Visit: Morris Museum Mega Model Trains Exhibit {Morristown, New Jersey}

My Dad’s “thing” is model trains. That, and the Civil War. Well, ok, a few other wars too. But mostly the Civil War and trains. As we were growing up, we went to exhibits and train shows as a family, and he devoted his “me time” to his hobby. Now, years later, his collections sit in boxes gathering dust, just waiting for him to retire and break them out again.

One day.

So when I heard that the Mega Model Trains Exhibit was coming to the Morris Museum, I made a mental note of the dates so I could take the kids. On a Thursday afternoon before school started, we headed over to check out the exhibit.

Morris Museum holds a lot of fond memories for me as it is. They used to have a Christmas tree exhibit every year that my Mom would take us to. Rooms and rooms filled with small Christmas trees that had been decorated by hobbyists and local companies alike (my favorite was usually guaranteed to be the one decorated by Nabisco), it was an annual event that we looked forward to, which they have, unfortunately, seemed to discontinue.

Who knew the museum grounds would have been enough for the kids? Train exhibit? What train exhibit?

The 288-square-foot exhibit takes over a small room in the museum, not the largest train exhibit by any stretch, but unique in its own right. Interactive buttons around the perimeter of the exhibit allow you to switch lights on and off and work various other fun sounds and noises. The detail in these types of exhibits always amaze me. Mostly because I don’t have the patience to fiddle with teeny tiny things, and I love when someone else does, and does so well.

Since we were already at the museum, we took a little extra time and checked out their other permanent exhibits. Nick could stay in the rock rooms forever. That’s totally his jam. And the dead animals? Well, Madeline wasn’t pleased, of course, that they were dead, but was quite intrigued and asked a million questions that I couldn’t answer. Because that is totally her jam. Stumping her mother (the last round of “stump your mother” had me googling if people are allergic to water, because she didn’t accept my answer; turns out she was right, smartypants).

On Thursday evenings, there is no charge to visit the museum (although a donation is always appreciated), and it’s a nice space to visit, with kids or without. They have many exhibits that remain, and are always bringing in new exhibits that are worth a visit (I already have two upcoming exhibits on my calendar).

Although the model train exhibit was leaving right after we visited, it will be returning on December 13th.

Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights
Morristown, NJ 07960
973.971.3700
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Hungry for more train exhibits?
Roadside America is also worth a stop if you find yourself in the area.