Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Model Train Museum
Right at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City, the Model Train Museum holds one of the largest collections of Lionel™ trains in the country — more than 7,000 trains and accessories. It's a good stop before or after a train ride, and a solid rainy-day option for families.
What's Inside
- 7,000+ Lionel™ trains and accessories spanning decades
- Intricate model layouts with towns, tunnels, landscapes, and moving trains
- Rare and vintage Lionel™ pieces with historical context
- Interactive children's area for hands-on play
- Train-themed gift shop with collectibles and toys
Admission
- Free with a GSMR train ride ticket
- $9 for adults (12+), $5 for children (3–11), free for kids under 3
- Open daily (check the official site for seasonal hours)
When to Go
- Before or after a train ride: The natural pairing — the depot is right there.
- Rainy or cold days: A warm, engaging indoor option.
- Holiday seasons: Festive displays during Polar Express™ events.
Plan for 30–60 Minutes
That's enough time to walk through the full collection, let the kids explore the interactive area, and browse the gift shop. It's not a half-day commitment, which makes it easy to fold into a bigger Bryson City day.
Nearby
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad scenic excursions
- Downtown Bryson City shops and coffee houses
- Deep Creek hiking and waterfalls (a few minutes away)
- Swain County Heritage Museum
