Choo Choo Barn Traintown U.S.A.

Welcome to Traintown U.S.A.

The 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

Plus, 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

The 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.