Castle Farms Garden Railroad

    Opened in July of 2008 and expanded in 2010, the Castle Farms Garden Railroad has become one of the largest model railroad layouts in the state, and it continues to grow year after year. Featuring two separate lines, the Garden Railroad and the Fantasy Railway, set among the majestic towers and gardens of Castle Farms, it is the perfect experience for modelers, families and friends alike.

    With more than 1,600 feet of track and the capability to run more than 35 trains at once between the two lines, it is literally impossible to see all the trains at once!
    Running 1890s era steam and 1950s era diesel locomotives, the Garden Railroad is a little slice of Great Lakes railway history. With six different tracks on three tiers winding their way through a sleepy country town, you’re taken back to a time when the railways were the lifeblood of American industry and commerce, as well as the standard for luxury. With the steam locomotives riding the higher tracks and the diesel locomotives riding the lower, you can see the evolution of trains in America. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the live fish in the pond at the bottom of the cascading waterfall, as the locomotive crawls dutifully along the bridge.  

    Meanwhile, its sister line, the Fantasy Railway, is straight out of the most fantastic dream imaginable! With ladybugs, bumblebees, butterflies and bunnies weaving their way through gardens, the Castle Hedge Maze and the Mushroom Village, it’s sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone who sees it. In addition to the winding track, there is also the one of a kind, Double Helix Tornado Tower, masterminded by the Castle’s owner himself. As the two trains climb ever so carefully up and down the tracks, one is reminded more of an amusement park ride than a train track!  

    The Fantasy Railway also includes elevated track winding along the tops of the trees in the Castle Farms Hedge Maze. The double track, running for hundreds of feet with bridges and perilous curves makes it hard to take your eyes off the trains, but don’t follow them too closely - you don’t want to get lost in the maze!
    The Fantasy Railway’s newest addition is the Five Level Twin Coaster, which doubles the fun of the Tornado Tower, on a smaller scale. With concentric tracks, joined at the top, good luck figuring out which trains are coming and which are going! And all of this in the Fantasy Railroad is presided over by the 26-foot-long bridge, spanning the Mushroom Village and towers.


Garden Railroad Facts:
• Opened July 2008, expanded 2010
  • Up to 35 trains running on seven levels
• More than 1,600 feet of track
• More than 50 buildings and structures
• More than 200 people and animals
• G-Scale: 1:29, with some LGB
• Models from the 1890s and 1950s
• Stainless steel Aristo-Craft Track
• Steam power and diesel locomotives
• Aristo-Craft, Piko and Scratch Built structures
• Push button timer controlled
    The Castle Farms Garden Railroad is a part of the Castle farms historic self-guided castle and garden tour, and special arrangements can even be made for large parties. Tours are available daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. May through October, and Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. November through April.

   For any questions about the Castle Farms Garden Railroad, membership to the Garden Railroad Club, the historic castle and garden tour or anything else about Castle Farms, please call us at (231) 237-0884 ext. 224.

July 28 - 29, 2012 - Fiber Arts Festival

More than 50 vendors will be at Castle Farms displaying their wares during the Fiber Arts Festival July 28-29, 2012. Live animals, such as sheep and alpaca, and interactive demonstrations including sheep dogs at work and sheep-shearing presentations, provide hours of enjoyment, as well as being educational. The Fiber Fashion Show, featuring handmade items such as hats, sweaters and lace shawls, highlights the Festival and is great fun for all. The Fiber Arts Festival - a perfect way to celebrate nature’s bounty while enjoying the natural beauty of Castle Farms.

October 24 - 31, 2012 - Antique Dress & Quilt Display

Visit Castle Farm’s Wedding Attire From Across the Decades, on display October 24th - 31th. This fascinating glimpse of antique bridal gowns and grooms’ attire kicks off the celebration of the Castle’s 8th Annual Grand Bridal Expo, Sunday, October 28th, 2012.

September 1 - 2, 2012 - Royal Craft Show

Castle Farms proudly heralds the annual Royal Craft Show, September 1-2, 2012. This annual event held during Labor Day Weekend, is set amidst the majesty of the magnificent stone buildings and sweeping gardens of Castle Farms, and features displays from the finest of Northern Michigan crafters. One of Michigan’s most prestigious craft shows, the Royal Craft Show is a spectacular celebration of unique arts and crafts, and offers something for young and old alike.

October 28, 2012 - Grand Bridal Expo

Castle Farms is honored to host its 8th Annual Grand Bridal Expo on October 28, 2011. This eagerly-anticipated annual event features displays by only the finest in wedding service providers Northern Michigan has to offer, and brides are certain to find that special something to help make all those wedding day dreams come true.. The Grand Finale Fashion Show showcases the latest in bridal fashions. Visit the Grand Bridal Expo at Castle Farms, where timeless elegance and surprisingly affordable weddings join together to create the perfect happily-ever-after.
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