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.

1. Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park, Glendale

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.

Address: 23280 N 43rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85310

2. Arizona Railway Museum, Chandler

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.

Address: 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286

3. Big Tex BBQ, Willcox

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.

Address: 130 E Maley St, Willcox, AZ 85643

4. Grand Canyon Railway, Williams

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.

You can even see the old steam locomotive in action! Visit the website for more information on Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel.

Address: 235 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046

5. Kingman Railroad Museum, Kingman

(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

6. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale

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.

Address: 526 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203

8. Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale

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!