Tiny world shippensburg
Tiny World in Shippensburg is a Must-See & Do for the Holidays
Be a kid again; love the wonder of Tiny Nature in Shippensburg this holiday season. This tiny town has everything that life-sized towns have, including town hall, schoolhouse, church, passion station, shops of Main Avenue, Victorian houses, log homes, general store, train depot, and gas station. More than twenty structures make Tiny World a excellent place to spark the imaginations of young and old.
During the holiday season, Tiny World transforms to a winter wonderland as the sun sets. Open Monday through Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 5 PM until 10 PM and Sunday 5 PM to 9 PM, Tiny Earth is an easy drive off Route 11 on Rice Highway in Shippensburg and will continue decorated for the holidays through the first week of January.
In 1985, Ernest Helm retired and devoted his energy to creating “Tiny World.” The first structure was a Victorian-style “cat house” for the enjoyment of felines who roamed his property. It wasn’t long before an entire town took shape, and a retired man’s hobby become a roadside attraction.
Today, Helm’s daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Wendell Myers, are Tiny World’s ca
The story behind Tiny World begins with a man named Ernest Helm who started building miniature houses as a hobby. After he finished one house, he'd build another...and another...and another...until he had himself a whole village. There's about two dozen or so buildings on display in Tiny World, all laid out on a cozy tiny path that winds through Helm's picturesque backyard.
It's not really even a tourist attraction. There's no signs pointing you to Tiny World, there's no brochures at the local visitor centers. Tiny World actually sits out in the middle of nowhere along a winding, narrow road. There's not even a sign in front of Tiny World. While hunting this place down, at first I drove by it and only slowed down when I noticed a tiny church on the side of the road. There is a small parking pad and a castle entrance which invites guests to "Look" but "Please Don't Touc
Tiny World (In Transition)
Ernest Helm, author of Tiny World.
Newville, Pennsylvania
Within three minutes of our arrival at the quiet and unattended Medieval gates of Tiny Society, a couple in a minivan screech to a stop. They've run over a cat in the curving stretch of highway that passes within a not many feet of this attraction.
"Was that your cat?" they ask, distraught. No, we answer, but there are lots of cats here. It probably belonged to the owner. They knock on the door of the big dwelling, apologize to an old guy, and leave.
The man is Ernest Helm, builder of Tiny Earth. "It's okay," he tells us. "They should know better'n to run out into the road." Ernest picks the dead one up by its tail, carries it to the barn, slings it inside, and closes the door. "Nothing you can do."
Ernest, a man in his eighties wearing a red-checked shirt, actually cares a lot about his cats. He's built Tiny Earth -- a small city -- and, for all intents and purposes, the cats own the place.
Tiny World (a name coined by a grandson) is one of those quirky backyard retiree endeavors, and Ernest has been at it since the delayed 1980s, when he built his first structure, "the cat house." It was not a m
Tiny World
Visual Appeal of Tiny World
The visual elements of Tiny World create a captivating atmosphere for all visitors. The miniature buildings, including a church, grocery store, and train station, are meticulously crafted and filled with intricate details that are sure to amaze. The village is surrounded by a picturesque backyard path walk that adds to the overall charm. During the holidays, the buildings approach to life with vibrant lights, making it a truly magical experience, especially for children. Visitors are also greeted by animals such as cats, chickens, and peacocks, which further enhance the visual appeal of the site. Whether it’s the holiday decorations or the whimsical houses, Tiny World offers a feast for the eyes.
Exceptional Services and Activities
Tiny World offers a variety of services that produce it a memorable destination for families. One of the most beloved features is the seasonal holiday activities, including visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, where children can take photos and share their wishes. The society spirit is evident with the donation box at the entrance, and visitors are encouraged to contribute to the upkeep of the village. Guests can
RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report
- Directions:
- Benchfield Farms. 4.5 miles west of Newville, on the south side of Gameland Rd.
- Hours:
- Holiday season only. (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 717-269-8554
- Status:
- In Transition
Results 1 to 5 of 16... Page of 4 [Next 5 items]
Ernest Helm built a town in miniature -- for his cats. He died in October 2015 and his family maintained the complex of tiny buildings, decorating them with lights for the holiday season. Tiny World closed in October 2024; all of the buildings were then purchased and moved to Newville.
Roadsideamerica.com Report...Visitor Tips and News About Tiny World
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your hold tip.
Tiny World has been purchased by Benchfield Farms in Newville. They are actively operational on restoring the buildings and plan to reopen for the Christmas 2025 season.
[Margaret Enslin, 06/20/2025]June 2024 - all of the structures are still there, but it does not see like anyone is maintaining them. They are in poor condition.
[Laura, 06/27/2024]