NMRHA
Crosslake
Train Club
Home of the "Northern Trackers"
Northern Minnesota's Largest Model Train Display
ALL ABOARD!!
THEN
NOW
The Northern Minnesota Railroad Heritage Association (NMRHA), commonly referred to as the Crosslake Train Club, moved to a new location in 2018, but just days after the move, the building housing the club had a fire. Nearly all of its exhibits and inventory were lost.
Not to be dissuaded, this dedicated group immediately started fundraising, and with the help of grants and generous community members a new building went up, and the group got to work with ambitious plans for continuing to preserve the rich history of Northern Minnesota Railroads.
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There are O Scale, HO Scale and G Scale layouts and running trains on display. We started building an N Scale layout in October 2023. Come see the process and the progress! There is also a small layout that children can operate.
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A 1/10 scale replica of the Wm Crooks steam engine sits outdoors in the train club yard. The Wm Crooks engine replica was restored in 2024. We are continuing to work on restoration of the tender, flat car and caboose. The Wm Crooks replica offers a great photo opportunity and a fun experience for young children.
Note: The entire Wm Crooks train will be shrink wrapped for the winter months (between Nov-April) to protect it.
Do you want to learn how to build a model train? Stop in - you can watch/help club members work on building the exhibits.
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The museum is open to the public.
Open Hours:
Saturdays Year-round: 10 am - 2 pm
We are also open on Wednesdays between June 1st and Labor Day
3 pm - 6pm
(NOTE: NOT OPEN WEDNESDAYS EXCEPT
JUNE THROUGH AUGUST)
Group tours available by appointment
Call 218.692.1900 OR 651-253-0004
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A donation of *$5 per person over 5 years old is suggested and appreciated.
OUR TRAINS RUN ON DONATIONS
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Do you have model train scenery, track,
engines and/or rolling stock you'd like to donate?
Call us at 218-692-1900
(please leave a message),
or call 651-253-0004,
or email us at nmrhaclub@gmail.com
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*Your tax-deductible donation will help us continue
to maintain and build this exciting display and offer
an educational experience for all to enjoy.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Northern MN Railroad Heritage Association
is to promote railroading history and to educate people through model railroad exhibits.
“Driving the train doesn't set its course,
the real job is laying the track.”
Ed Catmull
