All Aboard for TRAINS!

Cheekwood’s popular TRAINS! exhibit, located in the Turner Seasons Garden, appeals to young visitors as well as the young-at-heart. Features include:

• Enchanted Express Train Station

• Walking bridge

• Special children’s tunnel

• Dioramas of miniature worlds

• Interactive sounds

• Train Depot playhouse

Regular Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (weather permitting)

Enchanted Express

In 2022 an immersive expansion was added uphill of the original TRAINS! exhibit, the Enchanted Express train station combines the architecture of a traditional train depot with the natural form of an old tree. Little ones are transported to a secret garden and charming forest scene upon entering, greeted by some familiar animal and insect creatures. Inside the train station, three themed models are arranged on each side of a central viewing area, and a series of overlapping tracks passes through the structure. On each side, there’s an entrance to a short children’s tunnel, leading to an observation dome for an up-close and immersive “worm’s-eye-view” of the garden and forest.

Applied Imagination of Alexandria, Kentucky has led the creative expression of garden railways at Cheekwood for over ten years and proudly introduced this new expansion.

TRAINS! is made possible by the generosity of Jim and Martha Crossman in honor of grandchildren, Claire Ellis, Clayton Ellis, and Cora Crossman.