Visiting The Trains That Built The West At Mccormick-stillman Railroad Park

By Author: Mark Macias
Total Articles: 6
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When people come to visit the Scottsdale and Phoenix area, most just see it as it is today and rarely think about the area long ago, before it was settled. As you look out at all of the beautiful mountains that surround the Phoenix metro area, try and think back to the days of the early settlers and the tedious and hard labor that went into building the railroads, which ultimately made the area what it is today.

The history that built Phoenix has luckily been preserved in an area of Scottsdale. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park pays homage to that hard work and the locomotives that brought the people that inhabited the area and essentially helped make Phoenix the sixth largest city in the US. For a taste of the train travel that these people experienced, you do not want to miss this great spot.

The thing that draws Arizona Vacation Rental tourists to this park is undoubtedly the opportunity to hop aboard the train. The trains that parade around the track are built as a replica of the trains of those old days, but it is built at just 5/12 scale. That means anything that was one foot long on the trains of old, ...
... is just five inches on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad at Railroad Park. Nevertheless, the ride will give you the thrill you seek and the best part is, your destination will not be the unsettled west. Instead you will arrive back where you started and can begin your journey through the other great aspects of this park.

Aside from all the wonderful trains to see and ride on, near the center of the park sits a 1950’s carousel called the Scottsdale Charro Carousel. With thirty horses and two wheelchair chariots, this is definitely as aspect of the park that you and the little ones will not want to miss.

Finally, when your legs need a rest, but the kids are eager to keep going, make a stop at the playgrounds where you can take a seat and watch as the children play on the swings, slides, monkey bars, and other exciting features of the giant kid fun zone.

Another not to miss attraction is the Model Railroad Building. The parks newest attraction, is a one-of-kind 10,000 square foot building showcasing the park’s four model railroad clubs along with surrounding railroad displays, artifacts and hands-on amenities.

The rich real estate of the west would have had no value if the people were not able to get the food and supplies they need to survive. Settlers were able to get their supplies at general stores. And a visit to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park would not be complete without visiting Hartley’s General Store. For the best in souvenirs, snacks, and slushies, Hartley’s is the perfect place to wrap up a visit to the park.

Got a sweet tooth? Maybe then you should stop at the Southern Pacific Railroad Caboose, which is now renovated to serve the snacks you crave. Sweets, such as ice cream and yogurt, are served alongside hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks.

A trip to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a trip back into the history of the old Scottsdale. For more information on this must visit family destination during your Arizona Vacation Rental time in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area visit http://www.therailroadpark.com/.

Article Source: Arizona Vacation Rentals