Announcing the Greater Sioux Falls Model Railroad Open House Tour

The Dakota Southeastern Division (DSED) of the NMRA invites you to the GREATER SIOUX FALLS MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE TOUR

PLEASE NOTE that many of the layouts on this tour are situated in the basements of private homes. This will necessitate that participants descend and climb stairs to view most of the layouts.


Saturday, September 26th, 2026 10am – 5pm

SUGGESTED DONATION OF $10 PER FAMILY – GOOD FOR ALL LOCATIONS

Detailed layout descriptions available here.

For more information contact us at:

Email:dakotasoutheastern@gmail.com

Facebook: Dakota Southeastern Division of NMRA+

Layout Descriptions

400 Jesse James Circle – Garretson

Mike – HO Scale, BNSF Marshall Subdivision

Scale: HO

Based on prototype BNSF Marshall Subdivision

Permanent basement layout

This full basement sized layout features HO modern day freight car operations based on the prototype which operates from Garretson, South Dakota to Willmar, Minnesota. The branch line from Garretson to Sioux Falls is also represented. There’s lots of detail and realistic modeling of industries along the way, including rock loading at Granite Falls, the corn syrup plant and other industries at Marshall, industries at Pipestone and the yard and other trackage at Garretson.

609 N Main Avenue – Garretson

Garretson Historical Museum – N Scale, Small town Garretson

Scale: N

Based on a childhood vision of Garretson

Established in 2022

The Garretson Museum layout is an N scale diorama of the small town of Garretson as I remember it from my childhood in the early sixties.

It’s a Great Northern layout as the Great Northern railway moved the town from the Palisades to where it is now. The layout highlights the three major attractions of the Garretson area, The Palisades (now a state park), Split Rock Park, (the city park, built by the CCC in 1936) and The Devil’s Gulch, (a cliff lined backwater of the Split Rock Creek whereas legend has it Jesse James jumped his horse across the gulch to get away from a posse after the Northfield bank robbery). The three places are surrounded by rolling farmland and main street of Garretson. Be sure to look for the recent travelers who have just arrived in the Palisades. Sometimes there’s even a storm brewing. Enjoy!

109 Milwaukee Ave – Harrisburg

Terry – HO Scale, DM&E

Name of the Railroad – DM&E (Darla, Mark & Emma)

Established in 1984
HO scale. Overall dimension(s) 24′ x30’ish

The DM&E is a freelance railroad based on scenery and industries that are and have been in the Southeastern South Dakota area. On this railroad you will find the Illinois Central, The Milwaukee Road, Burlington Northern, Union Pacific and the DM&E. The railroads haul various commodities found in the Midwest. Rock, grain, ethanol, cement and other general freight shipments. Several of the locomotives are sound equipped. The electrical system is DCC, with computer and wireless control by JMRI.

1208 W Murphy Drive – Sioux Falls

Dave – HO Scale, C&NW

HO Scale

approximately 20’ x 50’

This layout features the Chicago & Northwestern and Milwaukee Road.  These are the two systems that served my hometown of Groton, SD.  It is a freelance layout build by David Feller and Gray Johnson.  This railroad was covered by the Argus Leader in October 2010. Lots of scenery and interesting features. Look for the beautiful canyon and rock quarry.

6305 W Westminster Dr – Sioux Falls

Jim – N Scale, C&NW

GMM RAILRAOAD

N Scale

Multi-deck railroad with 600’ of track

An N scale free-lance railroad build for operations to move multiple trains from one town to another and businesses within each town. During an operating session we have can have up to 4 different operators at one time. The primary railroad in the Chicago and Northwestern with 1970 to current theming. The railroad follows the outline of a room that has multiple corners so there are unique views within the same room. With Over 600’ of track on two levels this provides for plenty of opportunities to view multiple trains.

7100 W Stoney Creek St – Sioux Falls

Jay – N and HO Scale

Multiple scales

Jay’s N scale modular layout is built to international standards. The modules were built to be used in train shows around the world. This heavily scenic layout features a corner with 12 bridges, a wedding scene complete with chimes, a modern grain elevator operation, and lots of small industries. There are 4 operating mainline tracks and one scenic railroad in operation. Both Marion and Jay hold Master Builder of Scenery certificates from the National Model Railroad Association. When asked, Jay will tell you that he does not model an era, he models “bright colors” because children and adults see bright colors. Jay has the “dentist’s nightmare train” a train of all candy and soda pop cars. There is also an operating HO modular layout at their house.

W H Lyon Fairgrounds (North End) – Sioux Falls

Sioux Valley Model Engineers Society Bldg.

HO Scale – SD Largest Display

Visit South Dakota’s largest HO scale railroad display. The Sioux Valley Model Engineers Society recently expanded their building for their growing railroad. See Mt Rushmore and its fireworks display, the falls of Sioux Falls, a circus train, amusement park and many other unique features of local industries. See the Sioux Valley Model Engineers Society website for more information on their model railroad: svmes.net.