Great place. The self guided tour is fantastic. One of the most impressive things I have ever seen. So much time, skill and passion has gone into the intricate scenery and there are tons of trains going around. Loved it! read more

Really fun. So much area devoted to trains. Brought me back to my childhood! Visit! It's worth it.

This place is a must visit for train enthusiasts, kids and in fact the whole family. Staff is friendly and the exhibits are very detailed and lovely. read more

Northlandz - Must visit place - Art Museums Near Me - Flemington, New Jersey

This was an amazing attraction. Staff was incredible and the exhibits clearly took a lot of time. I recommend ANYONE and EVERYONE stop by. read more

See all

This place is absolutely spectacular, the sheer size of the model train displays alone is worth the price of admission. The outdoor train ride is fun too. We stop here at least once a year, great experience for kids and adults! read more

This place is an amazing experience for any train lovers! I am personally a huge train fan myself and I really enjoyed my time here; staff are extremely friendly and welcoming and there's a lot to see! The size of the layouts as well as the little activities for the kids to do is a big plus as well! Def would make a return trip here again!! read more

See all

What an amazing experience! So much detail it was mind blowing. We took our girls (4yo and 18 month old) they were both in awe. It's a must see for all ages. We will be back read more

See all

Amazing trains and displays, great for little kids! We will come back soon with the family. read more

See all

I've lived in Hunterdon County for almost 14 years and today is the first time we visited Northlandz - the sheer scale and spectacle blew me away, and we had a great time playing along with grandma's treasure hunt! I have never been anywhere in the world like this, and highly recommend for any families with kids or groups of friends looking for a distinctly unique Flemington experience. read more

I have loved HO trains since I was 5 years old. For the past 60+ years I have continuously had an HO layout. in all of our homes. My children grew up playing with HO trains and so have my grandchildren. My grandson was introduced to HO trains at 18 months. Back in the late 1990's I discovered Northlandz when I visited it ,with my wife and teenage children. Looking for a day trip to spend the day with my 8 y/o grandson , we visited Northlandz on 2/22/2019 I was appalled to see the deteriorated condition of the layout/display, as well as the very few running trains. I would never again visit Northlandz, what a rip off for the $33 admission My grand son would with 10 to 15 minutes at different points an no trains would be running or pass by! read more

Absolutely amazing train setup! It just keeps going and going. There were 60 trains running during our visit today and our 3 year old loved following them from room to room. There is a lot to see and even a play room and snacks (and free coffee!). Plan to spend a couple of hours! read more

Northlandz - Art Museums Near Me - Flemington, New Jersey

See all

NorthlandZ is a place for the young and grown at heart. Today was my first visit to this hiden jewel. The display of small trains will amaze people of all ages. As I walked through the site my breath was nearly taken from me by the many many displays of model trains. I also called several friends and family members while on site raving about the place. This is definitely on the to do list of places to visit again. My only displeasure was I didn't have enough time to stay longer. read more

See all

I was here 18 years ago with my nephew. It is so nice to see it again with my kid. Wonderful new additions! And all of the staff are so friendly, helpful, and upbeat. Such a great experience!! Thank you. read more

This place is true treasure - It will exceed your expectations no matter what they are! read more

Northlandz - Incredible vista! - Art Museums Near Me - Flemington, New Jersey

Took my 5 year old here today. He absolutely loved it; probably moreso than last time we took him. Displays are being updated by super friendly staff. read more

Northlandz - Art Museums Near Me - Flemington, New Jersey

What an incredible experience. I have no words for the amount of work and care put into this place. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced and the culmination of years and years of work and passion. Highly recommend for a strange and wonderful experience. Could have spent the entire day and not seen the amount of detail in the minatorie scenes. #northalndz #buzzybooth read more

What a nice way to spend the afternoon! There is so much attention to detail in the scenery. We could have stayed for twice as long just taking everything in. #northalndz #buzzybooth read more

En route to dump a body in rural New Jersey, my murderer and I were cruising along 202 when the oddly spelled sign loomed large before us. Maybe a nightclub with an ill-conceived theme for suburban dwellers? Perhaps Jay Z with an obsessive fascination for the scale model train set that ran through the living room in "Silver Spoons?" [Let us all pause for a moment to reflect on the magnitude of what happened to Rick (née Ricky) Schroder's face when he resurfaced on "NYPD Blue" looking as if he'd been caught head first in a belt sander...] Was this a train exhibition owned by hip hop stars? Nope, Northlandz is the work of a deranged and dedicated man who started building model trains in his home back in the 70's. His wife was a doll collector. Clearly, two people who desperately needed a television set or an appreciation for the finer hobbies in life like wine tasting, cupcake baking and orgy attending. What, it was the 70's! Like there were better things to do back then? I only agreed to go here because I needed to change my tampon. For 13.75 per adult, it was an expensive bathroom stop, but an interesting one - much more fascinating than a free visit to a roadside Mobile toilet unless you like studying germs. With over eight miles of track, 100 working trains and an incongruous Beanie Baby collection, Northlandz will charm even the most cynical grown ups. Marvel at the intricacy of the landscapes and small towns; gasp at the detailed scenes created by deft hands. Press your nose up against the plexiglass as thousands of other snot-nosed children have done before to get a better view. Is that a train derailment? Is that a heliport built at the bottom of a bridge? Are these people really having fun looking at model trains? The answer to all three questions is a resounding YES. Meander slowly through the twisting labyrinth to fully appreciate the madness and dedication to scale. Consider what you've done with your spare time - certainly nothing as impressive as this. Realize you've wasted the majority of your life sipping wine, attending orgies or watching "Silver Spoons." Then get the heck out and return to your regularly scheduled life. In our case, we buried the corpse beside the Delaware River and ate some French fries. It's a lovely way to while away a Sunday afternoon. read more

See all

This is truly a fantastic and an amazing show of display. I can't imagine the amount of time taken to set up all those trains, toys, and background scene. It is a journey through all of it. It will take some time to go through it because you will want to pause at each spot to take all of it in. I believe the owner said there are over 400 tunnels. The trains are so cool to watch as they come by and pass you. Looks so much fun. read more

See all

We had a super time! This place is such interesting and detailed! What a great way to spend an afternoon, and don't forget the train ride!

northlandz is so fun! there is a scavenger that keeps you engaged. the attention to detail is impressive, and the staff is extremely welcoming and kind. perfect for families or just going with a group of friends. read more

Northlandz - Art Museums Near Me - Flemington, New Jersey

We came here as a group today--me, my parents, and my grandparents. It's a long trek through the exhibit (it took us 2 or so hours to walk through). Northlandz is definitely past its prime. The place is clearly a labor of love, and the creator (Bruce, whom we met at the end) put a lot of effort into it. When he looks at the displays, he still may see them as they were in their heyday. However, it's obvious that not enough care has been put towards maintaining the establishment and its exhibits (or, rather, that there aren't enough resources to put towards it). There was a lot of wear and tear: big holes in the papier-mache mountains, collapsed buildings and bridges, and derailed trains marked almost every section. And certain sections that should have been moving, well, just didn't move (thinking of the unmoving amusement park). And the place is dirty. Very, very, very dirty. Dust on every building and train, cobwebs on the walls, dead bugs in the displays (and, in one case, a very large dead spider just...hanging from a well-lit wall). Furthermore, the solutions to a lot of these problems seem to be quick fixes (that were a little...*too* quick). A mass grave of bugs in a wall display? Just turn off the lights in that corner. Amusement park display doesn't work? Just put a new sign out calling it "power outage at the amusement park." I understand that the place may be understaffed and without the adequate time or resources to fix a lot of these problems, but these quick fixes can only go so far before it just seems like every problem is quickly covered up, rather than fixed, and a new sign put out quirkily explaining the problem away. (As an aside, some ambient music might be nice, too, as all one can really hear in there is the occasional buzzing of a train and the loud creaks of the floorboards.) Now, this isn't to say we didn't have fun there or appreciate what went into Northlandz. We all appreciated that Mr. Zaccagnino really went for a more eccentric and atypical approach, opting for some surreal and bizarre architecture and landscapes rather than your usual small town or Christmas scenes. We also appreciated the thought that went into some of the whimsical themes/narratives woven in to the exhibits (looking at you, Grandma). It's also a good place for children--as we saw from some of the other parties there, the kids focused more on the creative and odd displays and the whirring trains, not noticing the dust and defects. But the adults--who're paying $13.75 each to get themselves and $9.75 to get those children in--likely will. As I mentioned, Mr. Zaccagnino clearly put immense time, effort, and love into this place. That's why I'm writing this review--I typically won't say anything if there's nothing nice to say, but the state of the place really is a shame. It really would be a shame for this place to continue to deteriorate, for the reviews to get worse, and for the place to continue sinking. We would all love to see this place restored to what we imagine was former glory. If there's some local, modern train club around that has the resources to dedicate to sprucing the place up a bit, it might go a long way. read more

See all

A little weird. Yes, it's very very impressive. The place and its trains and dolls have been described in the detail elsewhere, so I won't go too much into that (anyway, I'm really a fan of Lego trains). However, it's really cold inside. I had to go back to my car for my jacket. A couple of incidents did irk me a bit though. The eccentric owner really felt the need to push me on where I was from (yes, I speak funny), and when I got to the end, I was told that I wasn't allowed to go around again "the ticket is only good for one way", but that I was allowed to go through backwards! Weird. Anyway, should you go? If you're really into this sort of model train. Or really bored, since there isn't that much else to do in the area. But if you've seen model train layout, then this is simply a much much larger one. With a grumpy owner. read more

Went there this past weekend ... the displays are old and dusty, the place needs some serious updating and it's WAY TOO EXPENSIVE ...!!!

Northlandz railroad is one of the biggest and best ever train exhibit in the world and I enjoyed visiting there and look forward to returning there many more times! Thanks to the new owner Tariq for saving and preserving this wonderful treasure the founder and former owner Bruce Zagginno inherited! I would strongly recommend Northlandz railroad for everyone who loves trains like I do! read more

This place exceeded my expectations! Immediately upon walking into the exhibit we were blown away. Everything has such detail. People of all ages would enjoy this place. Reasonably priced, clean, and extremely friendly staff! The pictures attached truly don't do it justice - you have to see it all in person! read more

See all

It is an amazing place ! My kids love it #northalndz #buzzybooth Probably will do a birthday party there read more

Costly but enjoyable for kids and train aficionados. Many thanks to Bo, the outdoor train engineer who was kind and knowledgeable.

Super cool collection of trains and all sorts of set ups! The bridges are long and really impressive, rate to enter is reasonable and the self guided tour is long! Cool gift shop at the end. read more

See all

It was absolutely wonderfull! I have always loved model trains and this display was not to be believed!!! The expanse and the extraordinary detail completely blew me away blew me away. All ages! I am 74!!! #northalndz #buzzybooth read more

I also received an email about returning after last year's disappointing visit. WOW! When I arrived there was a crew painting and cleaning the exterior. I was greeted by a very friendly and helpful staff member who explained renovations were on-going. Restroom was updated and new carpet and paint throughout the display. Many trains wee running and the glass around the displays had been cleaned and/or replaced. All the displays had been dusted and the lights replaced. It really does look great and there were construction workers doing additional work. Train displays are unreal with the care and love that went into constructing them evident throughout. Many details in the scenes were very amusing. Glad I gave it a second try and would return. read more

See all

Wonderful and large display. Well worth visiting and supporting these roadside bits of Americana.

A great stop for train lovers or anyone looking for a relaxing look at the art of miniatures. We'll be sure to stop by again when we're in the area. read more

Northlandz - Art Museums Near Me - Flemington, New Jersey

The place is simply amazing. The owner clearly spent a lot of time building all the wonderful sceneries and trains. However, there are several things that certainly need improvement to make our visit even more enjoyable.. 1. The cooling system has to be improved. Most of the museum feels very warm and muggy. 2. There is a weird smell in the women's bathroom. 3. The short (10 mins) train ride should be free with the admission price we have paid. It is definitely not worth 2.75 per person. 4. The place is supposed to open at 10:30. Owners opened the door at 10:33. We were not allowed to enter the show area until about 10:45, because we were told it would take 15 mins or so to have everything ready. This is quite unacceptable. If you are prepared for what will happen or feel like inside the museum, I guarantee you it will be an amazing experience. My family will certainly visit again, sans train ride for the adults. read more

This place is truly fantastic ! The path take you some of the gorgeous displays that will just amaze you. The tress ells all done by hand is remarkable . I was truly amazed of this place then you will walk thru the music hall and the organs ( sorry they were playing today) several of them. Then the doll museum was spectacular, my wife was looking at all the dolls they had and what she had when she was little. And I would recommend the narrow gauge train ride cheap and it only 8-12 minutes long but worth it. I will be back the next time I come out from Calif ! read more

Great place for families to go enjoy together. Every time you see something you missed before

Such a magical place! We could spend all day here with children and grandparents. So much to look at and all very whimsical.

And you thought you were a pack rat? This place shows you no matter how much stuff you collected over the years it is a spit in the bucket compared what has been collected and put on display at Nothlandz. If you saw a video or photo of this place it doesn't do it justice. The amazing journey it took from Bruce's basement, then expanding it 5x, and then to this location along with an exterior train you can actually ride if you love model railroads and miniatures this is a must visit. Northlandz, yes that is a 'z' at the end of the word, is at the northern part of Flemington, NJ on the southbound side of Rt. 202 so you're pointed in the correct direction if you want to do some shopping afterward. Certainly a good compromise for those who drag along their partners who really are not quite that into model RR but love shopping. This building is vast. It took: 2 years in the planning, 2 years to build the building (but if you note in the middle is an unused auditorium with fixed seats so it may have been a converted building), and 4.5 years to build out the inside along with tracks and dioramas. That must have been one heck of an entrepreneurial run he had because it means he had to take off at least 6 years before he was able to generate income to pay for the investment. At $13.75 adult/$9.75 child rates that means it would be a very long time before he would see everything paid back. There is also an old-fashioned looking train ride outside with caboose you can ride for $2.50 each. It's a bit noisy and you can hear the cheap metal creaking as it chugs along, but you feel sorry for the owners so the $2.50 is more as a polite donation to help him keep their dream alive. This ride is really not something any adult would rave about, although for the kids they may love it. So, anyone without kids in drag you may want to pass. Bruce operates Northlandz full time with him at the admissions counter and gift shop, and his wife Jean at the snack bar. Now before you get too revved up just be warned that the landscape dioramas show a bit of wear as well as signs of vandalism and dust. Some lights need to be replaced, some walls painted, there are even trains or areas of displays not in operation due to what I believe as either a lack of manpower, finances or loss of interest in upkeep. Don't expect it to be perfect - it's not. But I will add if you don't expect much you will have your socks blown off. This place with 8 miles of tracks just baffles the mind as you pass from one diorama area to another. It does also have four authentic pipe organs on displace, lots of dolls (some in themed settings), and a good-sized doll house with semi miniatures. The trains include mid-sized and large model trains although the big ones are not functional. This facility is laid out like a Stew Lenard's, taking you from one theme to the next as you work your way up high and then descend. This is wheelchair and kid-friendly. But if you hate screaming running kids you'll need to work around the hour's kids may show up there with families. We went on a Saturday, in the cold of February and it was pretty good - not crowded, very light. But our experience was even one noisy kid echoes throughout half the facility, and one parent trying to control three running around makes it a bit challenging to enjoy unless you're just letting your kids loose so you can get some sleep later in the evening. I have nothing against kids, I was one myself. But when you get to a certain age your ears just can't take too much screaming and yelling as it did when you were younger. Next time I'll bring earplugs or my noise canceling headphones! Actually, it's not that bad unless one screamer just happens to show up wherever you are. The entrance comes up quickly before the traffic light, so if you miss the entrance southbound on Rt 202 make a right at the traffic light and there is a hidden driveway on the right that goes into the same parking lot from the rear. There is ample free parking. Everything is ADA compliant. There is a snack bar on premise and you're welcome to bring food and drink into most of the facility (not all, you'll have to dump your stuff after you get to other upper side of the auditorium. There is a trash pail and sign there). Once you get walking there is nowhere to sit and rest (except one folding chair we saw facing the parking lot on the upper level). The journey is self-guided and most likely will take between 1-2 hours if you don't run through it. As Bruce says take your time because the trains don't always come out through tunnels quickly, you just have to stand and wait, taking in the impressive diorama and landscaping. It is amazing what he was able to build there in the 4+ years it too him, building the ramps and rooms, pouring the plaster, laying the trestle, and putting the finishing touches on the towns. Get there before conditions worsen. It's a great visit with lots to see but lots of work needed. read more

This spot is an awesome location great for kids and adults! COVID safe and clean! very impressive.

My buddy and I love Northlandz! Great nostalgia checking out the worlds largest wonderland train exhibit right here in Jersey! Cool maze to bring the boys to!! read more

Northlandz - Great date at Northlandz! - Art Museums Near Me - Flemington, New Jersey