Free with Arboretum admission. Get Tickets Now!
FRIDAY, MAY 27 – MONDAY, OCTOBER 10
Weekdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Weekends: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Last entry is 4:00 pm
The Morris Arboretum’s popular Garden Railway returns just in time for Memorial Day Weekend! View a wide range of both new and vintage model trains zipping in and out of tunnels and over bridges along a quarter mile of spectacular outdoor track. If you were planning a stay-cation this year, you are definitely in luck! This season’s theme, “America’s Roadside Attractions,” features miniature replicas of some of this country’s most iconic roadside attractions including Randy’s Donuts, the Jolly Green Giant, and the World's Oldest Largest Pecan–it will feel like you’ve traveled all over the U.S. without ever leaving Chestnut Hill!
Check for emergency closings and alerts.
This year, Bruce Morrell, Train Master at Morris Arboretum, received the President’s Award from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Garden Railway Society for his work with the Garden Railway. His dedication to miniature trains has brought endless joy to thousands of visitors over the years.
The Garden Railway is open daily through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, and then on weekends only through Monday, October 14.
Check for weather closings.
SATURDAY, JULY 2 – SUNDAY, JULY 10
Free with Arboretum dmission.
Listen for the call of the ringmaster as you watch the colorful railroad cars bring the “Big Top” to the garden.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 – MONDAY, OCTOBER 10
Free with Arboretum admission.
From refrigerated boxcars that carry bounties of fruit and other perishables, to grain cars that transport corn and wheat, come see the model harvest trains in our Garden Railway between Labor Day and October 11.
Visitors of all ages will be wowed by a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under!), and bustling model trains, all set in the lovely garden of the Morris Arboretum. The display and buildings are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones – to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with miniature rivers. Each building, while an exact replica of the original, is unique in its design. Philadelphia-area landmarks such as a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall are made using pine cone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials and twigs as downspouts.
The Garden Railway is supported, in part, through the generosity of Gwen and Ed Asplundh and by a gift given in memory of Joe Shuttleworth. “Gwen and I are very pleased to support the wonderful Garden Railway. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved trains large and small. For years, I had a large train layout in my basement. There is something very special about an outdoor railway, especially the very unusual and beautifully done railway at the Arboretum. I enjoy watching the trains myself, but most of all, I enjoy watching the looks of delight on the faces of the other ‘kids’ young and old.” –Ed Asplundh
The Arboretum will be closed Saturday, March 12 due to slippery paths.
The Arboretum is open as usual. Click here for hours.
Please note: The Rose Garden is closed for maintenance every Thursday morning until noon.
Weather conditions may limit garden access to certain features even if the garden is open – please check the web site or call (215) 247-5777 for updates before visiting. Our visitors’ safety in the garden is our top priority. Therefore when inclement weather is predicted, we will make decisions about closing the garden accordingly.
The Arboretum will be closed Saturday, March 12 due to slippery paths.
The Arboretum is open as usual. Click here for hours.
Please note: The Rose Garden is closed for maintenance every Thursday morning until noon.
Weather conditions may limit garden access to certain features even if the garden is open – please check the web site or call (215) 247-5777 for updates before visiting. Our visitors’ safety in the garden is our top priority. Therefore when inclement weather is predicted, we will make decisions about closing the garden accordingly.
