The Lauritzen Gardens Visitor and Education Center as seen from the lower observation deck of Kenefick Park.
For a larger view, click on any image or the slideshow button.
During Railroad Days, a modular model railroad display was set up in the main hall of the visiter center.
Members of the modular railroading group operated the trains from inside the large oval layout.
Kids of all ages watched these trains in air conditioned comfort.
Outdoors, the new garden railroad was opened for the first time.
The garden railroad can be viewed from the rose garden.
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Several trains run on the outdoor rails.
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All of the bridges, trestles and other scenery are made from natural material.
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Most of the engines and rolling stock are painted in Union Pacific colors.
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The trains make their way through streams and a waterfall.
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The waterfall and tunnels are central features of the railroad.
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The trains operate on several levels.
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This will be a very popular feature of the gardens.
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There are several scale models of local buildings. This is Central High School.
The Woodman Tower, The First National Bank Building, the Omaha Building and others are seen here.
Kenefick Park is on the other end of the gardens.
This map of the route of the first railroad route to connect the East and West coasts is on the lower observation deck.
The "Big Boy" becomes visible as you walk up to the upper level.
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You can read Information on the history and current operations of the Union Pacific as you walk up the ramp.
The Centennial is the first engine you see when you get to the upper deck.
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Both engines are on a large deck overlooking Interstate 80. They are the first things you see as you enter Nebraska from Iowa.
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These kids playing near the engine should help you get an idea of it's size.
The cab level platform can be seen in the background.lauritzen gardenskenefick parkbig boylocomotivesteam enginetrainrailroad days
A view of I-80 through the cab windows.
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A popular spot for vacation photos.
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