Choo Choo Barn – Traintown U.S.A.

Choo Choo Barn - Strasburg, Pa

Choo Choo Barn

226 Gap Road (Route 741)
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-7911

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Rates & Hours    Directions     FAQS     Video     History

 

Welcome to Traintown U.S.A.

Choo Choo Barn - Strasburg, PaThe Choo Choo Barn is a fascinating stop for kids of all ages.

Remember the model train you had as a kid? Or the one you wish you had? Well, the Choo Choo Barn has 22 model trains intersecting and winding in and out through a 1,700 square foot display. It’s fun to watch all the activity with a child’s heart and imagination.

But this gigantic model train display is more than just another train layout.  In between the 22 trains and train tracks you’ll find over 150 hand-built animated figures, vehicles and action sequences, such as these:

  • Watch a house catch on fire, and then see and hear the fire truck race to the scene and spray a stream of water to put out the fire.
  • Watch skiers ski down the snow-capped mountain, while a ski lift takes others back to the top of the ski slope.
  • The circus is it town, so you can see all the animals in their cages and watch a performance taking place under the big top.
  • The parade is in town, too.
  • There’s even an airplane circling overhead.
  • And as evening comes and the display room darkens, you’ll see all the house and building and street lights come on as this fascinating display takes on a whole different feel at nighttime.

It’s Lancaster County in Miniature

Choo Choo Barn - Strasburg, PaPlus, the Choo Choo Barn displays Lancaster County in miniature:

  • The Strasburg Rail Road steams past the Red Caboose Motel and Restaurant.
  • The monorail circles above the castle at Dutch Wonderland, complete with moving amusement rides.
  • Water from the stream operates the large mill at Mill Bridge Village.
  • Watch all the activity at an Amish barn raising as the workers saw wood and pound in nails with their hammers.

As you wind your way around this fascinating display, you see something different from every angle. This train and animated display is a unique, animated work of art that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Visitors from around the world have been fascinated by this unique display for years. It has been featured in Lionel Trains’ “Historic Layout Series”. This miniature world is a totally unique experience for all ages. Bring your camera.

Choo Choo Barn History and a Peak Behind the Scenes

Choo Choo Barn - Strasburg, PaThe Choo Choo Barn traces its origin back to the Groff family’s basement.  George Groff created the family’s first train display with a Lionel train set in 1945. Every year the layout grew until eventually he opened the Choo Choo Barn as a Strasburg area attraction in 1961.

The display has been growing ever since with son Tom now the chief engineer and site designer.

The intricate detail of the displays are as fascinating as the display itself.  On their website, you can watch a series of videos of how Tom carefully crafts some of his displays. Tom also answers a number of frequently asked questions about the display.

Hours and Location

The Choo Choo Barn is located along Route 741 just east of Strasburg and just west of the Strasburg Rail Road. (See the map below.) You can check operating hours and rates here.

Strasburg Train Shop

Many of the items used in the Choo Choo Barn display are available to the public at the Strasburg Train Shop next door. The Train Shop is a model railroading headquarters, with over 2,000 sq. ft. of model trains and supplies, and specializing in detail parts and scenery! Their staff can help you detail your own layout. Plus, they buy and sell used trains. They are open seven days a week, and have an online store as well.

 

Fern And Fountain Wedding Photography - Lancaster, Pa
Fern And Fountain Wedding Photography - Lancaster, Pa
Fern And Fountain Wedding Photography - Lancaster, Pa
Fern And Fountain Wedding Photography - Lancaster, Pa
Fern And Fountain Wedding Photography - Lancaster, Pa
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Choo Choo Barn

226 Gap Road (Route 741)
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-7911

Visit Website

Rates & Hours    Directions     FAQS     Video     History

 

Choo Choo Barn Logo

Attractions and Points of Interest Near Me:

Below are some attractions and points of interest near the Choo Choo Barn. These listings may be paid or sponsored.

Lil’ Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm

Lil’ Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm

Stop in and say Hello to the miniature horses at our Old Order Amish farm just outside Strasburg. They are gentle, friendly, and waiting to be petted. Saddle rides and cart rides are available. Our Lil' Country Store features many Amish hand-crafted products, including framed prints, quillows, birdhouses, and food products.

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Sight & Sound Theatres

Sight & Sound Theatres

Sight & Sound Theatres is where the Bible comes to life on stage! Massive sets, live animals, and special effects transport you right into the heart of the story. This year, don’t miss your chance to experience DANIEL—a spectacular theatrical experience for the whole family!

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Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg Rail Road

Take a train ride through PA Dutch Country. Enjoy a 45-minuted, narrated ride aboard an authentic steam train at America’s oldest short-line railroad. Plus, enjoy extras like our miniature steam train, pump car, or our behind-the-scenes tour of our mechanical shop. Dine on train, at the café, or the picnic groves.

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Verdant View Farm Tours

Verdant View Farm Tours

Visit a 4th-generation family farm. Milk a cow, feed a calf, visit the chicken coop, and interact with animals.  Stay overnight and enjoy a farmer's breakfast, or join a guided tour and farmstead workshop.  View availability and book online at
verdantview.com.

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Cherry Crest Adventure Farm – Family Fun on the Farm

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm – Family Fun on the Farm

Join over a million adventurers. Over 50 Farm Fun Activities for all ages. Home of the Amazing Maize Maze. Entertain family and friends as you visit our farm animal center, singing chicken show, pedal karts, pumpkin slinger, guided wagon tour, and more. See you at  Cherry Crest Adventure Farm.

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Strasburg Train Shop

Strasburg Train Shop

Your model railroading headquarters, with over 2,000 sq. ft. of model trains and supplies – specializing in detail parts and scenery! Our knowledgeable staff will help you detail your layout. We buy and sell used trains. Order online, or visit us next door to the Choo Choo Barn. Open seven days a week.

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Day Out With Thomas at Strasburg Rail Road

Day Out With Thomas at Strasburg Rail Road

Arriving at Strasburg three times a year, Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy invite the family along on a 20-minute adventure. Ride aboard the larger-than-life coal-burning steam train before exploring an array of family activities loaded with fun. Tickets are available at  www.StrasburgRailRoad.com.   Advance purchase recommended.

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