The Tip of the Mitt (Division 2), of the North Central Region (NCR), of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) is hosting a special one-time, no-cost event.

While this is a free event, we are asking that an at-will donation be made to support our local Food Pantries: Leelanau Christian Neighbors and Father Fred Foundation of Traverse City. Donation containers will be available at each of the open railroads. 

Reserve your spot now! RSVP today!

Railroad Basics

• There will be six (6) operating model railroads to visit in and around the Traverse City area.
• There are three (3) in Leelanau County, tw0 (2) in Grand Traverse County, and one (1) in Benzie County.
• The model railroads range between 32 sq. ft. and 1500 sq. ft. in size; everything from a 4’ x 8’ tabletop to complete basements.
• Most of the railroads are between 90% and 100% complete.  
• All the layouts are in HO scale (1:87).
• You are visiting individual residences.     
• This is a family friendly event. Young children are welcome, but they must be supervised by an adult.
• Visit one or as many as you like.
• Note: None of the open railroads are considered Handicap Accessible. All have steps and/or narrow doorways.

Railroad Descriptions

Follow the links below to view descriptions, photos, and an occasional video, of the open railroads.

Railroad Locations

Here’s the Grand Traverse Area Model Railroad NMRA Open House Google Map that you can use to find the layouts and navigate to them. You can either use the interactive map below, or you can click the link above and open the map in Google Maps on your phone, tablet, or computer. Click/tap on one of the layout icons on the map to view:

• A photo of that layout.
• A link to that layout’s website with photos and descriptions.
• Special parking considerations (if any) for that layout.
• Which food pantry that layout benefits.
• A directions button to navigate to that layout.

Look for a sign with traditional railroad crossbucks to indicate the location of a layout.

Once you decide which layouts to visit, please start your tour with the layout closest to your location. Hopefully this will reduce congestion at the first railroad you visit.

Note that the US31 construction zone near Interlochen may impact the route that Google Maps chooses to reach the layouts to the south. The Google Maps application knows about the construction zone and will properly route you through or around it as necessary.

RSVP Now!

Please include the total number of guests in your group when you RSVP.