Like a physically impossible space right out of science fiction, the humble Clarendon Community Center in Illinois would seem to be much bigger on the inside than the outside. It contains the sprawling landscape created by the rail enthusiast demi-gods of the The Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club.

Top Places in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Willis Tower Glass Platform

Four glass boxes hover over 1,000 feet in the air to give visitors an unparalleled view of Chicago.

41.8789, -87.6363

Chicago, Illinois

The Empty Bottle

A beloved Chicago music venue offering cold beer and lots of “Friendly."

41.9004, -87.6868

Added by Dylan

Chicago, Illinois

Nelson Algren Memorial Fountain

Odd, decrepit fountain honors Chicago author who had mixed feelings about his hometown.

41.9036, -87.6671

Added by Dylan

See more things to do in Chicago »

Known as the Garfield Central, the massive miniature world features an entire railway eco-system ranging from passenger travel to coal transport. The winding, looping tracks are actually the fifth such project undertaken by the The Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club which has been painstakingly recreating tiny worlds since 1947. This most recent creation was inspired by their move to the Clarendon area (which also changed the name). The little landscape features all manner of detailed features ranging from water towers to blasted rock mountainsides to general stores, all built to such detail that they could all but be the real thing.

Visitors are welcome to drop by Garfield Central during their Friday night “operating hours,” however all other times of the week are seen as work time, since maintaining an entire world takes a great deal of oversight. Amatuer enthusiasts are even allowed to bring their own model trains to have them run the track (under supervision of a club member of course). With interest in traditional modeling on the wane, it’s important that groups like the Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club keep the tiny little fires burning so that amazing miniature landscapes like Garfield Central will continue to exist for another 50 years.

Illinois Week on Atlas Obscura was created in partnership with Enjoy Illinois as part of the launch of the new Illinois Obscura Society. Sign up to find out more about the back room tours, unusual adventures, and incredible parties that Atlas Obscura will be putting on in Chicago and greater Illinois.