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Our Favorite Train Exhibits in Kansas City
Our jewel of the Midwest is home to many amazing ways to learn about the past to build a better future. Union Station is proud to present some of the best train exhibits in Kansas City, but we’re not the only ones! Whether you’re a hardcore rail fan or just love to learn, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in one of America’s busiest hubs of rail travel!
KC Northern Miniature Railroad
From May to October, you can enjoy a bite-sized taste of what makes rail travel so much fun! The Kansas City Northern Railroad may not be the fastest or the biggest train line in KC, but it sure knows how to have a good time. In Frank Vaydick Line Creek Park, 16-inch gauge trains roar to life for families and rail fans through the expansive, miniature rail system!
This is one of our favorite train exhibits in Kansas City because each train is modeled after the real streamliners that roared through Union Station in the early heyday of rail travel! Each train is maintained and operated as a labor of love from community members across KC. So grab your conductor cap, and head to North KC for big fun on small-scale trains!
Kansas City’s Harlem
In the early days of railroading in the Midwest, a small community had a huge impact on the future of Kansas City. Before the Hannibal Bridge connected the Kansas and Missouri banks, Harlem was at the center of commerce during the earliest days of our urban development. Harlem was where trains would offload their goods to be loaded on ferryboats that would cross the Missouri.
During the 1900s, Harlem reached a peak of nearly 600 citizens, but now, the remnants of this once-great community are almost entirely forgotten. That’s why the historical marker located near Charles Wheeler Airport is one of the most significant train exhibits in Kansas City. We always recommend visiting this historical marker to learn about the community that helped make Kansas City the metropolis it is today!
The KC Rail Experience
When it comes to railroading in KC, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in history than Union Station! Every square foot of our hallowed halls has played a pivotal role in rail travel throughout the Midwest. So, climb aboard and explore some of the best train exhibits in Kansas City with us!
Rail and Mail Exhibit
As you walk through our front doors, make your way to the USPS office. There, you’ll find some of the original carts that carried dozens of bags of mail to trains crossing the US through Kansas City! On the walls surrounding these wagons, you can read the amazing Romance of Rail and Mail that’s still alive and well today! To get your fill of fun as well, make your way down the Grand Plaza to see history in motion!
Model Train Exhibit
Our expansive model train gallery is a delight for kids and kids at heart to enjoy small-scale railroading at its finest! Over 8,000 square feet of model trains fly around tracks adorned with detailed communities with fun easter eggs throughout! This is a must-see exhibit for rail fans of all ages to celebrate the hobby of model railroading.
More to Explore
There’s so much more to explore and enjoy at Union Station! From historical discoveries to unforgettable memories, there’s no better place to experience the best train exhibits in Kansas City! Plan your visit to learn, explore, and enjoy the place where KC comes together.