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Events

Juniper Junction

Discover a captivating world of large-scale model trains and buildings.

Content Detail

Visit The Morton Arboretum to explore Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion from Saturday, February 14, through Sunday, February 22.

Also known as “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads like Juniper Junction showcase trains much larger than standard models, offering a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Children will love wandering through a miniature world of trains and buildings built to their scale, while adults admire the intricate, lifelike details.

Juniper Junction is assembled and run in partnership with the LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago.

Details

Entrance to Juniper Junction is included with Arboretum general admission. No advance registration is required.

The Firefly Pavilion is an indoor-outdoor event space located on the Arboretum’s East Side. Please dress for the weather.

Hot chocolate and coffee from Gigawatt Coffee Roasters will be available for purchase in the Firefly Pavilion on weekends during Juniper Junction (February 14–15 and February 21–22).

Please note that Juniper Junction may close due to inclement weather to ensure the safety of train operators and volunteers.

Juniper Junction will be closed for Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16.

LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago

The LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago is an association of enthusiasts dedicated to promoting the hobby of large-scale indoor and outdoor railroading and fostering dialog among large-scale railroaders.

Food and Drinks

Hot chocolate and coffee from Gigawatt Coffee Roasters will be available for purchase in the Firefly Pavilion on weekends only during Juniper Junction (February 14–15 and February 21–22).

Ginkgo Restaurant and Café

Food and beverages are available at the Ginkgo Restaurant and the Ginkgo Café, both located in the Visitor Center.

The Ginkgo Restaurant is a sit-down restaurant that offers a full dinner and beverage menu, including freshly made sandwiches, salads, burgers, and assorted alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The restaurant is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekends. It is closed on Monday.

Freshly made packaged salads and sandwiches, bakery items, espresso beverages, hot tea, and drip coffee are available at the Ginkgo Café, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm.

Map

The Firefly Pavilion can be reached from parking lot P-1 via paved, accessible paths.

From parking lot P-1, approach the Visitor Center and pass through the breezeway into Arbor Court. Continue straight into The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden and across the central plaza. Exit The Grand Garden and turn left onto a paved path. Take the next right onto another paved path, which will bring you to the east entrance of the Firefly Pavilion.

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