TrainTastic model train museum is celebrating three years in Gulfport, Mississippi, after welcoming visitors from across the country, inspiring thousands of students through hands-on learning, and growing into one of the top family attractions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. What began as a vision to create the world’s largest model railroad museum has become a place where families return again and again to explore, learn, and make memories together.
Three years later, the trains are still running, the exhibits continue to grow, and we’re just getting started.
How Did TrainTastic Get Started?
When TrainTastic opened its doors three years ago, the goal was never just to build another museum.
The vision was to create a destination where railroad history, education, creativity, and family fun could all come together under one roof.
From the beginning, TrainTastic set out to:
- Preserve the history of railroading
- Inspire future generations
- Create hands-on STEM learning opportunities
- Build one of the most unique attractions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Today, TrainTastic is proud to be home to the world’s largest model railroad museum and one of the most interactive museums in Gulfport.
What Has TrainTastic Accomplished in Three Years?
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much has happened.
Over the past three years, TrainTastic has:
- Welcomed visitors from across the United States
- Expanded exhibits and interactive experiences
- Hosted thousands of students through educational programs
- Launched homeschool STEM days, workshops, and summer camps
- Become a favorite destination for birthday parties and family outings
- Built partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and businesses throughout the Gulf Coast
Every year has brought something new, and every season has helped shape TrainTastic into the museum it is today.
More Than a Museum: A Year-Round Destination
One of the biggest changes over the past three years is how TrainTastic has evolved beyond a museum.
Today, families visit throughout the year for signature events that have become Gulf Coast traditions, including:
- Tricks, Treats & Trains
- Brick or Treat
- Holiday Lights
- The Polar Experience
- Thomas Day
- Full STEAM Summer
- LEGO events and workshops
- Seasonal STEM activities
Each visit offers something a little different, giving families new reasons to come back throughout the year.
The Coast Layout Continues to Be a Guest Favorite
If there’s one exhibit guests consistently talk about, it’s the Coast Layout.
Featuring dozens of Mississippi Gulf Coast landmarks recreated in miniature, the layout has become one of TrainTastic’s signature attractions. Visitors often spend extra time searching for familiar places, spotting hidden details, and watching the trains travel through scenes inspired by the Coast they know and love.
It’s one of those exhibits that both kids and adults find themselves coming back to every visit.
Education Has Always Been Part of the Mission
While families come for the fun, many leave surprised by how much learning happens along the way.
Over the last three years, TrainTastic has expanded educational opportunities through:
- School field trips
- Homeschool STEM Days
- Summer camps
- FUN-damentals of Model Railroading workshops
- Community STEM programs
- Ticket to Learn grants
Kids build, experiment, solve problems, and discover new ideas without feeling like they’re sitting in a classroom.
That’s exactly the experience TrainTastic has always hoped to create.
Looking Ahead
Three years feels like an important milestone, but it also feels like the beginning.
The museum continues to grow with:
- New exhibits and interactive experiences
- Expanded educational programming
- More workshops and family events
- Continued support through Fuel the FUN
- The exciting possibility of bringing Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2027
Later this year, TrainTastic will also celebrate another favorite tradition: the annual Conductor’s Ball, an evening that brings together community leaders, supporters, and railroad enthusiasts while raising funds to help the museum continue growing for future generations.
There is always something new on the horizon, and that’s what makes TrainTastic so exciting.
Thank You for Being Part of the Journey
Three years ago, TrainTastic welcomed its very first guests.
Since then, families have celebrated birthdays, children have discovered a love of STEM, train enthusiasts have admired incredible layouts, and visitors from across the country have found a place unlike anywhere else on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Every visit, every membership, every volunteer, every sponsor, and every donation has helped make TrainTastic what it is today.
Thank you for being part of our first three years.
We can’t wait to show you what’s next.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did TrainTastic open?
TrainTastic opened three years ago in Gulfport, Mississippi, and has continued expanding its exhibits, educational programs, and special events ever since.
What makes TrainTastic unique?
TrainTastic is home to the world’s largest model railroad museum, interactive exhibits, the famous Coast Layout, STEM learning opportunities, LEGO experiences, and year-round family events.
Is TrainTastic open year-round?
Yes. TrainTastic is open throughout the year and hosts seasonal events including Holiday Lights, The Polar Experience, Tricks, Treats & Trains, Thomas Day, Full STEAM Summer, and more.
Does TrainTastic offer educational programs?
Absolutely. The museum offers field trips, homeschool STEM programs, workshops, summer camps, Ticket to Learn grants, and hands-on educational experiences for students of all ages.
Plan Your Visit
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always something new waiting at TrainTastic.
From interactive exhibits and train displays to year-round events and STEM learning, we’re proud to be one of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s favorite family attractions.
Thank you for helping us celebrate three years of Just Train Fun.
