General Description of The Twin City Model Railroad Museum
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum, founded in 1934, is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) Minnesota non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and educating guests while preserving the history, art, and technological legacy of toy trains and model railroading, emphasizing the regional importance of railroads. Though having moved several times in its history, it has always been housed in St. Paul (Ramsey County), MN, since its inception. Its current location is 668 Transfer Road in Saint Paul and on the web at tcmrm.org.
The Museum consists of over 11,000 square feet of interactive layouts and displays including a 30’ x 50’ world-class O-scale model train layout of the Twin City area. In addition, there is a a 30’ x 16’ professionally-built toy train layout of the Twin City area as well as other layouts depicting various scales, manufacturers, historical eras, and modeling methodologies. In addition to the layouts, the Museum houses railroad artwork, artifacts, and equipment collected from the local railroads that once operated in the area. Exhibits are designed for interaction with guests of all ages, from toddlers to the “more experienced.”
One of the most important assets of the Museum is its corps of volunteers dedicated to preserving, propagating, and improving the hobby of toy and model trains. From on-site “Train Doctors” that can assist and diagnose maintenance, restoration, and repair issues for guests to current and former railroad employees, the museum volunteers are there to answer questions, provide model railroading advice, and listen to (and tell) stories related to railroading and the model railroad hobby.
The Museum’s major seasonal event is ‘Night Trains.’ Every Saturday night, from November through February, the house lights are dimmed and the layouts come alive in their own magical way. Layout buildings and streetlights glow warmly, setting the scene for specially-lighted models of vintage model and toy trains. On the scale-layout, the town of Mattlin is buried in a blizzard. All the exhibits are accented with miniature Christmas lights and decorations. Returning each year is the spectacular Christmas Model Train. The engine and cars are each covered in hundreds of lights wishing everyone the happiest of holidays. It is something that should not be missed.
The Museum also hosts a Hobby Show & Sale at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds every April and September. Throughout the year, additional special events focus on seasonal holiday and railroad related themes such as Circus Trains, Halloween Trains, Military Trains, and local railroad roadname (e.g., Great Northern) days.
Museum History
On May 1, 1934, a group of modelers met to form the St. Paul Craftsman Club and begin building an O-gauge model railroad. From these humble beginnings, and through several location and name changes, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum has grown to a world-class museum. [More info…]
Board of Directors
Meet the Board of Directors. [More info…]
Privacy Policy
Review our Privacy Policy [More info…]
Requests for Comp Tickets or Donations
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum (TCMRM) is happy to support local charitable and
educational organizations around the area. TCMRM is committed to supporting organizations
that provide needed services to our residents and area communities with a special emphasis
on children and families. We know that charitable donations are part of being a good neighbor
and we are proud of what we are able to give. Our goal is to be actively involved in our
communities and do our part to enhance and improve the quality of life for our members and
visitors. TCMRM receives hundreds of donation requests annually and we have a limited
number of tickets available to donate.
Your organization’s request for donation is important to us, but due to the high number of
requests received, and our own struggles related to extended closures during COVID we are
enacting a donation policy. Please see our policy below.
– TCMRM will only donate to non-profit (501-3C) charitable organizations
– TCMRM does not provide cash donations.
– With few exceptions, TCMRM does not make charitable donations to or for the
following:
o Travel and related expenses, including student trips
o Start-up funding for new organizations or small businesses
o For-profit entities
o Programs designed solely for religious or political purposes
o Individuals for their pursuit of personal goals or tragedies. Instead, we give to
supporting organizations that in turn help those in need.
We will make exemptions only upon advice of our museum board of directors.
Donation requests will not be considered unless they comply with all
of the following guidelines:
– Email donation requests to the following email: pr@tcmrm.org
– The email must include:
o Your organization’s non-profit Tax ID#
o Date, time, and place of event
o Detail how a donation from TCMRM will help your organization and its
fundraising efforts.
o Full mailing address for donation.
o The “Donation Request” must be received by TCMRM no later than six (6)
weeks before the date of the event.
You will receive a response by email as to whether we can honor your donation request by one
of volunteers as soon as we can process your email. Submitting a donation request per the
above guidelines does not guarantee a donation. We have a limited number of tickets
TCMRM prefers to donate museum admission tickets good for one year from the date of your
event. TCMRM will not accept any donation requests via phone nor in-person solicitations. We
prefer email so that one of several volunteers can help process these requests who do not
frequent the museum facility to review mailed requests.
Thank you for considering the Twin City Model Railroad Museum for participation in your
upcoming event and/or fundraising. We wish you the best of luck in your efforts!
