The Trains at NorthPark, a traditional holiday activity for many Dallas families, has returned for its 37th season, once again raising money for a good cause.
The attraction is the largest and most elaborate miniature train exhibit in Texas, featuring more than 600 customized railcars, engines, cabooses, and 1,600 feet of track. The trains wind their way through a replica of various locations across the United States, taking viewers on an imaginative journey through the fall foliage of New England, the cityscapes of New York and Dallas, the Grand Canyon, the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, and ending at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Sharp-eyed observers may even spot some interplanetary visitors along the way.
Local residents might recognize some familiar landmarks in the Dallas cityscape, such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and Fair Park.
The exhibit at the NorthPark Center mall, which runs through January 5, is located on Level 1 near Macy’s. Adult tickets are $10, while tickets for children ages 2-12 and seniors 65+ cost $5. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD), a non-profit organization that provides meals and housing for families whose children are receiving essential medical treatment at local hospitals.
Since its inception in 1987, the model train event has raised more than $18 million for the organization, and for the last 25 years, the seasonal exhibit has been displayed at NorthPark Center.
Another way that families can support RMHD is by purchasing a railcar, engine, or caboose — from now until December 13 — as a memento of this year’s exhibit. The cars range in price from $225 to $325.
RMHD is also accepting volunteers to help keep the train exhibit up and running. Those who want to sign up for the volunteer gig can do so at The Trains at NorthPark website.
