Train show returns, Mitchell Park Domes reopen to public

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After being closed for most of January due to Covid-related staffing issues, the Mitchell Park Domes are open once again and welcoming back a popular Milwaukee tradition, the Winter Train Show. 

"It's a great relief and very happy time to be reopening," said Eric Levin, visitor experience coordinator at the domes. "It's just a lot of fun to see the kids excited about the train show. The adults are equally excited."

The train show features four different garden-scale trains running on close to 800 feet of track. Levin calls this year's 'Barrio Train' theme a celebration of both culture and trains. Seven different Milwaukee neighborhoods are featured throughout the display.

The domes are welcoming guests at 50-percent capacity, meaning reservations for time slots need to be made prior to attending.

"Reservations are a must right now. Those can be made on our website and people can select a specific time slot for their visit," Levin said, while also explaining other Covid-19 precautions that are in place. "Everyone must wear a mask while they're here. Not everyone is happy about that, but that's the way we have to do it to stay open and stay vital."

The first weekend back open was busy, with plenty of folks wanting to check out the trains and other exhibits.

"This is a landmark that we drive by a lot, so we reference it a lot," said Lori Sacco, who visited the Mitchell Park Domes Sunday with her husband, Matthew, and their two young sons. "To be able to be inside of it is really, really cool."

Hours are Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 5, Thursdays from 9 to 8 and Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 4.