RG Express Train Display

A mom, grandma, and children enjoying a miniature train display.

November 7 - January 16

A Holiday Tradition Since 2015

A Reiman Gardens holiday tradition is back! Visitors of all ages will be enchanted by the RG Express Trains from November 7, 2026, through January 16, 2027. This detailed garden scale display was created by Applied Imagination, an internationally recognized company whose train displays merge botanical design and architecture. The RG Express is one of only 18 North American train displays of this magnitude! Walk past, around, and under miniature buildings and bridges built in the likeness of some of Iowa State University and Reiman Gardens' most significant buildings. Don't miss the magic of the RG Express this holiday season!

Hours

The RG Express Train exhibit will be open daily during Reiman Gardens' normal hours from November 7, 2026, to January 16, 2027 (Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day). 

This year the RG Express Train Display will also be open during the Winter Wonderscape holiday light show. Tickets for Winter Wonderscape can be purchased here.

This display is included in the regular price of admission during normal business hours (free for members and Iowa State University students). Tickets for Winter Wonderscape are required to see the display during that event.

The RG Express Train exhibit would not be possible without the support of the Central Iowa Garden Railway Society and Just Add Water. 

Miniature replica of Iowa State University's Beardshear Hall surrounded by poinsettia plants.
Central Iowa Garden Railway Society
Just Add Water Logo

All Aboard!

Miniature Union Pacific train engine in garden railroad display.
Wide shot of garden-scale railroad display featuring trains, plants and waterfalls.
Child watching a garden-scale train pass by a miniature building.
Miniature replica of Iowa State University's Morrill Hall
miniature BNSF train engine
Miniature replica of Iowa State University's Beardshear Hall surrounded by train tracks
Wide shot of garden-scale railroad display featuring trains, plants and waterfalls.
Miniature replica of Reiman Garden's butterfly house lit at night near a miniature train track.
Garden-scale version of Thomas the Tank Engine in a garden display
Miniature replica of Iowa State University's water tower in garden railroad display
Wide shot of garden-scale railroad display featuring trains, plants and waterfalls.
Miniature replica of Ames, Iowa's Dinky train
Wide shot of garden-scale railroad display featuring trains, plants and waterfalls.
RG Express logo carved into wooden sign
Garden-scale version of a Kansas City Southern train engine in a garden display