Arizona has a long and storied history with railroads. Railroads fueled the state's first industries, hauling to east and west coast hubs the copper and cotton upon which the state's initial boom was built. Today trains still play a major role in the state's economy, not only in heavy industry, but in tourism, as well. Diesel and steam trains carry passengers to the Grand Canyon and Verde Canyon. Smaller, miniature trains have also emerged as a popular family and vacation activity in the state.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is in the heart of the Scottsdale. Admission is free. The train is pulled by a working steam engine. Passengers sit in open-air cars that weave throughout the park, providing views of nearby Camelback Mountain. McCormick-Stillman also has an onsite carousel and a Pullman car that visitors can tour. Facilities include a snack shop, outdoor café, ice cream shop, souvenir store, picnic tables and two free playground areas. McCormick-Stillman is open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E. Indian Bend Road
Scotstdale, AZ 85250
480-312-2312
therailroadpark.com
Freestone Railroad is in the Town of Gilbert's Freestone Park. The miniature railroad, which winds down a 3/4-mile track, features both open air and canopied railroad cars. Admission is free. Freestone Railroad also has a carousel, waterless "wave runner" and miniature Ferris wheel. A small café is located onsite. The Freestone Railroad is open every weekend from September to June, and most holidays. The surrounding public park, with picnic tables, sporting fields and several playgrounds, is open year round.
Freestone Railroad
1021 E. Juniper Ave.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480-632-2702
freestonerr.com
The CP Huntington Railroad is in Trail Dust Town, a popular tourist destination that aims recreates the Old West experience. Brick pathways take visitors past recreated Old West stores, saloons and restaurants, including the El Corral, which has been operating as an eating and drinking establishment since 1926. Actors in period costumes frequently recreate street shootouts and a shooting gallery allows guests to try their aim with an arcade rifle. The CP Huntington Railroad, which features both open air and canopied cars, weaves through Trail Dust Town. The train runs daily from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
CP Huntington Railroad at Trail Dust Town Railroad
6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Tucson, AZ 85715
520-296-4551
traildusttown.com
