Choo Choo Barn
A captivating 1,700 sq. ft. miniature world with 22 operating trains and 150+ animated figures, showcasing Lancaster County landmarks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Choo Choo Barn
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A captivating 1,700 sq. ft. miniature world with 22 operating trains and 150+ animated figures, showcasing Lancaster County landmarks.
"A model train dream! The set up is incredible intricate with so many small details."
Allow ample viewing time
Take multiple loops to catch all the details!
Check for special events
They offer sensory experiences and are welcoming to all.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Train Layout
Main Exhibit Hall
A sprawling 1,700 sq. ft. miniature world with over 22 operating trains and 150+ hand-built animated figures.
Lancaster County Miniatures
Throughout the Layout
See iconic Lancaster County landmarks, including Dutch Wonderland, recreated in stunning miniature detail.
Interactive Buttons
Along the Exhibit Path
Engage with the display by pushing buttons that bring animated figures and vehicles to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Value for Money Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow ample viewing time
Take multiple loops to catch all the details!
Check for special events
They offer sensory experiences and are welcoming to all.
Gift shop treasures
Explore the gift shop for train-themed souvenirs and more.
Rainy day savior
A perfect indoor activity when the weather is bad.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow ample viewing time
Take multiple loops to catch all the details!
Check for special events
They offer sensory experiences and are welcoming to all.
Gift shop treasures
Explore the gift shop for train-themed souvenirs and more.
Rainy day savior
A perfect indoor activity when the weather is bad.
Interactive fun
Don't miss pushing the buttons to activate animations!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Choo Choo Barn for its incredibly detailed and expansive model train layout, featuring numerous animated figures and local landmarks. It's a highly engaging experience, especially for children and train enthusiasts, offering interactive elements and a unique miniature world. Some find the admission price a bit high for the exhibit's size, but most agree it's a worthwhile and memorable stop.
"This was a neat display, but I didn't like how it was 12 dollars to view it. I understand they need to make money as a business, but 12 dollars is a lot, and I've seen similar displays for free in other places. Sure, if you are there one time, it's worth it to see, but it still adds up. I could see paying up to 5 dollars to enter. There is also a gift store attached. Is the money worth the hype? To go once, yes, but unless you are a train fanatic, I don't think I would pay to see it again. That being said, it was pretty cool. The display has a lot of trains and decorations and some buttons to push to make certain things move. I didn't feel the buttons always worked like they were supposed to. Lights would go out at times to add effect and show you lit up areas in the dark."
Adam Phelps
"Second time here for me, but first for my kiddo. This is one of the better train layouts I have been to. I noticed some new features in the layout that I hadn't seen before. Another thing that is cool about this layout is that they incorporated many aspects of Lancaster County into it. Some that have been incorporated include Dutch Wonderland, among others."
Joren Blair (Aspwriter)
"My husband and I took our 4 year old son for the first time to the Choo Choo Barn, and he had a blast!! He loves everything about trains and seeing a huge display made him so happy! The price for the tickets were reasonably priced. This place was a great way to spend our time on a rainy day. We will definitely be going back!! Thank you for having such a wonderful display and for having interactive buttons. My son loved to push them and watch the pieces move!"
Becky Engle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Choo Choo Barn is located at 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA 17579. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is available on-site. Many visitors arrive as part of a larger trip to Lancaster County.
Public transportation options directly to the Choo Choo Barn are limited. It's best to plan your visit with a personal vehicle or consider ride-sharing services if you are in the immediate Strasburg area.
The Choo Choo Barn is situated in Strasburg, PA, known for its rich railroad history. Nearby attractions include the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the Strasburg Rail Road.
Yes, many visitors combine a trip to the Choo Choo Barn with the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, especially when traveling with children who love trains.
The Choo Choo Barn is generally well-marked and easy to find in Strasburg, PA. GPS navigation is recommended for precise directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $12 per person. While some find it a bit pricey for the size, many agree it's worth it for the unique experience, especially for train enthusiasts.
It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Check their official website for any updates on advance booking options.
The Choo Choo Barn is typically open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most current operating hours before your visit.
While specific coupons aren't always advertised, keeping an eye on local tourism sites or their social media might reveal occasional promotions. [^SEO keyword: choo choo barn coupon]
The Choo Choo Barn is introducing a new Sensory Experience, making it more welcoming to all visitors. The main exhibit is generally accessible, but it's always best to inquire about specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
It's a 1,700 square foot model train layout featuring over 22 operating trains, 150+ hand-built animated figures, and detailed miniature scenes of Lancaster County.
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the exhibit, gift shop, and train store. Taking multiple loops to appreciate the details is recommended.
Absolutely! Kids love the animated figures, operating trains, and interactive buttons that bring the miniature world to life. It's a highly family-friendly attraction.
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed, allowing you to capture the intricate details of the model trains and animated scenes.
Its unique charm lies in the combination of a massive, intricate model train layout, animated figures, and the incorporation of local Lancaster County landmarks. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Choo Choo Barn itself doesn't have a full restaurant, it's located within a complex that often includes dining options, and there's a gift shop.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the exhibit area. It's best to enjoy meals before or after your visit.
Strasburg offers various dining experiences, from casual eateries to family-friendly restaurants. The complex where the Choo Choo Barn is located also sometimes features a brewery and ice cream shop.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vastness of the train layout, close-ups of the animated figures, and the miniature replicas of Lancaster County landmarks. The lighting effects also create unique photo moments.
Yes, the Choo Choo Barn is an indoor attraction, making it an excellent photography destination regardless of the weather. The controlled lighting can even enhance your shots.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera can capture finer details.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Tripods might be restricted during busy times, so it's best to check with staff if you plan to use extensive equipment.
Yes, you can photograph items in the gift shop, but be mindful of other shoppers. It's a great place to capture souvenirs before or after the main exhibit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds and give your children ample time to explore without feeling rushed. The nearby complex often has dining options, including ice cream, making it easy to plan a full outing.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
Many reviewers note that it's one of the better train layouts they've encountered, with a high level of craftsmanship. Take your time to observe the different eras and types of trains, as well as the detailed miniature representations of local landmarks. The train store attached also offers a chance to find unique items related to the hobby.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers
The exhibit typically takes about an hour to fully appreciate, making it easy to fit into a busy itinerary. It's a great way to break up a longer drive or add a memorable experience to your day trip, especially if you're traveling with family. The proximity to other Strasburg attractions also makes it a convenient addition to a broader exploration of the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Miniature Worlds
The attention to detail is astounding, with scenes depicting everyday life, whimsical characters, and even local landmarks. Visitors often recommend taking multiple passes through the exhibit to truly absorb the sheer volume of detail.
Beyond the trains themselves, the Choo Choo Barn excels at creating a sense of wonder. The lighting effects, which include periods of darkness to highlight illuminated areas, add a theatrical flair to the experience. It's a testament to the artistry and dedication involved in creating such a captivating miniature world.
Lancaster County in Miniature
+1Iconic structures and scenes from the region are meticulously replicated, allowing you to spot familiar sights in a charming, scaled-down format. This thoughtful inclusion transforms the exhibit from a generic train display into a personalized journey through a beloved locale.
This dedication to local representation is a key reason why the Choo Choo Barn is considered a special attraction in Strasburg, PA. It offers a unique perspective on the area, blending the universal appeal of model trains with the specific charm of Lancaster County.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Don't forget to explore the attached gift shop and train store, which offer a variety of souvenirs and model train-related items.
Recent updates include the introduction of a Sensory Experience, demonstrating the venue's commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.
This, along with the interactive buttons and detailed scenes, contributes to the overall positive and engaging atmosphere. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit