McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
McCornick-Stillman Railroad Park entrance
Location	Scottsdale, Arizona
Area	30-acre (12 ha).
Operated by	City of Scottsdale

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a super fun place in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's a big park, about 30 acres, all about trains! You can ride a miniature train, see an old locomotive, explore a railroad museum, and even check out cool model train displays. It's a great spot for families and anyone who loves trains.

Park History: How it All Started

The park began in 1967 when the McCormick family gave 100 acres of their land to the City of Scottsdale. They wanted it to be a park for everyone to enjoy.

Guy Stillman, who loved trains, built his own miniature railroad on the property. He called it the "Paradise & Pacific Railroad." In 1971, he offered this amazing train to the city. The U.S. Marines even helped lay the tracks, with support from Senator Barry Goldwater.

The park officially opened its doors on October 4, 1975. It was first called McCormick Railroad Park. Later, in 1996, it was renamed McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park to honor Guy Stillman, who made the train part possible.

Awesome Attractions: What to See and Do

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park has many exciting things to explore. Get ready for rides, playgrounds, and unique exhibits!

Paradise & Pacific Railroad: A Miniature Train Adventure

Children's Western Town Playground

The Paradise & Pacific Railroad is the park's oldest and most popular attraction. Guy Stillman created this special miniature train. It's a 15-inch gauge train, which means it's smaller than a regular train but big enough to ride!

The track is over 3,800 feet long and includes cool features like two bridges, a tunnel, and a turntable. The railroad has three steam locomotives and three diesel locomotives. You can also see different train cars, like cabooses and passenger coaches.

Charro Carrousel: A Classic Ride

The Charro Carrousel is a beautiful merry-go-round that was built way back in 1950. It was carefully restored by a local railroad group. It's a classic ride that brings smiles to many faces.

Fun Playgrounds: Time to Play!

The park has two playgrounds where kids can run, climb, and play. One of them has a cool Southwestern theme, built with adobe-style structures.

Statue of Bil Keane: A Famous Cartoonist

You can find a statue of Bil Keane at the park. He was the talented creator of the famous newspaper comic strip, The Family Circus.

Cool Exhibits: Explore Train History and More

Beyond the rides, the park offers many interesting exhibits that tell stories of the past.

Magma Arizona Railroad Engine #6: An Old Workhorse

The Swiss Railway Clock

This impressive locomotive was built in 1907. It worked for the Magma Arizona Railroad for 54 years, carrying important cargo. It's the only engine of its kind from Arizona and New Mexico still in Arizona.

Railroad Museum: Step Back in Time

The park's railroad museum is a great place to learn about train history. You can see old tools, photos, and other items related to railroads.

Roald Amundsen Pullman Car: A Presidential Ride

The Roald Amundsen is a special Pullman car built in 1928. It's famous because several U.S. Presidents used it, including Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower. President Roosevelt even had an important meeting about North American defense on this car in 1940.

The Swiss Railway Clock: A Gift from Switzerland

Antique Railroad Bell

This unique clock was a gift from Interlaken, Switzerland, to Scottsdale. It celebrates the friendship between the two cities. The Swiss Railway Clock was designed in 1944 and was used in Swiss train stations.

Gabe Brooks Machine Shop: A Workshop from the Past

The Gabe Brooks Machine Shop was built in 1930. Gabe Brooks was known as one of the best machinists during World War II. The shop still has its original old machines and tools.

Navajo Hogans: Traditional Homes

You can see two Navajo Hogans at the park. These are traditional homes of the Navajo people. They are rare to find outside the Navajo Indian Reservation in Northern Arizona.

Xeriscape Arboretum: A Desert Garden

The Xeriscape Arboretum is a special garden that has been growing since 1980. It features many different types of desert plants from various regions.

The Antique Railroad Bell: A Piece of History

This old railroad bell was given to Henry S. Sturgis in 1958. He was an important person in railroad finance.

Railroad Clubs: Model Trains and More

The park is also home to several clubs where train enthusiasts share their passion.

Scottsdale Live Steamers: Tiny Trains, Big Fun

Scottsdale Model Railroad Club O scale model train layout housed in the McCormick Ranch Bunkhouse

The Scottsdale Live Steamers club operates a 7.5-inch gauge miniature railroad. This track is 3,000 feet long and winds around the Xeriscape Arboretum. It has a loading platform, a tunnel, and a bridge.

Model Railroad Clubs: Detailed Miniature Worlds

Inside the McCormick Ranch Bunkhouse, three different clubs display amazing model train layouts:

• Scottsdale Model Railroad Historical Society: This club features a detailed HO scale model train layout.
• Paradise & Pacific Tinplate Club: This club showcases an O scale model train layout.
• Sun-N Sand Club: This club has an N scale model train layout, which is even smaller!

Gallery

See also

• Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park
• List of heritage railroads in the United States