Train lovers of Milwaukee, rejoice! The Domes’ annual Train Show has long been the biggest Show Dome event, and it’s back in 2025.
Every winter the Show Dome is transformed into a miniature train show with 600 feet of train tracks looping the exhibit. It’s one of the many fun winter activities for families in Milwaukee that you won’t want to miss!
This year, visitors can step back in time and experience the charm of the Victorian era with the “Domes Train Show: Golden Age of Steam,” running from January 18 through April 6, 2025. Be sure to check out the Train Show and other exciting January events for kids and families to kick off the new year!
This one-of-a-kind garden-scale train show transports visitors to the Golden Age of Steam, an era when steam-powered locomotives were the heartbeat of the nation. Visitors will embark on a Show Dome journey through distinct, miniature vignette landscapes of the Victorian Era. Bright azaleas, sweet smelling Matthiola, and moody Scabiosa will be providing the lush carpeting for this exciting Garden-Scale train show.
“The Domes Train Show offers a unique blend of history, horticulture, and creativity,” said Doris Maki, Horticultural Director of Mitchell Park Domes. “We invite everyone to come and explore this fantastical recreation of the past, beautifully entwined with the natural beauty of the present.”
The Domes are a must-visit destination for families in Milwaukee. If you’re planning your visit, check out our guide to visiting The Domes with kids for fun facts and insider tips to make the most of your trip.
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and Major Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admission Pricing:
- Milwaukee County Residents:
- Adult: $8.00
- Junior (3-12), Senior (60+), Student, Military: $6.00
- Children (2 & under): Free
- Non-Residents:
- Adult, Senior (60+): $9.00
- Junior (3-12), Student, Military: $6.00
- Children (2 & under): Free
Special Discount: Enjoy $5 admission for all on the last Thursday of every month, part of Milwaukee County’s discount days.
Special Events (included in regular admission price):
- All Scale Train Show Exhibit: on February 1 and 2, from 9am to 4pm. This weekend event features a wide array of exhibits and unique train layouts displaying all types and sizes of collectible model trains! It’s a must-see for train enthusiasts and families alike and is included with regular admission.
- Winter Silhouettes Bonsai Show: February 23, from 9am to 4pm. This exhibit of miniature deciduous trees – including maples, ginkgos and swamp cypresses – is presented by Milwaukee Bonsai Society.
- Steam Punk Faire: March 29, from 9am to 4pm. Celebrate an alternate past at this gadget-filled garden party with a sci-fi twist! Gardens & Gears features creative artists and makers of objects inspired by technology, metal, and the Victorian era. The faire is included with regular admission.
- Free Sticker Wednesday is every week to collect exclusive, limited-edition stickers that celebrate the unique themes of our exhibits, available while supplies last.
Note: Last admission is one hour before closing. Tickets are available at the Mitchell Park Domes fee booth. Admission includes access to all three Domes, ensuring a full day of exploration and discovery.
For up-to-date information on hours of operation, including openings and closings, please visit their website.
The Domes’ Train Show isn’t the only train attraction in Milwaukee. Train lovers can also explore the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club and Milwaukee’s Model Railroad Club, must-see destinations for locomotive enthusiasts.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
