Model Trains Station in Taylors, South Carolina, is indeed a unique destination. They are located in a restored industrial park and to begin with, it is a spectacular place, the restoration is gorgeous. It’s noticeably industrial but fully functional as a mixed-use space with restaurants, event spaces, and more.

They feature over a dozen full displays of miniature train layouts. You could honestly spend days peering at these tiny worlds, seeing new things every time you look. There are hidden bits and little jokes in every display. It’s extremely kid friendly, they even have several interactive setups specifically for children to operate. They also have a party room where they host birthday parties.

Speaking of setups to operate, getting to play with the trains is not just for kids. They have dozens of spots where you can interact with the displays and even operate the trains themselves. There is an in-house repair shop and watching volunteers repair the trains is as interesting as the displays themselves.

The volunteers are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the various displays and will take you all around pointing things out and telling you about the history of the place and the trains. They will give you as much or as little of a guided tour as you wish.