The Hidden World
Places to Explore

Every trail has a story, every meadow holds a surprise, and every quiet corner of Train Mountain hides a story waiting to be discovered. Wander through the Hidden World and discover the places where Goldie, Mitch, their family, and their friends share adventures all year long.

Whether you're visiting for the very first time or returning for another journey, there's always something new waiting just around the bend.

Brightseed Burrow illustration

Brightseed Burrow

Family

Tucked beneath the roots of a towering pine tree on Daffodil Hill, Brightseed Burrow is the warm and welcoming home of the Jones family—Goldie, Mitch, Zinny, and Zippy. Hidden where passing humans rarely think to look, it is a place where every room tells a story and every day begins with wonder.

Here, Zinny lovingly prepares herbal remedies and healing teas in her little apothecary, using knowledge passed down through generations of the Lasher family. Nearby, Zippy's workshop is always humming with activity as he repairs tiny wagons, invents clever gadgets, and finds creative solutions to almost any problem. The family kitchen is filled with the aroma of fresh berry pies, homemade jam, and warm meals shared around the table, while cozy bedrooms and comfortable gathering places make everyone feel at home.

Brightseed Burrow is more than a burrow—it's a place where kindness is practiced every day, curiosity is encouraged, and adventures begin and end surrounded by the love of family.

Central Station illustration

Central Station

Adventure

Every great adventure begins at Central Station. For visitors to Train Mountain, it's where friends gather, tour trains depart, and the excitement of the railroad comes to life. Diesel and electric locomotives carry guests on unforgettable journeys through forests, meadows, and tunnels, while the sounds of laughter, whistles, and rolling wheels fill the air.

Beautiful gardens, lovingly designed and cared for by Debra, surround the station with colorful flowers, peaceful walkways, and quiet places to relax before or after a ride. Nearby is the railroad's impressive roundhouse — not a house at all, but a fascinating wheel-and-spoke collection of tracks surrounding a working turntable. Here, locomotives are turned, parked, and prepared for their next adventure. Beside it, the steaming bay comes alive on special occasions as magnificent steam locomotives hiss, rumble, and build pressure before delighting visitors with the sights, sounds, and unmistakable aroma of live steam.

Hidden in plain sight, Central Station is one of the busiest gathering places in the Hidden World. Woodland friends stop by to catch up on the latest news, welcome family and friends, and watch the trains come and go throughout the day. Charley, the curious orange tabby, proudly calls Central Station home and somehow always seems to know when something interesting is about to happen.

Clyde Station & the Whistle Tree illustration

Clyde Station & the Whistle Tree

Courage

Nestled among the pines, Clyde Station is a favorite stopping place for both humans and woodland creatures alike. Here, steam locomotives pause to take on fresh water before continuing their journey, while visitors can stretch their legs and enjoy a cold drink from the little station building. To most people, it's simply a quiet railroad stop. But to the creatures of the Hidden World, it's the gateway to one of the Hidden World's most treasured landmarks.

Just beyond the station stands the legendary Whistle Tree, where Mitch faced his greatest fear by climbing high into its branches to retrieve an old railroad whistle. Rather than keeping it for himself, Mitch gave the whistle to his friend Ronnie — a reminder that true courage isn't about what we keep, but what we're willing to share. Today, the Whistle Tree continues to watch over the railroad, quietly reminding every traveler that courage often begins with taking the very first step.

Deadwood illustration

Deadwood

Community

Tucked away among weathered snags and old forest giants, Deadwood is one of the Hidden World's most colorful little towns. Its wooden storefronts, winding footpaths, and friendly neighbors make it a place where there's always news to share and someone happy to lend a helping paw.

Clover and Thistle and their families proudly publish the Leaning Tree News, keeping woodland creatures informed about happenings from every corner of the Hidden World. Just down the street lives Bramble Whittaker, the beloved marble keeper. On the porch of the Leaning Tree News rests a small glass jar of marbles, where visitors often leave one behind before continuing their journey—a quiet tradition that reminds everyone that every kindness and every adventure becomes part of Deadwood's story.

Larkspur Hollow illustration

Larkspur Hollow

Wisdom

Nestled on a quiet knoll at the end of the railroad, overlooking Hope Circle, Larkspur Hollow is the beloved home of Grandma Larkspur. Many years ago, Zippy's father built this cozy burrow for his family and named it in honor of the love of his life. Around it, he planted the first larkspur flowers, which still bloom each spring as a reminder of the love that gave this special place its name. Hidden from the view of passing humans, generations of woodland friends have gathered here for warm welcomes, gentle conversation, and Grandma Larkspur's wise advice. Tucked among colorful wildflowers and sheltered by the hillside, Larkspur Hollow is a place where kindness is always waiting—and where every path has a story if you take the time to notice.

Lasher Garden illustration

Lasher Garden

Service

For generations, the Lasher family has lovingly cared for this extraordinary garden, where every flower, herb, and healing plant is grown with love and purpose. Today, Zinny lovingly continues that treasured legacy, tending the blooms that have helped woodland friends for generations. Now she has begun teaching Goldie the names of the flowers, how to care for them, and the important role each one plays in keeping the Hidden World healthy. Surrounded by buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and blossoms of every color, Lasher Garden is more than beautiful—it's one of the most cherished places in the Hidden World.

Prairie Dog Bazaar (Coming Soon)

Curiosity

Hidden beneath the forest floor at the entrance to Train Mountain, deep within Prairie Dog Town, you'll find a bustling marketplace where woodland creatures gather to trade, discover curious treasures, and share stories from every corner of the Hidden World.

Silver Dollar Meadow (Coming Soon)

Wonder

A wide-open meadow where new adventures are waiting just beyond the tall grasses. Keep an eye out — there's something very special coming soon.

Stockbridge (Coming Soon)

Friendship

A lively woodland neighborhood filled with friendly faces, cozy homes, and plenty of stories waiting to be told.

Interactive Map (Coming Soon)

Soon you'll be able to explore the Hidden World through an interactive map, discover favorite locations from the books, and follow Goldie and Mitch's adventures across Train Mountain.

Join the Adventure
The adventure doesn’t end when the story does.

Join Auntie Ann and the woodland crew for gentle stories, behind-the-scenes adventures from the real Train Mountain, printable activities, nature discoveries, and surprises delivered throughout the year.

As a member of the Train Mountain Tails family, you’ll receive:

Come pull up a stump by the tracks… We’d love to save you a place.