World’s Largest Model Train Display to Close in 2025

It’s the end of the line for the southwest Ohio attraction that has long been billed as the world’s largest model train display. Entertrainment Junction in West Chester is closing its doors for good on Jan. 5, 2025.

The 80,000-square-foot tribute to model trains opened in 2008 and has entertained train enthusiasts and families with sprawling model trail displays that allow visitors to walk through time as well as the American Railroad Museum. The main attraction is the immersive model train displays that depict railroading from the 1860s into the 20th century. Computers housed underneath the display’s hills and streets control the more than 1,200 cars running at Entertrainment Junction at any given time.

“We were really one of kind in this region of the country,” says Bill Balfour, general manager of Entertrainment Junction. “I think everyone that has come has been amazed at what was built here, and I think there will be a lot of people who have always wanted to come that will say ‘I wish I could have made it.’ ”

Cincinnati businessman and Entertrainment Junction owner, Don Oeters is stepping down from his creation to spend time with his family and enjoy retirement. Unable to find a buyer for Entertrainment Junction, Oeters plans to sell off the inventory, building and property.

“A few months ago, he decided that if he couldn’t sell it, then he had no choice but to close,” Balfour told us in September. “It’s going to be sad that people won’t be able walk through the world’s largest train display [anymore].”  

Before its permanent closure at the start of 2025, Entertrainment Junction will remain open its normal hours and will be hosting special holiday events through the fall and winter. Visit this fall for “Jack O’ Lantern Junction,” a kid-friendly, no-scare Halloween event from Sept. 28 through Oct. 31. The festivities include a maze full of friendly ghosts and skeletons, free mini pumpkins at the indoor pumpkin patch and Halloweenville, a miniature Halloween themed animated display.

Entertrainment Junction will host its final event at Christmastime, sending off its legacy with a special event for all fans to enjoy. “Journey to the North Pole kicks” off on Nov. 16 and lasts until Jan. 5. Visitors will be transported to the North Pole and see snow-covered hills and pine trees, the elves' workshop, Mrs. Claus in her old-fashioned kitchen and Rudolph's stables. After their trip through the North Pole is complete, kids can visit and meet Santa.

“I hope it just creates a happy memory that people can have,” Balfour says. “You don’t have to experience something forever for it to be perfect.”

For more information about the closure and holiday events, visit entertrainmentjunction.com.

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