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The place
About Choo Choo Barn
Choo Choo Barn is not another train ride. It is a 1,700-square-foot model railroad experience built for close looking: trains move through miniature Lancaster County scenes while hand-built figures, vehicles, lights, and mechanical animations turn the display into a living town.
The attraction grew from George Groff’s family model railroad and opened to the public in 1961. The Groff family expanded and refreshed it across two generations, preserving original scenes while adding new details and animations. In 2023, ownership of Choo Choo Barn and neighboring Strasburg Train Shop passed to Gary Russell, a lifelong train collector with experience in electronics and automation.
Most trains on the display are O gauge, with additional HO and N gauge trains. The attraction’s official FAQ describes original buildings and scenes that still survive, along with the motors, relays, gears, timers, and custom electronics that keep the animations working.
What stands out
A miniature Lancaster County
Local buildings, farms, roads, and railroad scenes reward a slow walk around the display.
Working mechanical animations
More than 180 animated figures and vehicles share the layout with 17 operating trains.
A living 1961 tradition
Original Groff-family scenes remain while the team repairs, updates, and adds features.
Pair it with the train
Why it belongs in a Strasburg Rail Road trip
Choo Choo Barn is about 0.3 mile from Strasburg Rail Road and works especially well before or after a scheduled departure. The railroad supplies the full-size steam experience; Choo Choo Barn lets families and modelers slow down and study a miniature railroad world indoors. Allow a separate hour rather than treating it as a quick gift-shop stop.
Before you go
Plan your visit
- Time to allowAt least 1 hour; the display shuts down promptly at closing time.
- 2026 hoursDaily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. while the attraction is in season. Confirm the operating calendar before traveling.
- 2026 admissionAdults 12+: $12; children 3–11: $8; children 2 and under: free. Two-day and group options are available.
- Best forFamilies, model railroaders, detail hunters, photographers, and multigenerational train trips.
- WheelchairsThe venue says standard wheelchairs can navigate the layout; scooters and motorized chairs may have difficulty with turns.
- StrollersSingle strollers fit. Double-wide strollers over 27 inches and double-long strollers do not.
Same owner · same address
Add Strasburg Train Shop
Continue next door for new and used model trains, scenery, detail parts, repairs, and layout help.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Is Choo Choo Barn a train ride?
No. It is an indoor, walk-around animated model railroad display. Pair it with Strasburg Rail Road when you want both a full-size train ride and a miniature railroad experience.
How long should I allow?
The official visitor guidance recommends at least one hour. Arrive early enough to finish because the display shuts down promptly at 5 p.m.
Can visitors take photographs?
Yes. Choo Choo Barn’s official FAQ welcomes both photography and video inside the display.
When is it least crowded?
The venue identifies Tuesday through Thursday as its generally less-crowded days.
Is it wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Standard wheelchairs and single strollers can navigate the layout. The venue cautions that scooters, motorized wheelchairs, double-wide strollers over 27 inches, and double-long strollers may not fit the turns.
Trust and accuracy
Sources
Source checked 2026-08-10. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.