Published May 9, 2022, for State 48 A2Z
In a state that is loaded with history from prehistoric tribes who called this land home long before any others, to the Spanish Explorers, to more modern-day Native American tribes, to the old west miners, settlers, homesteaders, cowboys, and outlaws, it is no surprise that the history of steel rail transportation, which helped usher in this country’s Industrial Revolution, is included among them. This week we stop in at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a 30-acre park that features a 15-inch gauge railroad, a Magma Arizona Railroad locomotive, three model railroad clubs, a 1950’s carousel ride, a historical railroad museum, a statue of Bil Keane (creator of Family Circus newspaper comic), two food concessions areas, and a gift shop. And there is no admission fee – you will, however, pay for rides if you choose to go on any. The park is also a great destination for children’s birthdays and has reservable picnic areas.
Officially opening on October 4, 1975, the land that the Park sits on was donated to the City of Scottsdale by Fowler McCormick in 1967. McCormick had one stipulation for the city though, and that the Park had to be open for everyone. The park was originally called the McCormick Railroad Park but was renamed to honor Guy Stillman, the park’s founder.
Some of the attractions at the park include:
Paradise & Pacific Railroad – This exhibit was the park’s first attraction. It is a 15-gauge miniature railway with a track length of 3,800 feet. It also features a 1,400-foot sidetrack, two trestles, two water tanks, a loading platform, two crossing signals, and a train shed. Three steam locomotives, three diesel locomotives, and two cabooses are part of the railroad as well.
Charro Carousel: The Charro Carousel, built by The Allan Hershell Company in 1950, was eventually purchased by the Scottsdale Railroad and Mechanical Society to become a centerpiece of the park.
Giddy-Up Daddy Statue: This statue depicts the father from the Family Circus newspaper comic strip giving his children a piggyback ride. The Family Circus, a long-running newspaper comic, was created and drawn by Bil Keane, who passed away in his Paradise Valley, Arizona home in November 2011 at the age of 89. His son Jeff is now the artist for the comic strip. There is a gazebo covering the statue to make it a great place to grab a seat and have a snack, or just relax a bit.
Magma Arizona Railroad Engine No 6: This locomotive, which operated on the Magma Arizona Railroad for 54 years, was constructed in 1907 by Baldwin Locomotive Works and, subsequently purchased by The Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society in 1977. It is the last Arizona & New Mexico engine that remains in Arizona.
Roald Amundsen Pullman Car: One of only six Pullman Company cars that were built in 1928 and donated to the Society by Mr. and Mrs. Franz Talley, it ran a little over $200,00 to build at the time. This specific car was used by Presidents Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower.
Swiss Railway Clock: This clock was donated to the park by the City in Interlaken, Switzerland to commemorate the sister city's partnership with Scottsdale. Designed in 1944 by Hans Hilfiker the Swiss Railway Clock was used as a station clock by Swiss Federal Railways.
Gabe Brooks Machine Shop: This shop was built in 1930 by Gabe Brooks who was regarded as the best machinist in America during World War II. It still has its original machining equipment.
The Antique Railroad Bell: This bell was presented to Henry S, Sturgis in 1958. Sturgis was the vice-president of First National Bank, Chairman of the Erie Railroad’s Executive Committee, and played an active part in railroad finances.
Playgrounds: There are two playgrounds in the park.
Navajo Hogans: The park has two of the only three remaining Indian hogans left in existence from the Northern Arizona Navajo Indian Reservation. The third remaining hogan is on display at Phoenix’s Heard Museum.
Xeriscape Arboretum: This desert arboretum has been growing since 1980 and has different genera of plants from various regions.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is hit with kids of all ages and a great place to hang on a beautiful Sonoran Desert day in the Valley of the Sun. It is also a cool place to have children’s birthday parties at. Check their web page for event planning details.
That’ll wrap things up for this week. As always, thanks for reading, stay safe, and happy travels. Be sure to like and follow us on social media (links below), share our blog posts, and feel free to give us your feedback. And, if you go somewhere in Arizona that you think others should know about, please let us know so we can add it to our travel list. We’d love to hear from you. Peace!
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