The Trains at NorthPark, presented by Bank of Texas, celebrates its 25thanniversary this holiday season. The most elaborate toy trains exhibit in Texas, The Trains at NorthPark includes trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey across America.
Cityscapes include downtown Dallas, with the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the State Fair of Texas and the Cotton Bowl; New York City’s Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; New England’s fall foliage; the Grand Canyon, Route 66, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and various other highlights.
The exhibit encompasses more than 4,000 square feet of train themed environments, with all the trimmings of the holiday train travel experience—steam engine and coach cars, a ticket booth and a train station.
In honor of the 25th anniversary, the exhibit’s new additions include the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, hot air balloons in Albuquerque, a trolley car, new Ronald McDonald House building, and new interactive features. More than 80,000 people visit The Trains at NorthPark each season as part of their holiday tradition.
By the numbers:
- Approximately 1,600 feet of track.
- 26 loops of 3 rail O gauge track
- 26 Lionel train sets hauling more than a hundred pieces of rolling stock and pieces.
Saturday, November 17, 2012 through Sunday, January 6, 2013
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m.
Early Closings: November 21, Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m., December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m., December 31, New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m., January 1, New Year’s Day, at 6 p.m., Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; Open New Year’s Day.
Located at NorthPark Center, Level Two between Barney’s New York and Nordstrom, North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225. At The Trains at NorthPark, there will be a Lionel trains kiosk to purchase trains merchandise and other gifts.
The cost is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children (ages 2 to 12) and senior citizens (65 and older), Children under 2 admitted free. Discount tickets available at Tom Thumb ($1.00 off regular admission)
Kid Conductor
Lila Grace Ruiz is this year’s Kid Conductor who has stayed at the House. She battles a rare congenital disease that affects major organs like the bladder, liver, colon, and stomach and keeps food, fluid, and air from passing through the body normally. There is no cure and she will need constant medical care for the rest of her life. Most recently, she has had severe allergic reactions to fire ants. Her blog is www.staystronglila.com/.
Railcars
Hand-painted railcars are available to purchase, and they can be personalized. In honor of the 25th anniversary, there is also a limited edition silver anniversary boxcar available. Railcars must be ordered by November 1st to be in the exhibit, but orders will still be taken. A standard railcar is $175, a caboose is $225, and an engine is $325. Visit www.rmhdallas.org to place an online order.