misty mountain model railroad

What you will see is a work of love by many people who contributed their skills over many years to build this magnificent model railroad. Several trains run through tracks that depict many of Georgia´s landmarks, each build with amazing detail. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the visit. Check webpage for dates and times as it does not open every day!

We enjoyed the actual train models. We did not enjoy the boring DVD we had to watch in the mildew smelling basement before we were allowed to go in.

As others have stated, this is the most amazing train layout I have ever seen. It is not only huge, but it is beautifully detailed, in a rather whimsical way. There is a sailing ship (like a Spanish galleon) in the "river" near Tallulah Gorge, which just makes me laugh, but I can see others scratching their heads and saying "huh" with that one. Some local businesses are honored, such as Jacky Jones Ford. And there is a street car that surges through Atlanta, just like in the 40s. This attraction would probably be worth five stars plus, but it was created not for spectators, but for the collector himself. Although that gentleman is now deceased, it is still privately owned, so the rules are just a bit restrictive. It is only open 3 or 4 days a week, for a couple of hours. Officially, that is 2-4. For those who arrive at 1:30 pm, the lower level is open to see shelves and more shelves of trains. Then the hosts (relatives of the creator) talk a bit and show part of a DVD that shows the layout from the point of view of the train, as well as interviewing three main architects of the layout. At 2:00 they tell you to go outside and up one level, to see the train layout. There were quite a few guests when we were there, so it took a while to get us all into the building. When they open the inner door you just kinda go, "wow!" You get to walk through the whole thing, but only once. If I were to do this again, I would try to be last in line, thus not having to move at the pace of others. When you finish, there are copies of the DVD for sale, and I think it is worth it.As this attraction is not really designed for a crowd of tourists, the owners are no doubt trying to share it, but not make it a full time job. So, the short hours and "once and done" approach make sense. Be forewarned about the situation, then enjoy it. Really, it is awesome.

What a great model railroad display here. Lots of work went into this hometown attraction tucked away just south of town. Take the grand kids and enjoy.

Our family visited during our family reunion in the area. We were pleasantly surprised to see all the creativity and time put into the cleverly built model trains. I could probably visiting several times and never see all of the details.

My two sons, ages 7 and 5, are obsessed with trains, so we had to make a stop by this model railroad on our recent trip to North GA. It was incredible! I'm not much of a train fan, but the detail and time that went into this project is truly astonishing, and I was blown away. There is a lot to see, so take your time. The only real downside is that they request you walk through just once, so you really have to go slow. But, wow. Interesting replicas of real places and plenty of humor, as well.The hours are strict, and they are only open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. A brief presentation begins at 1:30PM, and the model railroad walk-through begins at 2:00PM. Entrance is $5/adult, and children are free.

This is a model train lover's paradise. One man spent 15 of his retirement years constructing everything he loved about this corner of Georgia - and stretched it a little to include Atlanta and even bits of North Carolina. Be sure to arrive by 1:30 PM for the introductory movie describing the process of putting this unique bunch of scenery, architecture, bridges, sounds, and, of course, trains - a lot of trains - together in one entertaining spot. At 2 PM, the doors open and the one-time through parade of people begins. Children of all ages should be able to find something they love here.

The guys that built this model rr have done a wonderful job. The history that Charles gives beforehand is very interesting. I live in the area and enjoy taking visitors here. They all come away with a wonderful experience.

Great presentation, display, novelty/detail of panorama.. even gave us more history of the area...(only downside: "donation" was actually REQUIRED for entrance -- minimal amt, but not the usual definition of the word )

Took my 9 year old grandchild. I thought he would be amused, but instead he was mesmorized! It was pouring the day we went there, and going up the mountain roads were frightening, but the ride was well worth it. It is only open four days a week at 2 o'clock and the cost is $5.00 for adults and children are free. The admission fee for adults goes to charity. It took three friends seven years to build, so that will give you some idea of how detailed this exhibit is. I also bought the DVD and showed it to all my friends when I returned home. Great place to visit!

I was genuinely surprised about this experience. When my parents suggested it while we were on a multi-generation family trip, I thought I would be bored (ho - hum...another train museum). This one has a twist...you walk among an elaborate train set-up which took years to build and spans 3,000 sq ft. It depicts many of GA's famous spots (they are missing The Varsity lol). The $5 per adult (kids free) tour starts in the garage of the family home. One of the builders leads a brief talk and shows a video. Then it is onto the tour where you walk right next to the trains - perfect level for the kids (strict no touching policy) and I think my 6-year old liked this the best. Try to get at the front of the line - we were led by the wife of one of the builders and she gave us a lot of history of the builders and different sets. Take the time to see this one if you are a train enthusiast!

Took our grandchildren to see this and it was beyond our expectations. Went over a holiday. It was very crowded, but still got quite a bit of time inside.

This was a fabulous way to spend the afternoon for the whole family. Grandchildren were very entertained and impressed also.

We went to this exhibit not knowing what to expect. It was awesome to see the amount of work this man and his family have put into this display. There is no plexiglass wall separating you from the display like most others. Children and adults alike can see the detail and trains up close. The owner is very particular about his set-up -- as he should be. It has taken him 14+ years to make and it shows. $5 fee is donated to local charities, no charge for small children.

We had no idea what to expect after seeing the pitiful model train exhibit in Helen, but we were pleasantly surprised! We will go each year now just to see what else we can discover!