If you’ve got a train-loving kid at home, mark your calendar. The Great Train Show is returning to Indianapolis this February with hundreds of vendor tables, massive operating model train layouts, and plenty of hands-on fun for families. It’s the kind of event where kids will want to stay all day and adults might just rediscover a childhood hobby.
The Great Train Show returns to Indianapolis on February 7 & 8, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, located at 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205. The show runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets at the door are $14 for adults on Saturday and $13 on Sunday (cash only). Save $2 by purchasing online, where tickets are $12 for Saturday and $11 for Sunday. Saturday tickets are valid for both days. Kids 11 and under are free with an adult and do not require a ticket. Find more ticket info here.
Parking & Directions: Know Before You Go
Where to Park Parking is available at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for $10 per vehicle. You can pay with cash or credit card at the gate.
- Best Entrance: Use Gate 1 on 38th Street (1202 E. 38th St) for the easiest access to the event pavilions.
- Gate Closure Warning: Please note that Gate 6 (Fall Creek Parkway) is currently closed for construction. Avoid this entrance to save time.
Finding the Building The Fairgrounds is a large campus. Once you pass through the gates, watch for digital signs directing you to The Great Train Show. It is typically held in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion or the Champions Pavilion, both of which are accessible from the main parking lots.
You will see carefully crafted model trains in many sizes and styles on display, from intricate city scenes to long, winding layouts packed with detail. It is the kind of event where kids can stand and watch trains run for ages, and adults can appreciate the craftsmanship behind every tiny building, track switch, and miniature figure.
One of the best parts is getting to meet people who build, design, and collect model trains. Whether you are brand new to the hobby or already deep in it, you will find plenty of ideas, inspiration, and helpful advice while you explore the show.
This show is very kid-friendly, too. Families can expect hands-on fun, including a kids play area and other interactive elements that make it more than just shopping and browsing. Many years also include fun extras like giveaways for kids while supplies last, so it can be worth arriving early.
The Great Train Show Features
- Hundreds of tables of trains, accessories, scale models, and collectible toys
- Large operating model train displays in multiple scales
- Vendors and retailers selling everything from starter sets to hard-to-find pieces
- Free workshops, demonstrations, and seminars (great for beginners and longtime hobbyists)
- Free test track so you can test-run your trains at the show
- Family-friendly activities and interactive areas for kids
Operating Model Railroads May Include
Local and regional model railroad clubs set up impressive operating layouts at the show, featuring everything from small tabletop displays to large, room-spanning scenes. You may see trains running in various scales, including tiny N scale models, classic HO scale, and larger G scale trains.
- Miami Valley Modular Railway – HO Scale
- Central Indiana N-Trak – N Scale
- Modular Railroad Partners – O Gauge
- Indiana Large Scale Railroaders – G Scale
- MiddleFork & CedarRidge Rwy – N Scale
- Lantern Hill Lines – O Scale
- Rose-Hulman Model Railroading Club – HO & N Scale
- Waterman Valley Railroad – G Scale & LEGO layout
Note: Operating layouts and participating clubs can vary each year.
If you have a kid who loves trains, or a grown-up who still lights up around a good model layout, this is an easy winter outing that feels like stepping into a miniature world for the day.
