Small Worlds and Model Towns

During the Industrial Revolution this “Temple of Invention” was full of intricate miniature machines and gadgets.

The world's largest model of our planetary system.

A walkable map of the world, made from soil and stone by one man.

Hell on Earth is actually a small town in Michigan where anyone can be mayor for a day.

A rapidly disappearing authentic bit of the old south.

Nondescript elevator doors open to reveal a stunning, surreal world.

Once featuring over 60 miniature replicas of famous Chinese locations, the Splendid China theme park was completely abandoned and is now mostly rubble.

A quarter-scale locomotive wonderland built by one man and his family.

Experience a charming 1930s version of "infotainment."

An indoor miniature village and labor of love for Laurence Geiringer, a model railroad enthusiast.

A museum filled with tiny, adorable versions of the mighty Royal Danish Navy.

A working model of the entire San Francisco Bay and much of the Sacramento River Delta, complete with regular tides that change every 14 minutes.

This phone booth-sized municipal building has been a piece of police property for more than half a century.

An abandoned set from the 1980 film "Popeye," claimed and repurposed as a theme park by creative locals.

A miniature village mimics the surrounding buildings so well it includes itself.