Introduction
Trains played an important role in the United States industrial revolution. Traveling into them is a unique experience, while small model trains set amuse kids. It is believed that the first-ever model trains set was produced by Marklin company in the 1890s to place under the charismas trees. Due to the huge interest of the people, different companies not only introduced model trains as toys but also started making more elaborated and detailed versions to cater to the people who adopted model railroads as a full-fledged hobby.
Today there are many model railroads in the United States. If you visit some of them, you will be astonished by the life-like appearance and attention to detail. Some of them can easily be classed as a miniature wonderland, where kids, as well as older people, would love to visit.
Here we have produced a list of best model trains miniature wonderlands that are must-visit for everyone.
1. Northlandz Miniature Wonderland
One of the largest of its kind, Northlandz is roughly a mile-long walk through different exhibits that showcase different views in a miniature form. The model train railroad is more than 8 miles with 100+ model trains running over it. With massive 30 feet tall mountains, 40-foot steel bridges, and hundreds of small buildings, trees, waterways, and much, you would love every bit of it. The place has been listed in the Guinness book of the world records for being the world`s largest railroad. There is also a small playing area for kids, dolls house, art gallery as well. Don’t forget to bring binoculars to have a better experience. The place is open every day except Tuesdays.
Address: 495 U.S. 202, Flemington, NJ 08822
2. Sierra Pacific Lines
Another H O scale model train’s display covers around 5,000 square feet, with 30,000 hands laid steel railroad where you will see 60 car long trains running on the track. While taking a train around 1 hour to complete the whole route, the exceptionally detailed models feature Diablo Canyon, and Diablo Canyon Bridge, cities, deserts, waters ways, mountains, and industrial parks, etc. The Sierra Pacific Lines trains model set is operated by Pasadena Model Railroad Club.
Address: Pasadena Model Railroad Club, 5458, Alhambra Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90032
3. Chattanooga Choo Choo Model Railroad Museum
A Joint venture between the Chattanooga Model railroad club and Chattanooga Choo Choo, this model railroad museum is an HO scale replica of the Chattanooga city and Cumberland mountains country. The model trains set and the railroad offers massive displays that feature more than 3,000 feet railroad track with 120 locomotives that pull 1000 freight cars and 80 passenger cars at a time.
Address: 1400 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402.
4. Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad & Village
It is the scaled-down version of western Pennsylvania that showcase the regional life from the 1880s to the 1930s. As trains were a very important part of life then you will see massive rail road and model trains during your walkthrough tour here. The exhibits have more than 250,000 trees, many trucks, buildings, air crafts, cars and much more. All of them are handmade that looks very fascinating and detailed.
Address: 1 Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212
5. The Great Train Story
Another relatively small but great looking model railroad with more than 30 model trains, that are running over 1,400 feet of track. As it`s clear from the exhibits these tell a great story about the history of the railroad from Chicago and Seattle and passes while passing through different areas like Midwest, Plain states, Cascades, Seattle harbor, Lack Michigan and many more. In addition to that, it also passes over the miniature Chicago River and Calumet River, etc.
Address: Museum of Science + Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
