Presque Isle Lighthouse Added to Kamin Science Center's Miniature Railroad Display

The iconic lighthouse model is the newest addition to the 80-by-30-foot Miniature Railroad and Village exhibit.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Kamin Science Center's miniature railroad display has expanded with the addition of a new model of the Presque Isle Lighthouse in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Miniature Railroad and Village exhibit, which has been around for over 100 years, now features nearly 60 displays that tell the story of western Pennsylvania, including locations like the stone chapel from "Night of the Living Dead" and Kaufmann's Department Store.

Why it matters

The Miniature Railroad and Village is a beloved attraction at the Kamin Science Center, and the addition of the Presque Isle Lighthouse model helps expand the exhibit's representation of western Pennsylvania landmarks and history. As the science center undergoes a $65 million transformation, enhancing experiences like the miniature railroad is a key priority.

The details

The new Presque Isle Lighthouse model, known as the "Flash Light," has been added to the 80-by-30-foot Miniature Railroad and Village display. The exhibit, which traces its roots back over 100 years, features nearly 60 detailed models that tell the story of western Pennsylvania. Other models in the display include the stone chapel from the film "Night of the Living Dead," Gus and Yiayia's Ice Ball Cart, and Kaufmann's Department Store.

The Miniature Railroad and Village exhibit has been around for over 100 years, with its origins tracing back to Charles Bowdish's intricate railroad scenes in his Brookville home.
The exhibit moved to the Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science in 1954 before expanding and reopening at the science center in 1992.
The Presque Isle Lighthouse model was added to the display on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The Miniature Railroad and Village exhibit is closed for its annual maintenance and will reopen to the public on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Kamin Science Center

A science museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that recently underwent a $65 million transformation, including the enhancement of beloved experiences like the Miniature Railroad and Village exhibit.

Miniature Railroad and Village

An 80-by-30-foot display at the Kamin Science Center that features nearly 60 detailed models representing landmarks and history from western Pennsylvania.

Charles Bowdish

The individual who built intricate railroad scenes in his Brookville home over 100 years ago, laying the foundation for the Miniature Railroad and Village exhibit.