model train set on track

Our Exhibits at The National Toy Train Museum

Those who have yet to visit us in person often ask, “what’s so special about the Museum?” And there’s no short answer! For starters, the Museum is designed like an old-time Victorian-era train station on the exterior, yet our interior spaces and galleries feature the latest in toy train exhibits and modern LED lighting.

And that’s not nearly all!

Our collection is truly massive—one of the largest of toy trains in the world—with models on display from the 1800s through the present day. No matter your favorite manufacturer, we can guarantee they are well-represented throughout our collection and current exhibits.

Whether you’re new to the lively hobby of collecting, building, and operating toy trains or you’ve been a toy train enthusiast for decades, you will delight in our dynamic displays, including several operating, interactive train layouts in G, Standard, O, S, and HO Gauges, Replica Lionel D-265 O Gauge, and LEGO®.

Also on-site, our full-service Toy Train Library can assist with all of your toy train research needs.

What Will You See in the Museum?

Visitors to the National Toy Train Museum will experience one of the most extensive toy train collections in the world. This includes a variety of meticulously maintained model train layouts, trains that children pushed, pulled, or rode upon, and a variety of miniature trains that are accurate replicas of their full-sized counterparts. Train videos also run continuously on a large-screen television system, providing an immersive multimedia experience.

We portray toy trains arranged by themes—such as old, rare, and historical examples—and by track gauges, many as they might be in actual use in someone’s own layout. (Such layouts are large and quite complex, requiring dedicated care and maintenance.)

Trains from Our Permanent Collection on Display

Our oldest toy trains date back to the 19th century, though we also have many objects that kids of all ages will remember from their childhoods in the 20th and 21st centuries! See some samples of our vast collection now by browsing an array of high-quality individual car and train photos along with overall exhibit views.

Changing Special Exhibits

Special exhibits at the National Toy Train Museum present unusual arrangements of vintage trains, many the only of their kind. Railfans won’t want to miss their chance to see rare trains on display for a limited time only. Of course, we understand that not everyone can travel to the Museum multiple times per season. That’s why we have captured several of our favorite exhibits here on the website!

Have Questions?

Get the Answers to Your FAQs—or Contact Us Today!
If you have questions about our facility, exhibits, collection, or anything else, you can browse our FAQs page or simply get in touch with our friendly staff!

Contact the Museum


Local Toy Train Enthusiasts—We Need Your Help!

For toy train enthusiasts local to Strasburg, PA, we would love to have you volunteer your time with our Museum Committee. Much of the Museum Committee’s work takes place on Saturdays between January and March when the Museum is closed each year to upgrade, change, and maintain our layouts and exhibits. If you enjoy the toy train hobby and want to share your skills with us, please contact us to “hop on board!”

You Can Also Donate Objects to the Collection

The National Toy Train Museum is always looking for specific trains and other display objects to enhance our collection. Please browse our frequently updated wish list of original (not reproduction) items that we are actively seeking, and let us know what you have!