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Great Day at Trainland USA

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  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Adel, Iowa
  • 2,292 posts
Great Day at Trainland USA
Posted by jonadel on Sunday, August 21, 2005 5:16 PM
It's been two years since we've made the trek to Trainland USA and what a great afternoon we just had. Every time we go we see something new and I'm just in awe of what Red has done in 23 years. For any of you within driving distance, if you haven't made the trip you owe it to yourself to set aside the time. We first went there when our boys were young and Red is probably the guy that got me fired up to start going to yard sales, auctions, train shows, hobby shops, etc. He is still intense and he's so positive, I just thoroughly enjoy being around him. For those of you with children, pack a picnic and just go, we enjoy being around kids (especially when they are someone else's) and watching and hearing their reactions. He has lots of buttons for the kids to push and everything is behind glass so yo don't have to worry about little (or big) hands grabbing onto trains, it's also a great way to see all parts of the country brought into the display. I hope I get to take grandchildren there someday.

There's a major amusement park ten miles away with a hotel and a very large casino with horse racing. Something for everyone. Trainland is just east of Des Moines, two miles north of I 80. I know we could go back tomorrow and have a good time.

Jon[:)]

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 21, 2005 6:49 PM
Hi Jon,

Thanks for sharing that with us, soinds like a winner to me !
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 548 posts
Posted by Chris F on Sunday, August 21, 2005 9:22 PM
BT, DT, got the coffee cups! If it's not too busy, Red will let you slide the glass windows aside so you can take photos/video without worrying about reflections.

For more info, click here:
http://www.trainlandusa.com/
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2005 12:36 PM
Found this post by accident - glad the link was there - headed to DSM in two weeks, and now I definitely have an afternoon pre-planned for ME!!
thanks guys
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Adel, Iowa
  • 2,292 posts
Posted by jonadel on Saturday, September 17, 2005 2:27 PM
txxn22--

You need to call Red ahead of time because he's only officially open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I'll bet he would open it up for you if you call him, he's a great guy.

Jon

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 18, 2005 5:42 AM
Jeeze, I was getting ready to drive over today...until I saw it's in Iowa! Joe in PA
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Sunday, September 18, 2005 8:16 AM
Great job Jon. Iowa is great for trains [real ones]. Especially along the Mississippi. I know, I saw them back in May.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Adel, Iowa
  • 2,292 posts
Posted by jonadel on Sunday, September 18, 2005 10:23 AM
Chief--

I'm headed back to Dubuque in early Oct. for a State Contest and that is precisely when the the leaves will be at their peak color, REALLY looking forward to it. I WILL take my camera this time as we are going to take an extra day and do some biking along the Mississippi and in Galena. Fall is just about our favorite time of year followed by the worst time of year.......

Hope to see lots of trains and barges.

Jon

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

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