet, this attraction captivates visitors with its intricate details, sprawling landscapes, and sheer scale, making it a must-visit for families, hobbyists, and engineering enthusiasts alike.

From the moment you step into Northlandz, you're transported into a meticulously crafted miniature world. The exhibit boasts over 8 miles of model train tracks, weaving through a variety of expertly designed terrains. Towering mountains, deep valleys, quaint towns, and bustling cities are all brought to life with incredible precision. The attention to detail is staggering; each scene is populated with lifelike figurines, tiny vehicles, and beautifully constructed buildings, creating a vibrant, dynamic environment.

What makes Northlandz truly remarkable is the engineering ingenuity behind it. The model trains, over 100 in total, traverse elaborate track systems complete with bridges, tunnels, and switching stations. The entire setup is a marvel of engineering, showcasing the complexity and precision required to maintain such a vast and intricate network. For those interested in the technical aspects, Northlandz offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of model railroad engineering.

Beyond its technical prowess, Northlandz is a perfect destination for families and children. Young visitors will be enchanted by the miniature worlds, each telling its own story. Interactive displays and kid-friendly areas ensure that children remain engaged and entertained throughout their visit. The sheer size of the exhibit means there's always something new to discover, making it an adventure for young and old alike.

In addition to the model railroads, Northlandz features a 2,000-pipe organ and an art gallery, adding even more layers to the visitor experience. The combination of artistic expression, musicality, and engineering brilliance makes Northlandz a unique and multifaceted attraction.

In conclusion, Northlandz is an engineering marvel that offers a captivating journey through miniature worlds. Its blend of technical sophistication, artistic detail, and family-friendly appeal makes it a standout destination. Whether you're a model train enthusiast, an engineer, or simply looking for an engaging outing with your children, Northlandz promises a memorable and...

I was treated horribly on the phone. I wanted to come today with a large family. My child had been given a gift certificate to include the indoor and $12 train. I called to see if the train was running since it is winters. I was told that the train is broken for a year yet they still sell tickets online for the trains. I asked if the $12 extra paid for the train could go towards one of the additional tickets we would purchase today for adults since the train is broken. She not only told me no (!!) but told me the gift certificate for cannot be used despite no expiration on it. It is a year old. I asked for a manager and was told no! Was told next week. I told them we had several who were coming today in a large group and we wanted to use the one hold gift as it is his birthday and she told me no one would help until next week for the use of this certificate OR the train cost being out toward another ticket for the indoor place. Told me “sorry” bye. This is fraudlulant. You cannot collect money and be unable to deliver and not refund or credit it. They are STILL selling train tickets today on their website for a train that is broken for a year. I asked for the $12 to go to another ticket since today we planned to buy several adult tickets. The woman refused to assist me and told me no that she will not accept my gift certificate for my son’s birthday AND will not allow me to get someone to help me until next week. So you ruined the birthday of a child AND sold a ticket for something that is broken AND refuse to refund the $12 as a credit toward another ticket AND refused to allow me to speak with anyone to help. I told her she was treating me poorly and she refused to get someone to assist. Shame on Northlandz to ruin a disabled child’s birthday where grandparents came up from Florida...