Hogwarts Express to appear at season opening of Flat Rock Model Train Depot and Museum

When the Flat Rock Model Train Depot and Museum, in Flat Rock, Michigan, opens for the season, fans of the Harry Potter series will have even more reason to rejoice. From 1 to 4 p.m. on September 27, members of the public will be able to watch as two beloved aspects of the series are combined when a model of the Hogwarts Express rolls through Diagon Alley. The creators of the display, husband and wife Leon and Pat Simeck, were also instrumental to the museum’s creation. Once a youth center set for demolition, the non-profit museum was created over seven years ago to both save and revitalize the abandoned building as a space for residents of the local area to celebrate railroad history. As the News-Herald writes,

The museum’s main display features American Flyer and Lionel trains winding past towns, a carnival, zoo, circus, farms, bridge, tunnels and mountains, among other attractions. Many of the attractions are designed to look like local attractions from around the region, while others just make for interesting scenes to drive a train past.

In addition to model train displays, the depot, 28700 Arsenal Road, features dioramas that run below the trains that depict important pieces of train history and a few other scenes from history.

The train depot also has its Halloween display set up. Lights and sounds add special effects to the display, which will be up through the end of October.

Leon Simeck said members will be putting up their Christmas items at the beginning of November.

In addition to Saturday, the Halloween and Harry Potter displays will be featured from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 5, 11, 19, 25 and 26.

Christmas at the Depot will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 1, 8, 16, 22 and 29, as well as Dec. 6, 13, 20, 21, 26, 27 and Jan. 3.

Funds allowing, the museum hopes to expand so that it can display larger pieces of railroad history. Admission prices for the museum are $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students, and free of charge for children ten and younger. For more information on the museum and the upcoming event, you can visit the original article here.

Do you live near Flat Rock? Do you plan to see the display in person? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!