Located at the corner of North Scottsdale and East Indian Bend Roads, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park has been delighting park-goers in Scottsdale for decades. With items like real (retired) rail cars, a museum telling the history of railroad travel with artifacts and memorabilia, a 10,000-square-foot railway model and more, train enthusiasts and their families will find something to enjoy.
Carousel
The Scottsdale Charros Carousel, a can’t-miss central feature of the park, was completed in 1950. The beautifully carved, meticulously restored carousel was purchased by the Scottsdale Railroad and Mechanical Society with significant participation by the Scottsdale Charros – a local service group. It’s registered with the National Carousel Association for the preservation of antique carousels. The 30 horses and two wheelchair chariots make it accessible fun for everyone. You’ll need tickets, available Stillman Station.
Paradise & Pacific Railroad
It wouldn’t be called a railway park without a railroad. The railroad was the first attraction added to the park and remains the main attractions. It’s an exact 5:12 reproduction of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad and features two steam locomotives, two diesel engines, an electric engine, several scale-model cars, a turntable, water tank, trestles, and a 32’ x 200’ train shed with machine shop for building and maintaining the railroad. Trains take you on a tour of the entire park as it loops around from the station, passing landmarks like the water tower, Old West playground, train shed and under a covered bridge. You’ll need a ticket to ride, available at Stillman Station.
The Roald Amundsen Pullman Car
One of the last cars built by the Pullman Company, the car was built in 1928 and is best known for being used by every U.S. president from Herbert Hoover to Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1940, it was on this car that President Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister W.L. McKenzie King signed the agreement providing for the joint defense of North America, now known as NORAD. The car is on the National Historic Register.
Playgrounds
The McCormick-Stillman Train park boasts two playgrounds for kids to enjoy. The playground nearest the park entrance has a railway theme and includes playground features like slides, swings, and climbers. There’s a smaller play structure for toddlers. Venture across the park to the iconic Western Town built along the tracks of the railroad. Built from designs submitted by ASU architectural students, the town includes a combination bank/depot/sheriff’s office/jail/general store climber, an old-fashioned wooden-wheel carriage, and feeding trough. The sandy ground of the play areas keeps the ground a little cooler and softens the landing of Superman jumps when Mom or Dad yells “time to go!”
Heading
These are just a few of the features that make the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park a great place to spend the day or an afternoon. After a fun-filled day of everything train and railroad, you’ll want somewhere to come back to and relax. Pull into your “station” – a vacation rental by Porter. Enjoy luxury and privacy in one of our Scottsdale rental homes. From a cozy two-bedroom for a small family getaway to a spacious seven-bedroom for a family reunion, you’ll find just what you’re looking for. Choose an upgraded unit for stainless steel appliances, outdoor kitchen with BBQ grill and more.
Contact us and start planning your Scottsdale getaway now!
