Toy train museum

National Toy Train Museum

About 0.5 mi

The Train Collectors Association’s museum of toy and model railroading, with one of the world’s largest interpreted toy-train collections, operating layouts, hands-on controls, and an adjoining research library.

The place

About National Toy Train Museum

The National Toy Train Museum presents toy and model railroading as both a hobby and a record of design, manufacturing, childhood, and railroad culture. The collection ranges from trains children pushed, pulled, or rode upon to miniature replicas and historically important production models.

Operating layouts are a central part of the visit, and some controls allow visitors to activate trains and accessories. The Train Collectors Association maintains the museum and a separate research library; library hours and appointments do not automatically match the public museum schedule.

The museum sits on Paradise Lane near other rail-themed stops but is not part of Strasburg Rail Road or Paradise Station. Admission, hours, parking, and management are separate, so its official calendar should be checked independently.

What stands out

A major toy-train collection

The museum interprets manufacturers, scales, eras, and changing forms of toy and model railroading.

Layouts that operate

Moving trains and visitor-activated features distinguish the experience from static display cases.

Research depth next door

The association’s library extends the site for collectors and researchers who arrange access.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Strasburg Rail Road trip

The museum is about half a mile from the Strasburg depot and requires its own drive, admission, and time block. It pairs especially well with the full-size state railroad museum or Choo Choo Barn, but three train attractions can easily fill a day.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Current calendarThe museum publishes a date-specific 2026 calendar and says it is open daily through January 19, 2027 except Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Confirm before traveling.
  • Current admissionPublished rates are $8.50 adults 12–64, $8 seniors 65+, $7.50 active or retired military with ID, $5.50 ages 4–11, and free under age 4.
  • AccessibilityThe museum says exhibits and library are on one step-free level and the museum is fully accessible. Call ahead for a specific assistance arrangement.
  • ParkingAmple onsite parking for cars and buses is published.
  • LibraryThe National Toy Train Library follows a different schedule. Researchers should call for an appointment rather than assume museum admission guarantees library access.
  • FamiliesOperating layouts and activatable features add motion, but adults should supervise children around museum exhibits and controls.

Compare scales

Add Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Follow the toy and model collection with more than 100 full-size locomotives and cars across from the Strasburg depot.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is this museum part of Strasburg Rail Road?

No. The Train Collectors Association operates it separately, with its own admission, schedule, and parking.

Do the trains run?

Yes. Operating layouts and visitor-activated features are central parts of the public museum experience.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

The museum says its exhibits and library are on one floor without steps and describes the facility as fully accessible.

Is the research library always open with the museum?

No. Library hours differ, and researchers are advised to call ahead for an appointment.

Where is the physical entrance?

Use the physical location at 300 Paradise Lane, Ronks, Pennsylvania 17572, not the organization’s Strasburg post-office box.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-11. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.