Enchanted Railroad Enthralls Visitors
Editors: Photos Available
An intricate model train traveling through an indoor winter wonderland engages visitors.
LISLE, IL (November 8, 2012) – Kick off your Christmas festivities with a visit to our annual Enchanted Railroad, open Friday, November 23, 2012, to Sunday, January 6, 2013 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
“Many children stay at the exhibit for more than an hour, watching the trains and running back and forth from one side of the exhibit to the other,” shares Diana Fischer-Woods, Special Events Coordinator at the Arboretum. “I think the particular appeal of our exhibit is that they can get so close to the display.”
This year, attendees will be closer than ever to the action, according to Jim Rusch, Vice President of the LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago, which oversees the setup and running of the trains. “We wanted to make the exhibit more visible, so we have lowered the platform and removed the stairs. The trains will be easily seen from two feet off the ground.” There will be two levels of trains and, new this year, one of the trains will travel from the lower track to the upper track. The traffic flow of attendees is also being reworked to increase the viewing area.
Back again this year is our real water pond and the enchantment tree, complete with globe.
The LGB Model Railroad Club contributes one thousand volunteer hours to running the display. While the tracks, power supplies, and much of the set belong to the club, the trains are personally owned by club members and will rotate throughout the 44 days of the exhibit.
The club set up its first layout at the Arboretum in 2001. “In 2006, the first year that attendance records were kept, we had 13,000 visitors. Attendance has grown to over 20,000 in 2011, and we expect large crowds again this year,” says club member Kevin Kell.
Free timed tickets are available in Visitor Center on a first come, first served basis.
ADMISSION
Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children’s Garden are free with Arboretum admission. Parking is free with admission. The 2012 rates for Non-members are:
- $12/adult, ($8 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
- $11/senior, ($7 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
- $9/child ($6 on Wednesday), ages 2-17
- Under age 2 is free.
ABOUT THE MORTON ARBORETUM
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum on 1,700 acres. Plant collections, scientific research, and education programs support the mission to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Throughout natural landscapes are specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails, and nine miles of roads. Other offerings include tree-focused events, activities, and services for adults, children, professionals, and communities. The Arboretum welcomes 800,000 visitors annually and serves 34,000 member households. Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. More information is available at www.mortonarb.org or 630-968-0074.
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