When the Western PA Model Railroad Museum in Gibsonia asked us to come visit, we were absolutely thrilled! It’s an absolute local treasure and a magical part of the Christmas season.

Listening to the rhythmic thunks and clicks of 350 circling trains, it’s easy to see why the model trains represent hustle and bustle but also bring back memories of simpler times.

Holiday Train Display

Guests are greeted by a ticket window- similar to a real train station where admission tickets are purchased. Once inside, little ones will most likely be drawn to the interactive displays on the main floor. Kids have the chance to be “conductors” with buttons and switches to operate the trains. Nearby, young engineers will also love playing with toy trains and tracks.

Once you’re ready to move on, follow the railing upstairs to the main attraction. Guests can feast their eyes on the hard work of one of the oldest railroad organizations- The Holiday Train Display. On a self-guided tour, guests “travel” from Pittsburgh to MD through the 4,000 square foot display set in the 1950s. There are over 2000 cars, 350 locomotives and impressive landscapes, houses, stores, tracks, city scapes all set to an HO scale (1/87 of real life).

The upstairs display is phenomenal. As an adult, I reveled in the craftsmanship of all the displays made from clear epoxy, plaster molds, real rocks and more. Dozens of trains are simultaneously going around the 6,500 feet of tracks.

There are countless surprises and so many intricate little details that tell stories- from people shopping in town, to steel mill workers, to homes with children playing in the yard and people going about their daily lives.

Planning Your Visit

I highly recommend visiting the Western PA Model Railroad Museum with children. There are child-friendly platforms for viewing throughout the upstairs display and plenty to do and see to keep them busy.

It took us about 30-45 minutes to see everything, although we did not participate in the Holiday Train Show Scavenger Hunt (the older children in other groups were really having fun with it, though).

Also note, there’s a cash only snack bar with tons of options for food and refreshments. There’s seating available as well.

While you’re there, you may also want to stop by the museum gift shop with tons of train/trolley themed knick-knacks, toys and collectables.

The Western PA Western Railroad Museum is open November 8th through January 11th on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children.

The Western PA Model Railroad Museum is located at 5507 Lakeside Dr, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Be sure to check them out online, on Facebook and Twitter.

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