Enchanted Railroad returns to Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum welcomes back its popular Enchanted Railroad this January with a theme that celebrates the seasons and a new Lego train car created by the artist behind this summer's outdoor exhibit, "Nature Connects."
The 14th annual event will feature a larger-than-life platform with two levels and as many as 12 model trains, including a miniature replica of an Amtrak train, Friday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Feb. 21, at 4100 Route 53, Lisle.
New for 2016, the Enchanted Railroad will feature a Lego train car crafted by Sean Kenney, the artist and creator of the "Nature Connects" exhibit of Lego sculptures displayed at the Morton Arboretum earlier this year.
Made of 2,500 Lego bricks, the train car originally was created for a 2009 episode of NBC's "30 Rock," starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin. In the episode, cast members competed to build a Lego train.
Other highlights of the 2016 Enchanted Railroad include:
• Pint-size details of the arboretum's grounds. Check out miniature trucks, their beds bursting with plants, and the museum's iconic four white columns.
• Small figurines highlighting some of the arboretum's most beloved events. Look for tiny dogs that mirror the real-life canines at Husky Heroes, an event showcasing sled pulling, skijoring and speed demonstrations, and offered in conjunction with Enchanted Railroad, Jan. 30 and 31.
• Interactive elements perfect for kids. Press a button to make lights flash, like fireworks on the Fourth of July in the summer section.
"Kids have always been enthralled by the Enchanted Railroad, and we think families will have a lot of fun seeing the new Lego train car and watching the trains travel through the four seasons," said Diana Fischer-Woods, special events coordinator at the arboretum.
The Enchanted Railroad is assembled and run in partnership with the LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago.
The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, and is free with admission. Visitors can pick up timed tickets at the Visitor Center Information Desk.
Through March 31, admission to Morton Arboretum is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and older, $6 for ages 2-17, and free for younger children and members. Parking is free.
For details, visit mortonarb.org.
If you go
What: Enchanted Railroad
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, Jan. 15 to Feb. 21
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Cost: Free with arboretum admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors 65 and older, $6 children ages 2-17, free for younger children and members
Info: mortonarb.org