Packed with miniature scenes and chugging trains, the Enchanted Railroad returns for its 18th year, running Jan. 17 to Feb. 23 at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. The indoor, kid-friendly exhibit showcases model G-scale trains zipping around tree-laden landscapes.
“The Morton Arboretum is a great place to visit all year round, and the Enchanted Railroad provides families with another activity to enjoy in the winter,” said Mary D’Amico, special events coordinator. “The scenery includes representation of a few of the arboretum’s tree collections and events and highlights the importance that trees play in our lives.”
The exhibit comes to life thanks to several dedicated hobbyists.
“The arboretum partners with the LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago, which provides approximately 17 large-scale model trains,” D’Amico said. “Some of the club’s members serve as conductors through the run of the exhibit, sharing their knowledge and passion for this hobby.”
The room-size, two-level, child-height display is engaging for all ages.
“This year, the Enchanted Railroad will feature new interactive buttons,” D’Amico said. “Children will be able to light up a miniature tree with lights that resemble a display from the arboretum’s ‘Illumination: Tree Lights’ and view a scene from the Husky Heroes dog sled event.”
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About 20,000 people are expected to visit during the five-week run of the exhibit.
“It is popular with families, but visitors of all ages enjoy watching the intricate model trains winding through enchanted scenery,” D’Amico said.
Be sure to take time to take in all the creative little touches.
“My favorite part of the Enchanted Railroad event is that you notice something different about the display every time you see it,” D’Amico said. “There are so many intricate details, sights and sounds to enjoy.”
The Enchanted Railroad is open in the Sycamore Room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends through Feb. 23. Tickets are free with admission to the arboretum, which ranges from $7 to $15; members are free as are children 1 and younger. Visitors must pick up timed tickets for the exhibit at the Visitor Center Information Desk, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some time slots do fill, so it’s a good idea to get your tickets when you arrive.
For kids who may become overstimulated by the sights and sounds of all those trains zipping by, sensory-friendly times also will be offered again this year. Registration for those time slots will be capped at 40 guests for a less crowded experience. The volume of the railroad display noises will be turned down as well, and sensory tools will be available. Sensory-friendly hours are 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Sundays Jan. 21 to Feb. 18, with the exception of Feb. 2.
Enchanted Railroad at The Morton Arboretum
When: Jan. 17 to Feb. 23
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Tickets: $7-$15; free for members and children 1 and younger
Information: 630-968-0074; www.mortonarb.org/events/enchanted-railroad
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.