local
Alaska grandfather’s miniature railroad continues running 50 years later
By Dave Allgood at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
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 fo...
Key takeaway Jack Klingbeil and his wife founded the attraction, which operates as a 1/8th-scale railroad in Wasilla.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
While this miniature railroad is a notable attraction in Alaska, Atlanta residents may be interested to know that similar family-friendly ventures exist in the Atlanta area. The city's own network of parks and green spaces could potentially support smaller-scale model railroads or other interactive exhibits. In fact, some local communities have already experimented with miniature train displays during holiday seasons or special events. As Atlanta continues to grow and develop its public spaces, it may be worth exploring how permanent or semi-permanent attractions like this Alaska railroad could enhance the city's recreational offerings. By supporting local entrepreneurs and family-run businesses, Atlanta can foster a more vibrant and engaging community for residents and visitors alike. The success of this Alaskan miniature railroad suggests that with the right concept and execution, similar ventures could thrive in the Atlanta area.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 fo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dave Allgood at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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