local
Alaska grandfather’s miniature railroad continues running 50 years later
By Dave Allgood at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
Nashville 's own community of family-owned attractions and small businesses can appreciate the dedication and perseverance of Jack Klingbeil, who has kept his miniature railroad running for over 50 years. The fact that his daughter and grandson are involved in the operation highlights the importance of family legacy and passing down traditions from one generation to the next. In a similar vein, Nashville's own family-owned businesses, such as those in the 12 South neighborhood, have been able to thrive and maintain a loyal customer base by prioritizing community engagement and personal connections. The miniature railroad's ability to attract repeat visitors also speaks to the value of creating unique and memorable experiences, a strategy that many of Nashville's own tourist attractions and event organizers would do well to emulate. By supporting local family-owned businesses, Nashville residents can help ensure that these community staples continue to flourish.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dave Allgood at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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