WELCOME TO LAKES AND PINES DIVISION!

The Train Collectors Association, headquartered in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest and most prestigious collecting societies in the world.

Our Mission
To preserve an important segment of history - Tinplate Toy Trains - through research, education, community outreach, fellowship, establishment of collecting standards, and to promote the growth and enjoyment of the hobby.

The Lakes and Pines Division of the Train Collectors Association is a non-profit organization. Lakes and Pines Division held its first meeting on March 22, 1969. There were 19 members in attendance. The club applied to TCA for a charter and was accepted as the 1,000 Islands Division on May 26, 1969. In June 1969, TCA requested the division change its name. In June 1969, the 1,000 Islands Division was renamed the Lakes and Pines Division. Membership the first year was 28 members. Currently there are approximately 115 members. Lakes and Pines Division hosted the TCA National Convention in 1993. The Lakes and Pines Division covers the geographical area of Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and the Dakotas.
 
Lakes and Pines meetings are normally held the second Sunday of every month, except June, July and August. In August, there is an annual summer outing / picnic that is open to members. The Annual Business Meeting and Holiday Party are held in December for members only. Member only meetings are held at the John P. Murzyn Hall in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, which is a suburb just north of Minneapolis.