charlemagne's kingdom

Boooo....walked all the way down to view a for sale sign. A real disappointment to say the least. However, there are two attractions in the same building, maybe they were closed for the season? I kind of don't think so.

$5 - not expensive to get in, nice floor model with upper and lower level walk arounds and a little guide paper. A good way to spend half an hour. Fairly accurate topographic map, could be maintained a little better and didn't get the humor of the 2 little crashed spaceships (haha).

This is so cool, it's like a miniature version of Germany. My husband and I were the only ones there when we went, so we had plenty of time to soak it all in and enjoy it.

There is room inside that has two levels you can view a miniature "germany" country side and trains. At one time this was a really nice attraction...time has however taken it's toll. Many of the moving parts no longer work...the carnival rides, trolly cars, swimmers etc...all were pointed out as "moving" on the phamphlet but none worked. I totally understand that trying to repair or replace them could cause a horrible disaster, as the parts are so very close together. (You'd just have to see it.) It costs $5 per adult to get into the train viewing area...at one point it was probably worth it, but not with so many parts no longer working. All in all it was a fun experience that took about a half hour out of the day. It was a tremendous amount of work that someone put into this project...just no upkeep, which is sad.

We really enjoyed visiting this display. We found the owners to be very welcoming, personable and knowledgeable. The self-guided tour brochure is excellent, definitely take the time to go through it to make the most of your visit. Their store has a very nice selection of unique children's toys and jigsaw puzzles for all ages. Also plenty of parking, which is rare in this area.

Attempted to visit about 12:30 today, a gentleman who I suppose is the owner met me at the door and said they were "closing right now, not many people had been in today." OK, what was I, chopped liver?!?!?! He was just then putting out the 'closed' sign, did not even give me the opportunity to go in, or ask that I come back tomorrow. I asked "when ARE you open?" and he said normally 10 to 5. Extremely rude to turn away a potentially paying customer during the middle of posted business hours.

The gentleman that owns this train-highway-landscape layout is an artist. Be sure to take your time examining all the detail work that went in to building this display. You will see highway accidents and catastrophies on the top of roller coasters and the whole time several trains are meandering through mountainside tunnels and towns.Some of the better views are from the 2nd floor which allows you to peer down on all the activity.This is our third visit and we have enjoyed it every time.

This is a labor of love for the owner. Such detail, you've got to see it for yourself. The lighting isn't great for pictures but you can make do - I did.

Nicely done train layout with attention to detail. This was probably at its peak 10 - 15 years ago. Many items do not work, but many do. Several trains running, with appropriate. Glockenspeil advertised as being there broken for last several years. Gift shop on premises. Owner very knowledgeable.$5 entry fee

If you love trains, well then you will be blown away when you walk into this place. I believe the owner and his wife told me that they have been building this for over 30 years. Always adding and changing scenes. This was my favorite place to see. I love trains so much that I bought a HO train set here. Really take your time to see all the detailed work that went into it, and apprieciate what they did for you to enjoy what you see and drift away into your own imagination. LOVE LOVE LOVE the Charlemagne's Kingdom.

The gentleman was very nice. I think he said he has been working on this for 30 years. You can see the love. The settings are awesome...I wish more trains were running. $5

Very nice display of trains and villages. Though I would have liked to see more trains running. Seemed like most were parked. Interesting place for kids. Might be more fun if the owner would hide things and make a list of items to find - Kids would take more time looking at all the different displays. You can get discounts from the Welcome Center at the beginning of town.

This guy is great, and so passionate! What train enthusiast doesn't dream of a room full of his trains? This guy's got a whole warehouse and you have to climb stairs to get on the top level of it. Lots of lovingly created Bavarian scenes -- even hot air balloons!The gift shop is full of wooden toys, which I love.

We went to Charlemagne's Kingdom, an Alpine Model Railroad Museum and saw HO Scale German Model Railroads traveling through various terrain and architecture of Germany. It took us about 1.5 hours to go through the museum and we still don't know if we saw everything. The detail that was put into the display was truly awesome. There were several little trains going by and several items were animated. It must have take hours and hours to create this unique display. It was enjoyable to walk through and see this amazing display.

Not many true Germans own businesses in Helen.....this is the exception. Just check the hours and days they are open as they are somewhat limited. Fabulous layout and model train display. The toy shop is great. My niece and nephew did not want to leave!!!! This experience is museum quality and worth the few dollars we paid to see it!!! They have free parking which is a rarity in Helen! Definitely visit this shop while in Helen!