McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park celebrates 50 years | Scottsdale

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a slate of new attractions aimed at drawing more summer visitors to one of the city’s most beloved destinations.

Known for its vintage train rides and family-friendly atmosphere, the park welcomes about 1 million visitors annually and generates roughly $2.5 million in revenue. While the fall and winter months typically see full attendance, park officials share that summer visitation drops off significantly — a trend they hope to change.

To help boost those numbers, the park has already unveiled a newly renovated outdoor playground and is set to open a 10,000-square-foot indoor, train-themed play facility and a 5,000-square-foot splash pad in July.

“The additions are really focused on creating cool, shaded play opportunities that families can enjoy even during the hotter months,” said park officials.

The indoor facility, called The Roundhouse, will feature a locomotive-shaped play structure and a multipurpose room for events and programming. The adjacent splash pad is the most requested addition in recent years, identified as a key need in the park’s master plan.

The park is also upgrading its entry plaza near Stillman Station with new seating, landscaping, lighting, pathways, and public art. New restrooms and additional trees will round out the enhancements.

The total cost for the improvements is $13.1 million, funded in part by bond financing approved by Scottsdale voters in 2019.

Honoring a rich legacy

The park opened on Oct. 4, 1975, on land donated by Anne and Fowler McCormick, who had owned a horse and cattle ranch near Indian Bend and Scottsdale roads. In 1967, the McCormicks gave 100 acres of their ranch to the city to be used as a public park.

Originally intended to span 50 acres on the west side of Scottsdale Road, the park was ultimately relocated across the street and reduced to 30 acres, remaining within city limits.

Much of the park’s charm and identity can be credited to Guy Stillman, Anne McCormick’s son. In 1971, Stillman founded the Scottsdale Railroad and Mechanical Society, a nonprofit that provided technical expertise and volunteer labor. That same year, he began transferring his Paradise & Pacific steam railroad to the park and donated two locomotives to the city.

Originally named McCormick Railroad Park, the site was renamed McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in 1996 to recognize Stillman’s contributions.

Looking ahead

A two-day Railfair celebration is scheduled for Oct. 4–5 to mark the park’s golden anniversary. The event will feature live music, family activities and a commemorative ceremony.

Signature attractions like the Paradise & Pacific Railroad ride, the antique carousel, model train exhibits, and the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car museum — which once hosted U.S. presidents from Herbert Hoover to Dwight Eisenhower — will remain central to the park experience.

The new outdoor playground, which opened in January, features upgraded swings, slides, climbing structures, and a mini train engine.

The park also hosts events throughout the year, including the Tracks N Tunes concert series, which kicked off last month. 

For more information, visit TheRailroadPark.com.