Nestled in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Tiny Town is a hidden gem that offers a unique glimpse into the world of miniature craftsmanship. This enchanting attraction, located on Whittington Avenue, is the brainchild of Frank Moshinskie, who spent nearly 60 years creating and expanding this intricate model city. Tiny Town is a testament to creativity, dedication, and the magic of handmade art.

The Origins of Tiny Town

Frank Moshinskie's journey with Tiny Town began in the 1930s when he was just a teenager living in Louisiana. Each Christmas, he would build a miniature city with his train set, and one year, he decided to keep it up permanently. Over the decades, Moshinskie continued to add to his miniature world, using everyday materials like matches, paperclips, wires, and tin cans to create detailed scenes and structures.

In 1962, after a tornado damaged his home in Pennsylvania, Moshinskie used the insurance money to move Tiny Town to Hot Springs, Arkansas. This move marked the beginning of Tiny Town as a beloved tourist attraction, drawing visitors from near and far to marvel at its intricate details and whimsical charm

Model Train
Photo by https://martinvorel.com/

Exploring Tiny Town

Visitors to Tiny Town are treated to a guided tour that showcases the many facets of this miniature world. The model city features landmarks and scenes from 22 states, including Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, and the Colorado Rockies. The entire display is animated, with trains running through the various scenes, planes and hot air balloons circling overhead, and even a miniature shooting gallery where visitors can make tiny figures dance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Tiny Town is that almost everything is handmade. The guide will often pick up a tree or a building to show visitors how it was crafted from tin cans, sticks, wire, and sawdust. This dedication to handmade artistry is what sets Tiny Town apart from other model railroads and miniature displays

A Labor of Love

Tiny Town is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a labor of love that reflects the life and passions of its creator. Many of the scenes in Tiny Town are inspired by places Moshinskie enjoyed visiting with his family, such as Cape Hatteras and Niagara Falls. He even included a miniature version of the house where he built Tiny Town, complete with tiny figures of himself and his wife.

Despite Moshinskie's passing in 1998, Tiny Town continues to enchant visitors. While no new developments have been added since his death, the existing displays are meticulously maintained and repaired to preserve their charm and functionality

Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Visiting Tiny Town

Tiny Town is open seasonally from March through October, Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm. The entrance fee is $8 for adults and $6 for children, making it an affordable and delightful outing for families. Located in the Uptown District of Hot Springs, Tiny Town is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a unique piece of Americana and appreciate the artistry of handmade miniatures

Many of the displays are interactive, allowing visitors to push buttons to animate scenes or activate lights, adding an engaging element to the experience.

Tiny Town is a popular destination for families, offering an educational and entertaining experience. It's a great way to spend an afternoon, especially for those interested in model building or miniature art.

Visitors can also purchase unique souvenirs and memorabilia from the gift shop, which includes handcrafted items and model-related products.

Tiny Town in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the world of miniature craftsmanship. With its intricate details, handmade artistry, and whimsical charm, Tiny Town is a testament to the creativity and dedication of its creator, Frank Moshinskie. Whether you're a model train enthusiast, a lover of handmade art, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, Tiny Town is sure to delight and inspire. Don't miss the chance to explore this hidden gem and see the magic of Tiny Town for yourself.