Fieldtrip: Northlandz, Home of the Great American Railway

For the last year, every time we have driven up to New York to visit my in-laws, we have passed this out-of-place gray building that looks something like an old function hall. A big sign out front says NORTHLANDZ, with some reference to trains. Every time we pass by, we look at each other and say "Some day we should check that place out." And then we keep driving.

Last Sunday, we made it our destination. A little over an hour north of NW Philly in Flemington, NJ, it is Northlandz: Home of the Worlds Largest Model Railroad, Doll Museum, and Art Gallery. They left off 'Dream Land of Little Boys of all ages'. My husband left saying it was one of the Top 10 coolest places he has ever visited.


8 miles of train track with up to 100 trains running daily. 1 mile and 2 stories of winding walking tour. Amazingly detailed dioramas you revisit from different angles and heights. Neat little story cards with information or history about the scenes you are viewing. Humorously creative scenarios with titles like 'Little Girly Gulch' (where an unrestrained toddler actually climbed over the wall). Strategically placed steps for littler kids to get a better view. A 94 room dollhouse display, doll exhibits, and mini art galleries along the way. And a music hall with pipe organs that actually get played throughout the day!


And after all that, a little outdoor train ride on the Raritan River Railway.


Have I enticed you? The museum is open Mon, Wed, Thurs, and Fri from 10:30-4 and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30-5:30. Admission is $13.75 for adults, $9.75 for kids 2-12. Children under 2 are free. The little steam engine ride is extra, but less than $3 per person.

Northlandz does have a small snack bar (think soft pretzels and hot dogs), but if you have the time, I would highly recommend heading into Flemington to the Shaker Cafe on Main St. Very family friendly with great food and the decor makes for a great 'I Spy' game with kids. We actually headed up early in the morning and went there for breakfast before the museum.

Northlandz is one of those places we will probably go back to every year for years to come, as it easily entertained everyone - from our two-year-old to Grandma and Grandpa. Check it out!