What is the Morris Arboretum Garden Railroad?

 I've already mentioned to you guys my soft spot for Garden Railroads, but something else I enjoy is a good Christmas Garden Railroad. Yes I know depending on where you are it's quite cold out and would probably be best to stay inside (or look at lights in a warm car), I can't help but get a kick out of seeing the large scale trains run around displays covered in Christmas lights, sort of like the one in Morris Arboretum. 

Before I get to that though, let's talk about the Morris Arboretum's garden railroad in general. 

What is the Morris Arboretum:

Located in Philadelphia (outside of the city), the Morris Arboretum has much to see and do for those that want to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, including a rose garden, log cabin, and plenty of places to picnic. 

As for the garden railway, it started back in 1998, with only just a few trains running around, but overtime the display would grow. 

Wider turns would be added for bigger trains, more track lines would be added, and the whole display would expand, with one of it's biggest happening for it's 25th anniversary. Trains aside, there's plenty of buildings to look at and see, all built out of natural material. 

Trains will travel over small rivers, bridges that go above the heads of guest, and plenty of landmarks in the area can be spotted, including the Rocky Statue and art museum in Philadelphia. 

A recent addition the display made was a train station modeled after the Chestnut Hill station for train operators to sit in and work on the trains while also storing them. 

Now about that Christmas lights display. 

The train garden closes around mid-October to be decorated with all sorts of lights bright enough to see from a distance. While the garden is open during the day, those who want to see the trains at night can buy a separate ticket. 

"Out on a limb" (the exabit taking guest up into the trees) is open, and along the path leading to the trains are a string of lights with some on the side to look at. The display is worth the price of admission, as those who come at night are treated to the sight of G-scale trains running through a winter wonderland of lights. 

For more information about the train display and tickets to see the display lit up at night, click here.