PA Museums

Exploring the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County

A collage of four photos taken at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows the museum's entrance, featuring a glass building with an "OPEN" flag and a sign indicating various museum sections. The top right image captures a vibrant model train layout with an orange passenger train, a central station, and various surrounding accessories. The bottom left image displays a detailed model train layout with mountainous terrain, bridges, and multiple trains running on tracks, along with shelves filled with model trains in the background. The bottom right image showcases an "American Flyer" exhibit, highlighting a variety of model trains and accessories on a realistic train layout.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, you’re in the right place!

A meticulously arranged exhibit of antique and vintage model trains at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The display features several shelves of model trains in various sizes and colors, each detailed and historically significant. The collection includes steam locomotives, passenger cars, and freight trains, highlighted by informational labels. The exhibit is encased in a glass display with "TCA RESERVE" printed prominently on the frame, emphasizing the special collection held by the Train Collectors Association.

The National Toy Train Museum houses one of the world’s largest publicly exhibited collections of toy trains and accessories.

A sweeping view of a large, well-lit exhibit room at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, showcasing an extensive collection of model trains. Multiple glass display cases line the walls, filled with rows of meticulously arranged model trains of various types and eras, including steam locomotives, diesel engines, passenger cars, and freight cars in a rainbow of colors. The room features elegant architectural details with decorative wooden columns and beams, and the flooring is patterned, complementing the historic and nostalgic atmosphere of the exhibit.

Since 1977, the museum has been the home of the Train Collectors Association (TCA), an organization dedicated to preserving the history and joy of toy trains.

Whether you’re new to the hobby of collecting, building, and operating toy trains or you’ve been passionate about it for decades, the National Toy Train Museum is a world-class destination for toy train enthusiasts of all ages.

A captivating model train layout at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, featuring multiple trains running through a detailed mountainous landscape. The display includes several bridges, one of which is a large, intricate metal truss bridge, and others made from various materials spanning across realistic-looking terrain dotted with trees. Below these elevated tracks, a tunnel and different types of trains, including freight and passenger models, navigate through the scenery. The background shows shelves filled with an impressive array of model trains, providing a glimpse into the extensive collection housed at the museum. This layout combines engineering precision with artistic landscaping to create a dynamic and immersive scene.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The National Toy Train Museum is located at 300 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572.

The National Toy Train Museum operates from April to December each year, with regular hours from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the last admission at 4:30 p.m.

A detailed model train roundhouse display at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The exhibit features a central roundhouse with multiple stalls housing various model locomotives. Surrounding the roundhouse are intricately detailed tracks, rail cars, and accessories such as a water tower labeled "WATER STATION" and a rail crane. The background showcases an extensive collection of model trains on tiered shelves, highlighting the museum's diverse and impressive array of vintage and modern trains. The display is brightly lit, emphasizing the vibrant colors and fine details of the model railroad scene.

The museum is open 7 days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but mainly only on weekends in April, May, and September through December.

An exhibit featuring a large, detailed model of a "Buddy 'L'" outdoor railroad train displayed at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The model, predominantly black, features a classic steam locomotive design with intricate metalwork and realistic detailing. Below the model, there is a framed informational poster depicting various components of the Buddy "L" Outdoor Railroad, emphasizing its non-electrical and robust nature, capable of being ridden upon. The setting includes a wooden shelf against a wall, enhancing the antique feel of the display.

Admission fees as of 2024 are: Senior Citizen (65+): $8.00 | Adults (12 to 64): $8.50 | Kids ages 4 to 11: $5.50 | Kids under age 4: Free | Military (Active or Retired): $7.50 with proper ID.

A detailed sign displaying admission prices at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The sign outlines various ticket options including discounts for seniors, adults, children, and military personnel, along with prices for family tickets and season passes. The background features part of the museum's interior with visible architectural elements.

To see the most up-to-date information on hours and special events, please check out the museum’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Antique toy trains on display at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.

What You’ll See at the National Toy Train Museum

As a long-standing railfan, I found the museum to be an absolute treasure trove of history and nostalgia.

A vibrant exhibit at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, featuring an American Flyer train set. The display includes a variety of colorful model trains and accessories on shelves and a circular track layout on a green surface in the foreground, complete with miniature buildings, a water tower, and train signals. The backdrop is adorned with a large red and white sign highlighting features of the American Flyer trains, such as "Powerful Worm Drive" and "Real Puffing Smoke."

The museum’s exterior, designed like a Victorian-era train station, set the perfect scene for the wonders inside.

The front entrance of the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, featuring a modern glass facade with green framing. In front of the entrance, there is a whimsical wooden train sculpture and a sign indicating the museum is home to the Train Collectors Association National Headquarters. An 'Open' flag in red, white, and blue waves in the breeze, signaling that the museum is open to visitors. The setting is sunny, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of this destination for train enthusiasts.

The museum opens up to a vast collection of model trains from various eras, meticulously displayed in glass cases.

A detailed exhibit of vintage model trains at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The display features several glass shelves filled with an array of historical model trains, including steam locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars in various colors and designs. Notable models include a green electric locomotive, a blue and gold steam engine, and multiple classic red and green passenger cars. Each train is meticulously crafted, showcasing the evolution of model railroading through different eras. The exhibit is well-lit, emphasizing the intricate details and craftsmanship of the model trains, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the history of rail transportation.

The collection spans from the 1800s to the present, featuring rare, unusual, and specialty trains from over 100 different manufacturers.

The interior of the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, beautifully showcases several intricate model train layouts. Each layout is encased within elegant, white-painted display areas with clear glass and ornate, wooden beam designs. The prominent layout in view features a mountainous landscape with detailed miniature trees, a train traversing along tracks, and a picturesque backdrop. Overhead, the museum exhibits various historical model trains on tiered shelves, offering a panoramic view of train evolution. The setting is enhanced by warm lighting and a welcoming ambiance, inviting visitors to explore the rich history and detailed craftsmanship of model railroading.

The museum isn’t just about static displays; it boasts seven interactive, operating train layouts that captivate visitors with their intricacy and detail.

A vibrant and detailed model train layout at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This dynamic scene features an orange passenger train running on a curved track, surrounded by various model buildings including a prominent, intricately designed station in the center. The background is filled with a tiered display of numerous other model trains and rail-related artifacts, showcasing the museum's extensive collection. The setup is well-lit, highlighting the rich colors and meticulous details of the models, creating an engaging and educational display for visitors of all ages.

These layouts include G, Standard, O, S, and HO Gauges, as well as a replica Lionel D-265 O Gauge and even a LEGO® layout.

Inside the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, this photo captures a meticulously crafted G Gauge model train layout. The scene is set in a vibrant miniature world featuring trains navigating through detailed landscapes with houses, trees, and tunnels. Above this layout, several shelves display an extensive collection of colorful model trains, emphasizing the variety and historical range of the collection. The architectural design includes ornate wooden columns and arches, adding a charming aesthetic to the exhibit space, highlighting the museum's dedication to the art of model railroading.

As a Civil War buff, my favorite layout in the museum was the Civil War-themed layout with its extensive and detailed battle diorama.

An aerial view of a Civil War-themed model train exhibit at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This large, detailed layout is housed within a spacious gallery under an elegant, column-supported roof structure. The scene depicts a bustling wartime encampment with troops, tents, and horses alongside a flowing river and bridge. Model trains run along tracks that wind through the landscape. The scene is richly detailed with various figures and natural elements, showcasing a dynamic slice of history recreated in miniature form. The surrounding area includes other model train displays, visible in the backdrop under the soft lighting of the museum.

The miniature soldiers, camps, and battlefield scenes are meticulously crafted, bringing history to life in a captivating and educational way.

An intricate Civil War-themed model train layout at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The display features a detailed miniature landscape with a steam locomotive pulling freight cars along a curved track. The scene includes a Civil War encampment with numerous soldiers, horses, tents, and American flags, set in a lush, tree-filled environment. The layout captures a dynamic historical reenactment, complete with troops in formation and a sense of movement, creating a vivid and educational portrayal of history intertwined with model railroading.

This layout stands out for its historical significance and attention to detail, making it a highlight of my visit.

A detailed close-up of miniature historical figures from a Civil War-themed model train display at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The scene features several figures, including uniformed officers and civilians, positioned along a white fence. Among the figures is a notable representation of Abraham Lincoln standing prominently, dressed in black with a top hat. The background includes lush miniature landscapes and distant soldiers in formation, enhancing the historical narrative of the exhibit.

A unique winter-themed layout features a snow-covered village complete with miniature houses, trees, and a train track winding through the town.

A winter-themed model train layout at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The display features a snow-covered village with charming miniature houses, trees, and a train track winding through the town. In the background, a complex landscape includes mountains, bridges, and additional train tracks, creating a dynamic scene with various trains in motion. The shelves above are filled with an extensive collection of model trains, showcasing different styles and eras. The overall scene is beautifully lit, highlighting the intricate details and festive atmosphere of the winter village.

In another section, an old-west town-themed layout transports visitors to a bygone era, with detailed buildings, miniature figures, and period-appropriate trains.

An Old West-themed model train display at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The layout features a steam locomotive pulling passenger and freight cars through a meticulously crafted town complete with period-appropriate buildings such as a hotel, saloon, and bank. The scene includes finely detailed figures, animals, and landscaping that evoke the rugged environment of the American frontier. The surrounding architecture of the museum, visible in the background, adds depth to the scene, contrasting with the miniature world created within the exhibit.

For those interested in European models, the museum includes some exceptional exhibits.

A detailed model train setup at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, featuring a vibrant and colorful display of various freight and passenger cars. The scene includes a red locomotive, multiple rail cars labeled with names like Union Pacific, Santa Fe, and Southern Pacific, and a rail station sign that reads "Sunnyvale." The model is set in a picturesque miniature landscape with lush trees, rolling hills, and textured grass, underlined by a yellow caption in German emphasizing the simplicity and speed of setting up the model train.

Dominated by a giant “Wonder Wheel”, this Marklin display features an array of meticulously crafted trains and accessories, highlighting the precision and artistry of German engineering.

The museum also dedicates space to the Ives Corporation, featuring models that represent some of the earliest and most influential designs in toy train history.

An exhibit at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a historical Ives Corporation model train setup. The display features a classic Ives steam locomotive with a tender, prominently positioned in front of an intricately detailed model train station with a red roof and brick facade. Above the locomotive, a shelf holds various brightly colored Ives train cars, including a yellow tanker and an orange freight car. The backdrop of the exhibit includes promotional images and text about the Ives Corporation, adding historical context to the displayed models.

The attention to detail in both the exhibits and the informational content ensures that visitors leave with a greater appreciation for the art and history of toy trains.

An elaborate and detailed Standard Gauge model train layout at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This expansive display features multiple levels of tracks with various model trains, showcasing a diverse collection of colorful locomotives and railcars. In the foreground, an intricate miniature city includes buildings, figures, and vibrant landscaping. Above, shelves are densely packed with additional model trains, emphasizing the depth of the museum's collection. The architectural elements of the museum, such as decorative wooden columns and signage indicating "Standard Gauge," enhance the historic ambiance of the exhibit.

Final Thoughts

The National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a treasure trove of nostalgia and history.

A unique and secure model train display at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, styled like a massive vault, labeled "Fort Knox" and "TCA Reserve". Inside the vault, multiple glass shelves are neatly arranged with a diverse collection of model trains, including colorful passenger and freight cars from various eras and companies. The secure display suggests the value and rarity of these collectible trains, showcasing them in a well-lit, protected setting that highlights their details and historical significance. The design of the vault adds an intriguing element to the exhibit, enhancing the viewing experience.

It offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, blending education with entertainment.

A nostalgic display of vintage train accessories and building kits at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The exhibit features various miniature buildings such as a train station, homes, and stores, arranged neatly on glass shelves. Above the models, vintage posters and box art from classic train accessory sets, including "Schwartz's Hollywood Home Builder" and "Community Store Builder," add a historical and educational backdrop to the display. These items showcase the creativity and expansion of model train environments from past decades, providing a vivid insight into the hobby's rich history.

For anyone interested in the history of railroading, model trains, or simply looking for a fun day trip destination for kids, this museum is a must-see destination.

Inside the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, three visitors are seated on traditional wooden benches, watching a train-related video on a large screen. The museum's interior is adorned with decorative woodwork and a display of various model trains and miniature buildings on shelves to the sides of the room, illustrating different eras and styles of railroading. The setting offers a combination of education and nostalgia, providing visitors a deep dive into the world of model trains while preserving the historic charm and detail of the hobby.

Nearby Attractions

The Strasburg Railroad offers scenic sightseeing excursion trains pulled by majestic steam locomotives through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

A collage of 5 photos showing scenes from the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County, PA.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg was established to chronicle the history of railroading in the Keystone State, through the preservation of rolling stock, artifacts, and archives from various railroad companies.

This collage from the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County, showcases a variety of exhibits that highlight the rich history and technological evolution of rail transport. The first image features a weathered black steam locomotive displayed outdoors, illustrating the grandeur and complexity of early 20th-century railway engineering. The second image highlights a bright blue Conrail diesel locomotive, a representation of modern advancements in rail technology, housed within the spacious interior of the museum. The third image captures a vibrant yellow Fruit Growers Express refrigerated boxcar accompanied by a vintage black truck, demonstrating the historical logistics of perishable goods transportation. The final image displays the museum’s entrance sign, set against the backdrop of the museum's contemporary architecture and inviting green landscape, providing visitors with directions and accessibility information. Together, these images encapsulate the diverse attractions and educational opportunities available at the museum, celebrating the legacy of railroads in Pennsylvania.

The Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg is a 1,700-square-foot train display featuring 22 operating trains and over 150 hand-built animated figures, making it one of the largest model railroad layouts in Pennsylvania!

A collage of four photos taken at the Choo Choo Barn in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows a wide-angle view of the extensive model train display featuring a circus tent, carousel, and various detailed miniature scenes. The top right image captures the display at night with the lights dimmed, creating a magical ambiance with illuminated buildings and train tracks. The bottom left image depicts a snowy mountain landscape with a moving gondola lift, detailed buildings, and vehicles on a winding road. The bottom right image shows the exterior of the Choo Choo Barn building, complete with a colorful children's train display and picnic tables, set against a scenic countryside backdrop.

The Red Caboose Motel near Strasburg features over 40 vintage cabooses and train cars that have been repurposed into retro motel rooms.

A collage of four photos taken at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows a red caboose labeled "Southern" with a red SUV parked in front of it. The top right image features two rows of colorful cabooses, including blue, yellow, and red ones, lined up on either side of a driveway. The bottom left image depicts the interior of a cozy motel room with a bed, table, and chair. The bottom right image showcases a sign for the Red Caboose Motel with a yellow caboose in the background. The Red Caboose Motel includes over 40 cabooses and train cars converted into retro motel rooms.

PA’s Top Railroad-Themed Attractions | A Visitors Guide is a guide to some of Pennsylvania’s best railroad-themed attractions, based upon my own personal experiences visiting each one of them.

A collage showing 4 of the best railroad-themed attractions in Pennsylvania, including the East Broad Top Railroad, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, and the Horseshoe Curve.

Find even more great spots to explore in Lancaster County and all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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