Choo Choo Barn
Choo Choo Barn
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Over 70 years in the making, this gigantic model train layout is still owned and operated by the Groff family. Master modeler, Tom Groff, designs and adds new animations, scale buildings and local scenes each year. See a fire engine race to the rescue to put out the fire at a burning house – with real water! Watch in awe as night falls over Traintown, USA. You’ll recognize local landmarks like Dutch Wonderland and the Strasburg Railroad – in detailed miniature! This is much more than a train display – it is an amazing, hand-built work of art.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
500 reviews
Excellent
347
Very good
103
Average
42
Poor
4
Terrible
4
agdwsu
Detroit, MI310 contributions
Aug 2021
We visited a lot of train attractions in Strasburg, and while they were all great, this one was our favorite. The level of detail in this layout was astounding. The longer we were there, the more details we found. Many of the scenes and buildings are exact replicas of buildings in Strasburg, so it was even more impressive when we realized that the layout included the lodging where we were staying and other places we had seen around town. Every 10 minutes, the lights go down as "night" descends on the layout. There is also a scavenger hunt that older kids and adults can attempt while checking out the display.
We arrived about an hour an a half before closing and had the place to ourselves. It was great. The gift shop had lots of great items and it was all affordable. This attraction is well worth the admission price, and they offered a family rate as well.
We arrived about an hour an a half before closing and had the place to ourselves. It was great. The gift shop had lots of great items and it was all affordable. This attraction is well worth the admission price, and they offered a family rate as well.
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darlene D
Dalton, PA34 contributions
Dec 2019
This is really unique. It takes about 1/2 hour to get all the way around the display.
The detail and scenery are outstanding. There are buttons to push to activate
numerous animations and the lights go off several times to showcase the
different nighttime activities. You're given a sheet when you go in to inform you of
special features. This is well worth the entrance fee and adults will enjoy it as much
as kids. The people that run it are very friendly & have a store with all kinds of train
related items. This is a must see!
The detail and scenery are outstanding. There are buttons to push to activate
numerous animations and the lights go off several times to showcase the
different nighttime activities. You're given a sheet when you go in to inform you of
special features. This is well worth the entrance fee and adults will enjoy it as much
as kids. The people that run it are very friendly & have a store with all kinds of train
related items. This is a must see!
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chuck-Maria T
Annandale, VA21 contributions
Dec 2022
I love this place so much. We could spend hours trying to see everything and still not succeed. There are so many lovely, enjoyable moments in this miniature train community. You don't have to be a train aficionado to appreciate the details and craft that went into bringing this place to life.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RYC88
Centreville, VA1,154 contributions
Nov 2022
I could go on and on and on about how fabulous this train display is, but I would just be repeating everyone else. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to look at everything and to walk around the display more than once. The scavenger hunt adds a fun little element and for the holidays, counting the Santas is great fun, too. The craftsmanship and detail and care of the display is truly incredible. There's a little gift store, too, and the staff is super nice. Do not miss this!
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
veryyellow
Princeton, NJ164 contributions
Jul 2021
We are family of 3 grown adults, just try to pass time before our next tour. So happy we stopped here! The attention to detail of each and everyone of both moving and non-moving parts were amazing. The ticket lady gave us a paper to spot/test our observation skill. So much fun whan we 'find it!' Ha ha ....Do not want to go to detail. One must experience by oneself. The company's ornament will be hanging at my Christmas tree this year, to remember the fun time with family!
Please wear mask my friends. This place is small and packed. We love people and want everybody to live to explore all these beautiful things for a long time.
Note: PA has already relaxed the mask rules at the time of our visit. The company did not require mask wearing. They did not do anything wrong.
Please wear mask my friends. This place is small and packed. We love people and want everybody to live to explore all these beautiful things for a long time.
Note: PA has already relaxed the mask rules at the time of our visit. The company did not require mask wearing. They did not do anything wrong.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BeachSteelerfans
Daytona Beach, FL28 contributions
Apr 2022
Wow! Reasonably priced way to spend an hour or two. The train layout is overwhelming in detail and fun to find all the little animated characters and actions. This challenge will enthrall kids as well as adults. You don't have to like model trains to appreciate the entire display. You walk out admiring the man who dedicated so much of his life to create this engaging and imaginative display.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bubviv
Dublin, Ireland626 contributions
Dec 2022
OMG, this place is just too adorable!! We loved every second of being here and would visit again. Totally amazing display, 22 working train sets, lots of easter egg scenes hidden within the scenery. We felt like children all over again. Even Frank Sinatra loved coming here, he sent many letters of thanks to the owners. His letters can be seen framed on the wall.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
briankeh
Waterford, MI370 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
This is a layout with a lot going on. It is highly detailed. There are animated scenes everywhere you look. Some are quite sophisticated such as a fire truck driving from the station to the fire and the crew spraying real water before the truck returns to the station.
Most of the scenes depicted and animated are real locations from the local area including the Strasburg railroad which actually decouples the engine and moves it to the other end of the train at each end of the line.
The track is Lionel style 3-rail. Train speeds and motions are geared more to keeping things exciting instead of prototypical operations. The trail control is sophisticated with trains going in opposite directions sharing the same stretches of track.
I would definitely recommend it especially if you have kids.
Most of the scenes depicted and animated are real locations from the local area including the Strasburg railroad which actually decouples the engine and moves it to the other end of the train at each end of the line.
The track is Lionel style 3-rail. Train speeds and motions are geared more to keeping things exciting instead of prototypical operations. The trail control is sophisticated with trains going in opposite directions sharing the same stretches of track.
I would definitely recommend it especially if you have kids.
Written May 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jerseymariner
Rio Grande, NJ683 contributions
Nov 2020
This place is just fun and fascinating. We had our 7yo grand daughter with us and she was just amazed at how intricate and complex the whole layout is. They provided her with a "scavenger hunt" list of things to look for as we walked around and she loved it. Covid rules are being adhered to and don't really cause a problem if you get there early like we did.
Of course there was a tour of the gift shop up front on our way out and she went away with some toys. Prices were reasonable, but be aware that the 'Lego-like' kits are off-brand and not of the same quality as the brand. Ok for the price, but just a bit less quality if you're used to the real Legos.
Of course there was a tour of the gift shop up front on our way out and she went away with some toys. Prices were reasonable, but be aware that the 'Lego-like' kits are off-brand and not of the same quality as the brand. Ok for the price, but just a bit less quality if you're used to the real Legos.
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MT5211
Northeast US207 contributions
Oct 2020
We stopped in on a rainy weekday in the off season and had the place to ourselves.
I'd been by a jillion times but finally decided to visit now that my little boys are old enough to appreciate it, and they did.
The attraction is well run, clean, interesting and the staffer was polite and accommodating. It was a nice treat to deal with customer service people who aren't bossy and act like you are inconveniencing them with your paid presence.
There was a nice shop (of course) to buy souvenirs and next door was a larger store for more serious trains and modeling supplies.
I also received a nice surprise when they offered me a veteran's discount that knocked a third off the entrance fee for my entire family of four.
I highly recommend you support this business. They are deserving of your money and it will be well spent.
I'd been by a jillion times but finally decided to visit now that my little boys are old enough to appreciate it, and they did.
The attraction is well run, clean, interesting and the staffer was polite and accommodating. It was a nice treat to deal with customer service people who aren't bossy and act like you are inconveniencing them with your paid presence.
There was a nice shop (of course) to buy souvenirs and next door was a larger store for more serious trains and modeling supplies.
I also received a nice surprise when they offered me a veteran's discount that knocked a third off the entrance fee for my entire family of four.
I highly recommend you support this business. They are deserving of your money and it will be well spent.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Solomon S
Lakewood, NJ53 contributions
1)How tall do children have to be to view the exhibits on their own?
2)How how much time should I allocate to spend here?
3) Is it all in one room or are there multiple rooms?
stephenmac
Cochranville, PA139 contributions
One large room, you walk along the walls around the edge of the layout. A 4’ person should be able to see all of it well. You could spend 45 minutes to an hour if you took your time to look at all the details they have put into it.
Checur
1 contribution
How much does it cost?
choochoobarn
Strasburg, PA
Hello! The admission is $7.50 for adults, $4.50 for kids (ages 3-11) and under 3 is free! We hope to see you soon!
Nancy W
Sykesville, MD1 contribution
Is this an appropriate tour for 4 kids ages 3-9? How long does it take?
ChooChooBarn1961
Downingtown, PA8 contributions
Hi!
Yes, the Choo Choo Barn is definitely appropriate for your group! The tour is self guided so you can stay as long as you'd like. We recommend to allow at least 45 minutes, but you're certainly welcome to stay longer!
We pass out a "scavenger hunt" that will keep the kids engaged as you circle the layout. It's a list of about 25 different things to look for - so the older kids can help the younger kids!
Thanks for asking and we hope to see you soon!
Kristi Largoza
Choo Choo Barn, Inc
Choo Choo Barn (Strasburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Choo Choo Barn
- Choo Choo Barn is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Choo Choo Barn:
- (0.34 mi) The Carriage House at Strasburg
- (0.56 mi) 1786 The Limestone Inn B&B
- (1.07 mi) Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast
- (0.46 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lancaster East - Strasburg, an IHG Hotel
- (0.78 mi) Red Caboose Motel, Restaurant & Gift Shop
- Restaurants near Choo Choo Barn:
- (0.04 mi) Isaac's Restaurant - Strasburg
- (0.06 mi) Uncle Leroy's
- (0.06 mi) Isaac's Restaurants
- (0.33 mi) Speckled Hen
- (0.54 mi) Fireside Tavern