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Trains have long been part of Nashville’s history. Rep. James Whiteside chartered the first railroad in Nashville in 1845: the N&C, which connected Nashville and Chattanooga. Nashville’s Union Station — now a hotel — was a flurry of activity from the day it opened in 1900 to the moment its last passenger train departed 78 years later. And even today, some Nashvillians still have memories of family members leaving for World War II by train.

For Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, the story is even more personal. In 1895, Leslie Cheek and Mabel Wood met on a train — eventually getting married, building a home together and opening Cheekwood in 1960. Decades later, the historic site remains committed to preservation and horticulture.

Starting May 2, Cheekwood invites guests to observe America the Beautiful: National Parks & Landmarks By Rail, a display honoring 250 years of American independence. The celebration will feature notable monuments and — fittingly, given Cheekwood’s family history — showcase the estate’s most intricate model train exhibition to date.

Venture to the Bradford Robertson Color Garden, and you’ll find over 850 feet of train tracks weaving between vibrant flowers and lush plants. Ten running model trains will whiz past you as you explore. And you can visit miniature versions of 25 American landmarks, including Tennessee treasures like the Ryman Auditorium, Graceland and the historic Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, as well as the Cable Mill and the John Oliver Cabin from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Emily Luxen, Cheekwood’s director of external relations, frames the exhibit as a vicarious vacation. “It’s an opportunity to really take a journey across the country without ever having to leave Nashville or pack your suitcase,” she says.

Statue of Liberty

While this is Cheekwood’s grandest model train exhibit, it’s certainly not its first. In 2011, the estate partnered with the Kentucky-based botanical architectural studio Applied Imagination to bring model trains to its gardens. And after receiving positive feedback, the pair continued their collaboration. Cheekwood now hosts TRAINS!, a permanent train exhibition designed by Applied Imagination, in the Turner Seasons Garden. The display, which opened in 2022, features an Enchanted Express station and a children’s tunnel.

All of America the Beautiful’s model landmarks came from Applied Imagination’s existing repertoire, and its trains will remain in the TRAINS! display after the exhibit closes in September.

For Cheekwood president and CEO Jane MacLeod, America the Beautiful captures the best of Cheekwood. “This summer’s blockbuster train exhibition is designed to spark curiosity and wonder for guests of all ages,” she says. “From the intricate craftsmanship to the recognizable landmarks, it’s an experience that blends learning, creativity and fun in a way only Cheekwood can offer.”

During the exhibit’s opening weekend, guests can expect exclusive experiences, like art activities for children and hands-on workshops where adults can learn more about the models in the exhibit. Cheekwood will also host live music in its gardens, with Kelsey Rae Copeland performing Saturday. May 2, and duo Aaron Till and Mickey Justice performing Sunday, May 3.