Choo Choo Barn facts for kids
The Choo Choo Barn is an amazing train display in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. It's about 1,700-square-foot (160 m2) (that's like a big house!). Inside, you'll find over 150 cool, hand-built moving figures and vehicles. Plus, there are 22 trains running all the time! It's a fun place to see miniature worlds come to life.
How the Choo Choo Barn Started
The Choo Choo Barn began in 1945. A man named George Groff started it. He had just come home from World War II. George bought a Lionel train set for his son, Gary. It was a Christmas gift.
This train set was the beginning of something big. In just a few years, the train collection grew. It took up a large part of the family's basement. By the 1950s, the Groff family shared their display. They opened it to the public. Local school groups also visited during the Christmas holidays.
Moving to a New Home
In 1961, George and Florence Groff moved the display. They found a small building. It was a township maintenance facility. This new spot was along Route 741. It was also close to the Strasburg Rail Road.
The Choo Choo Barn officially opened there. This happened on Thanksgiving Day in 1961. The display was much bigger now. It had over 600 square feet (56 m2) of detailed scenery. There were six trains running. Six animated figures also moved around.
Over the next few years, the display kept growing. A gift shop was added. It was at the front of the building. A picnic area was also built. This was next to the parking lot.
The Next Generation
In 1979, George and Florence Groff retired. Their youngest son, Thomas, took over. His wife, Linda, joined him. They became the new owners. They also became the curators of the Choo Choo Barn.
The display still opens every spring. It is updated each year. The scenes often show famous places. Many are from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. You can see tiny versions of The Willows Restaurant. There's also Dutch Wonderland amusement park. A small Strasburg Railroad is there too. You can even spot a miniature of the Groff family home!
