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