Last week I went to the Western National Park store located here in Tucson, AZ for a film. This film was about railroads in the National Parks. Here is what it says on the paper.
Journey along the railways as you explore the nation’s long-standing love affair with trains. The railroads were crucial part of the creation of the National Park System, taking early visitors to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, and other parks that were nearly inaccessible by other means. Today, national parks, national historic sites, national historic landmarks and historic civil engineering landmarks preserve the nation’s rich rail history and delight millions of people from around the world through scenic rail excursions and informative exhibits.
It was a very interesting film. I didn’t realize that so many trains went through the parks.
Here is a list of the parks they talked about:
Steamtown National Historic Site located in Pennsylvania, You’d feel heat from the firebox, smell hot steam and oil, you’d hear the whistle, feel the good vibrate, and watch as one-ton rods turned steel wheels. Remember the sound of “chuff-chuff” from the smokestack? Today, you can learn the history of steam railroad transportation, and the people who built, repaired and rode, as we work to preserve a special era in America’s industrial history.
Grand Canyon Railway that is located in Williams, AZ. You take a train up to the Grand Canyon and spend the day there. I went on this train with my mother one year. It was alot of fun. They people talk about the train and even have a train robbery.
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site located in Pennsylvania. The Portage opened in 1834 marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom and solider for the Mexican War.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR is located in Durango, Colorado. I went on this train with my dad and grandpa while my dad lived in Denver. It goes between two little towns.
Golden Spike National Historical Park located in Utah. One of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century is the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States. Visitors to the park can see the location of the Last Spike Site,…1869 railroad construction features, walk or drive on the original railroad grade, and get up close view of Victorian era replica locomotives.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RR located in Ohio. The railroad runs its seasonal National Park Flyer from Wednesdays to Saturdays. This departs from Rockside Station and Akron Northside Station.
Alaska RR Denali Star located in Alaska. I went on this train when my dad lived in Alaska. You pick up the train in anchorage and goes on a route the Denali National Park and Preserve.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR is located in Colorado and New Mexico. The railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64 miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in America.
What trains have you been on? It would be cool to see some of the train historic parks.