There is something special about trains. Their size, power, and the ability to take us from one destination to another, sometimes through impassable wilderness, is awe-inspiring. Folks originally settled in Arizona by riding the rails, traveling in carriages, and on horseback. In keeping with that spirit, there many opportunities to take a train ride through historic parts of our state. Here are some of our favorite train rides in the Arizona, both big and small.
The Grand Canyon Railroad
The granddaddy of historic trains in Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway has been letting people ride its rails to the canyon since 1901. Headquartered in Williams, Arizona, one of the best stops for an Arizona Route 66 adventure just west of Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon Railway is a tourist destination and a fantastic way to visit the Grand Canyon without having to drive. The railway makes several round trips between Williams and Grand Canyon National Park every day, with a wide range of car types and ticket pricing to fit every budget.
Riding the train to and from the National Park has become one of our favorite ways to see the Grand Canyon. The railway provides fun Old West entertainment, beverages, and snacks on the 130-mile round trip that takes you directly to the train station outside the El Tovar Hotel. You can book tickets to stay overnight in the park with a return trip the next day, and they have a large, modern hotel available at the station in Williams. Either option is great for a place to stay for a visit.
The Grand Canyon Railway hosts special train rides and events, including Steam Saturdays, the Pumpkin Patch Train in October, and the truly magical Polar Express to visit Santa at the North Pole in November and December. Be sure to check out some of the Grand Canyon vacation deals they offer, with hotel and train ticket packages at various prices.
Verde Canyon Railroad
The Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, Arizona, sends passengers on an historic trip through Arizona back country near the Red Rock Wilderness of Sedona. This 40-mile round-trip train ride through the Verde Canyon wilderness lets you see wildlife, cliffs, canyons, and old mining artifacts from the comfort of a fully-restored vintage train.
This train ride is a fun, luxurious, and relaxing trip in climate controlled comfort, but you can also enjoy the beauty outside on one of the open-air platform cars on the train. Located just outside the town of Cottonwood, the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale makes a great day trip from Phoenix or a fun activity if you are planning a stay in Sedona, Cottonwood, or one of the surrounding towns.
Calling themselves “Arizona’s longest-running nature show … railroad style,” the Verde Canyon Railroad hosts many different events to entertain passengers. Their seasonal events include: the Uncorked Wine Festival in May, the Grape Train Escape wine tours throughout the summer, Ales on Rails in September and October, the The Magical Christmas Journey ride during the Christmas season, and other special events, rides, and tours during every season of the year.
Check their website for packages, ticket prices, deals and events. The Verde Canyon Railroad also provides a venue for a variety of private parties, including weddings, birthdays or other events – what a fun way to celebrate your special day!
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
“I want to go to the train park, Mom!” says many a kid as the weather gets cooler in Phoenix. The “train park,” as saavy Phoenix parents know, is the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. This 30-acre Railroad Park is operated by the city of Scottsdale’s Parks and Recreation Department, and is considered the most unique park of its kind in the country. The railroad park lets visitors take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad, enjoy the 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel, visit a variety of shops and museums, or play on a one-of-a-kind playground in one of Scottsdale’s most beautiful public parks.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is home to the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, which features generations of railroad history, artifacts and memorabilia that bring the history of railroads to life. In addition to historical train exhibits, the park boasts a 10,000 square foot model railroad building that houses four model railroad clubs. The park hosts Spook-Track-Ula in October, a special Holiday Lights display in December, and many other special events throughout the year. They also book Birthday Parties and Group Events at their facility. Check their website for more information about their attractions, hours and upcoming events – your kids will love it too!
The Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park
A hidden railroad gem, located just north of the Adobe Dam off of Pinnacle Peak Road and 43rd Avenue, is the Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park. The 160-acre railroad park is part of the Adobe Dam Recreation Park, and is home to the Maricopa Live Steamers, Arizona Model Railroading Society, Arizona Garden Railway Society, and the Sahuaro Central Railroad Heritage Preservation Society. The Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park is generally open to the public during the winter months from mid-September through early May.
Admission to visit these trains is free, but donations are gratefully accepted for park improvements and ongoing maintenance. The 7 1/2″ gauge train enthusiasts run an impressive operation out in the desert, and this unique and inexpensive family activity gives kids and parents to opportunity to enjoy a scenic outdoor train ride on the Adobe Western Railroad. Be sure to check out their website for information about special events, history, and hours of operation.
Take your kids and family out to enjoy riding the rails on one of the historic railroads around our state. It’s a great way to see the scenery, wildlife and learn about the history of trains and how they helped Arizona become the great state it is now. Be sure to check Ladybug’s Blog for a more ideas for great places to get your kids out of the house to enjoy adventures throughout Arizona.
This article was originally published in the September 2018 issue of the Deer Valley Times, North Tatum Times, North 32nd News, he Scottsdale North News, and the Upper Westsider.
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