Alaska grandfather’s miniature railroad continues running 50 years later
A grandfather’s 1969 project to keep his kids out of trouble has grown into a multigenerational attraction outside Anchorage
WASILLA, Alaska (Aging Untold) — A miniature railroad a grandfather built more than five decades ago continues to draw families to the woods outside Anchorage. Three and a half miles of track wind through tunnels, over bridges and past scale-model towns on 18 acres.
Jack Klingbeil and his wife founded the attraction, which operates as a 1/8th-scale railroad in Wasilla.
“My wife and I founded this back in 1969 so our children could have something to do and stay out of trouble,” Klingbeil said.
A family business across generations
The railroad remains a family operation.
Klingbeil’s daughter checks in passengers and his grandson helps run the trains. Visitors ride or straddle the miniature cars through wooded terrain, stopping for photo opportunities along the route.
The trains weigh approximately 1,000 pounds and can carry up to 10 passengers per run, with some capable of hauling larger groups.
Repeat visitors keep coming back
The attraction has built a loyal following. One visitor said the family first came on Mother’s Day about two years earlier and returned for another ride.
Copyright 2026 Gray Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
