Board These 8 Beautiful Trains In Arizona For An Unforgettable Experience
When the locomotive first began its entrance into the West, it served as a sign of technological and settler progression into seemingly unknown territories but it also signaled a rapidly changing world for the Indigenous peoples. In fact, even the settlers who benefited from the train’s trail of progress seemed ambivalent to fully adapting to the technology and that attitude has continued into more modern times.
Despite the vast number of tracks spanning the state, there are actually few passenger trains still in operation. A number of railroad museums exist, along with displays in parks, train enthusiast groups, and scenic train trips in Arizona to give a small glimpse of the impact the railroad has had here over the centuries. Here are eight examples of how the iron horse continues to have an impact on Arizona’s culture today.
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(Editor's note: Train museum and train rides are suspended until further notice due to Covid-19. Check the website for updates.)
This site hosts a museum and park to learn more about trains and their model counterparts. You can even ride a miniature train for free on Sundays! Visit the website for more information on Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park.
Another railroad museum that focuses on the history of the train, this museum has quite a few trains and cars in their display yard. The museum is open on weekends from 12 p.m. to 4p.m. and is located. Visit the website for more information on Arizona Railway Museum.
Ever wanted to dine on BBQ in a train car without the ticket price? Make that dream come true with a visit to the Big Tex BBQ in Willcox! Visit the website for more information on Big Tex BBQ.
One of the few operating passenger trains in the state, the Grand Canyon Railway captures the romantic experience of the old steam locomotive with more modern technologies and amenities. The railway company offers a number of different packages, which include overnight stays, guided tours, train trips, and fun family adventures for some of the most unique things to do in Arizona. Take a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway Observation Car for some of the most breathtaking views in the state.
(Editor's note: Kingman Train Museum is temporarily closed until further notice due to Covid-19. Check the Facebook page for updates.)
Located at the Kingman Railroad Depot, this museum specializes in railroad history and model trains. It's open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the Facebook page for more information on Kingman Railroad Museum.
Address: 402 E Andy Devine Ave Suite B, Kingman, AZ 86401
This moderately sized park features a museum, an old locomotive on display, model trains, and miniature train rides that start at $3. Visit the website for more information on McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
Address: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
7. The Southern Pacific Engine at Pioneer Park, Mesa
I spent a part of my childhood growing up near downtown Mesa and playing in this park, so seeing this train brings back memories. Anyone who grew up in the suburb will remember the old Southern Pacific Engine #2355 that you could physically tour until it was eventually put behind a fence in the 1990s. A great group of community members have donated their time and efforts to restore the train and will be moving it to a more prominent position in the front of the park later this year. Visit the webpage for more information on Pioneer Park.
The passenger train for this railroad company rides along heritage tracks, so you can see similar views as its steam locomotive passengers from previous centuries. You can choose from a number of different ride options and the train depot also features a museum. This is one of the most scenic train trips in Arizona. Visit the website for more information on Verde Canyon Railroad.
Address: 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Have you visited any of these sites or taken one of these scenic train trips in Arizona before? We would love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Address: 23280 N 43rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85310, USA
Address: 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249, USA
Address: 130 E Maley St, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA
Address: 235 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Address: 402 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
Address: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA
Address: 526 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA
Address: 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Train Trips In Arizona
April 08, 2021
Melissa Mahoney
What are the most scenic places to see in Arizona?
With mountains and canyons (and we’re not just talking about the Grand Canyon), Arizona is considered one of the most scenic states in the country. Head to Sedona if you want to be transported to what looks like another world. Red rocks adorn the landscape and can be explored by hiking along numerous trails. It’s a city like no other and an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. If you are in the mood for a scenic drive, we suggest the Catalina Highway, a 27-mile route with a 6,000-foot elevation gain just north of Tucson. This gorgeous roadway will lead to Mount Lemmon and Santa Catalina Mountains, and from desert to forest along the way.
Are there any train-themed restaurants in Arizona?
Crown Railroad Cafe in Flagstaff sits along Route 66. While dining, you can watch model trains make their way around the restaurant, which has a classic diner feel. If you’re in Williams, the Grand Depot Cafe at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel is worth stopping at for a meal. A model train travels around the restaurant as you dine on traditional American fare.
What are the most unique things to do in Arizona?
A visit to the Coconino Lava River Cave in Flagstaff is perhaps one of the more unique experiences you can have in the Grand Canyon State. After a bit of a hike, explore the long cave-like structure that was formed by lava millions of years ago. It will be an experience you won’t soon forget. Biosphere 2 is a man-made wonder created in the early 1990s as a place that replicates Earth (Biosphere 1). The glasshouse emulates different environmental habitats such as rainforest and desert and is a place where scientists lived and conducted experiments for two years. Today, visitors can take a tour and learn what life was like for the scientists beyond just performing experiments.
Address: 23280 N 43rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85310, USA
Address: 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249, USA
Address: 130 E Maley St, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA
Address: 235 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Address: 402 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401, USA
Address: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA
Address: 526 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA
Address: 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
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Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
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