McCormick Stillman Railroad Park
April 29, 2019
If you love trains, then put the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park on your list of places to visit. This 30-acre park has trains to ride, a train museum, and a restored carousel. Located at 7301 East Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale, this park opened in 1975 and is a great place to take the kids. There are events year round in the park, including the Holiday Lights Train Ride. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Scottsdale.
About the Park
Take a train ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad through the desert arboretum or ride the fully restored 1950’s era vintage carousel. The railroad features steam locomotives, diesel engines, and electric engine, trestles and a turntable. With over 30 horses and two wheelchair chariots, the Scottsdale Charros Carousel will enchant everyone.
Visit the museum or Model Railroad Building to brush up on your train history. The Scottsdale Railroad Museum includes the historic Peoria Depot, The Roald Amundsen Pullman car, as well railroad artifacts and memorabilia. The Roald Amundsen Pullman car was built in 1928, was used by every president from Herbert Hoover to Dwight Eisenhower, and is on the National Historic Register. The 10,000 square foot Model Railroad Building houses four model railroad clubs each using different scale trains, over eight different scales of trains, and a variety of exhibits. The LEED-Gold building’s architecture is reminiscent of 19th century train sheds.
Need to burn up a little energy? There are two separate playgrounds: The railroad-themed playground is fully shaded and has a misting water feature for hot afternoons, and The Western Town playground is built along the Paradis & Pacific Railroad tracks. And there are several ramadas for use.
There are many nearby attractions for your family-oriented excursions. The OdySea in the Desert Complex (9500 East Via de Ventura) has something for everyone: the OdySea Aquarium (aquariums, touch pools, with over 10 different galleries and exhibits), Pangaea – Land of the Dinosaurs, the Laser + Mirror Maze, and Butterfly Wonderland. Older kids and adults may enjoy something a little more exciting, and iFLY has it. It’s an indoor skydiving experience in a vertical wind tunnel! OdySea is one of the best things to do in Scottsdale!
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale is the place to go if you love trains or know someone who does. Park admission is free, but there is a slight charge to ride the train, carousel, and to visit the museum. Visit the park’s website for times, special events and more information.
