Dakota Southeastern Division Previews Vendors for 12th Annual Greater Sioux Falls Model Train Show
Vendor tables sold out by January as the 12th annual Greater Sioux Falls Model Train Show moved to the Sioux Falls Convention Center for the first time.
The Dakota Southeastern Division of the National Model Railroad Association brought its 12th annual Greater Sioux Falls Model Train Show to the Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N West Ave, on Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, 2026, marking the show's first run at a venue larger than its former downtown home.
Vendor and layout registration closed on January 15, 2026, after DSED reported the show was full and could no longer accept additional tables or layouts, citing strong interest from vendors and layouts alike. That sell-out pressure was part of the reason for the venue change: the Sioux Falls Convention Center gave DSED room to bring in more vendors and model train layouts than the previous location allowed. The space also offered practical advantages for the crews hauling equipment in: an enclosed and overhead loading and unloading dock, with ample free parking for guests.
The new convention center setting allowed for more train displays and new models, and the show remains DSED's biggest annual fundraiser. Proceeds support improvements to their layouts and travel to various venues.
Vendors from South Dakota and beyond were on hand buying and selling new and used trains and accessories. DSED showcased its modular HO and N scale model railroad layouts, and the division also brought two smaller switching layouts for children to operate under supervision and earn an engineer's certificate.
Terry Anderson, with the Dakota Southeastern Division, captured the floor's mix of buying, browsing, and wide-eyed newcomers: "There's people that are coming here to shop. There's people coming with the kids. Kids love to see the trains, the very large ones to the very small ones. It really gets kids interested. The accessories," Anderson said.
Saturday hours ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Sunday closing at 4 p.m. Adult admission was $10, good for both days, with children 12 and under free with a paid adult. The national organization took notice: the NMRA shared local news coverage of the show on its Facebook page on March 11, drawing a comment from Eric Carlson, a DSED member who planned to document the weekend for the division's website and for his YouTube channel, Black Hills and Eastern Railroad.
Questions about DSED and its upcoming events can be directed to dakotasoutheastern@gmail.com.
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