Gibsonville Garden Railroad is an enchanting place for children and grownups alike! Most people aren’t aware that one of the largest public garden railroads on the East Coast is right here in the Tar Heel state. If you’re wondering what a garden railroad is, it’s just like it sounds — only better! Trust us; you don’t have to be a model train fan to love North Carolina’s largest garden railroad. It is truly magical, and you’ll want to visit. Let’s take a look at some Gibsonville Garden Railroad photos.

The G Scale model trains that run in the garden railroad in North Carolina are nothing like the model trains you may have had, or seen, as a child.
gibsonville garden railroad
Gibsonville Garden Railroad/Facebook
And this fun attraction is also unbelievably unique!
It's grown to include bridges, tunnels, a tram, North Carolina lighthouses, buildings, the Wright Brothers, and more.
cheryl h/Tripadvisor
Nineteen hundred feet of track wind through this massive garden.
gibsonville garden railroad
Gibsonville Garden Railroad/Facebook
Twelve different layouts (tracks) roll past various North Carolina places, including a model of Gibsonville in 1855, when the real trains started rolling into town.
The garden began in 1996 as a project of local resident, Bobby Summers, a retired Freight Conductor on the Southern Railroad.
gibsonville garden railroad
Gibsonville Garden Railroad/Facebook

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Train operations may be halted or avoided in certain weather.
Gibsonville Garden Railroad/Facebook
Rainy days, temperatures over 82 degrees, and extremely windy conditions will prevent the trains from running. But when they run - get ready! Multiple trains run at one time!
A children's section features recognizable faces for the little ones, like Thomas!
gibsonville garden railroad
Gibsonville Garden Railroad/Facebook
In 2017, a new line of track was added just for the Hogwarts Express.
You can see the Garden Railroad any time as it is always available.
Gibsonville Garden Railroad/Facebook
However, if you want to see the trains running, then you'll need to plan a trip on the first Saturday of each month. The trains run from 9:00 a.m. to noon, April to December.
Operators are always busy keeping the North Carolina train rides ready to welcome visitors every weekend.
gibsonville garden railroad
Gibsonville Garden Railroad/Facebook
We like to stop in and see the new developments as the volunteers are always working hard to make it the best garden railroad in North Carolina.

Gibsonville Garden Railroad offers more on the website. It is located just 20 minutes east of Greensboro, North Carolina. Have you visited this enchanting train garden? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

While you’re near Greensboro, discover why the charming town is one of the best weekend getaways. Make it a vacation by reserving a room.  

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More to Explore

North Carolina Train Rides

Carolyn Harmon | April 28, 2024

What are some of the best train rides in North Carolina?

  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City):  Many packages are offered, but summer fun includes a full-day guided adventure. A scenic train trip, lunch, and a guided 9-mile Nantahala River whitewater trip ends with hot showers and a photo show!
  • NC by Train: North Carolina Amtrak services offer 16 stations from Burlington to Wilson in North Carolina to some exciting destinations. If you don't have a car - you're never stuck in this state full of trains.
  • Tweetsie Railroad (Blowing Rock): See some historic steam engines and book a ride on one of the various excursions. Hop on board a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine on The Day Out With Thomas adventure. This event includes bubble-themed activities and a full day at Tweetsie Railroad, which offers rides and a zoo!

What are some of the best railroad experiences in North Carolina?

  • Andrews Valley Rail Tours (Andrews): The RailBikes are pedal motor-assisted and take you through pastoral valleys and to the Historic Valley River Tunnel, which was hand-carved in 1894. The trip includes some time to explore the interesting tunnel and your lovely surroundings.
  • North Carolina Transportation Museum (Spencer):  This amazing place features a museum showcasing transportation history, such as railroad, automotive, and aviation. Visitors can also purchase tickets with admission to a variety of train rides.
  • Vintage train vacation rentals: If you want an immersive railroad-themed vacation, try one of these charming rentals in an actual locomotive! Step into the past in one of these mountain getaways on a train.

 

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Featured Addresses
Gibsonville Garden Railway, 200 E Main St, Gibsonville, NC 27249, USA