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A great place to catch steam locomotives in action is at Theme Parks and Amusement Parks across the USA. 

While some Railfans refer to park trains as "Circus Trains" due to the bright paint, and sometimes over the top decorative elements, I always enjoy a ride behind steam, and theme parks usually operate steam on a daily basis, which is something many historical railroads can not do. 

Take a good look around this page, many parks may surprise you with unique and historical equipment.
We've tagged the theme park railways in the following way - 

HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE = Operates Historic Steam Locomotives, originally built for Commercial Railroads. 
PARK LOCOMOTIVE = Operates Locomotives originally built for Theme Park use. 

Many of the "Park Locomotives," you will notice, were built by the Crown Metal Works of Pennsylvania.
They manufactured steam locomotives specifically for theme parks, amusement parks, and zoos in a variety of track gauges including 15", 24", and the most common for parks - 36" gauge. 
While they vary cosmetically and by scale, all Crown Locomotives were virtually identical 4-4-0 "American Type" Steam Locomotives. Crown Metal Works was in business from 1959 until 1989. 


We provide the following as information only. Be sure to contact the theme parks directly for up to date information, operation schedules & availability. 

Picture
Ghost Town & Calico Railway #41, in historic "Rio Grande Southern" lettering, steams through Knott's Berry Farm. Baldwin | 1881
CALIFORNIA 

Disneyland Park 
Anaheim, California 
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES & PARK LOCOMOTIVES

Click here for more information and TrainChasers.com photos of the Disneyland Railroad. 
Disneyland Railroad is a 36" gauge 1.5 mile railroad that makes a loop around the park. All of the locomotives now burn oil. 
The Train makes 4 stops along the route, beginning at the Main Street Station at the entrance to the park. 
On a typical operating day, 3 Trains will operate, up to 4 on busy holidays.
This allows Train Chasers the opportunity to ride behind a variety of locomotives. 
Operational Steam Locomotives - #1 "C. K. Holiday"      | 4-4-0 | Built in 1954 by the Walt Disney Company for the opening of the park. 
                                                #2 "E. P. Ripley"        | 4-4-0 | Built in 1954 by the Walt Disney Company for the opening of the park. 
                                                #3 "Fred Gurley"        | 2-4-4 | Built in 1894 by Baldwin. Originally built as a 2-4-4T. 
                                                #4 "Ernest S. Marsh"  | 2-4-0 | Built in 1925 by Baldwin. Originally built as a 0-4-0T. 
                                                #5  "Ward Kimball"     | 2-4-4 | Built in 1902 by Baldwin. 
www.Disneyland.com 


Knotts Berry Farm 
Buena Park, California 
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES & PARK LOCOMOTIVES 

Ghost Town and Calico Railway is a 36" gauge railroad that makes a short loop inside the park. All of the locomotives burn oil. 
This is the countries most historic theme park train, featuring steam locomotives and wooden coaches in a historically accurate paint scheme from the Denver and Rio Grande.  The train boards from one station, and all riders make a roundtrip.
On the occasional slow day, the historic Galloping Goose #3 may operate. 
Operational Steam Locomotives - #340                     | 2-8-0 | Built in 1881 by Baldwin for the Denver & Rio Grande Western. 
                                                #41 "Walter K"      | 2-8-0 | Built in 1881 by Baldwin for the Denver & Rio Grande.
Grand Sierra Railroad is a 24" gauge railroad that operates on a small loop around the "Camp Snoopy" land of Knotts Berry Farm.  
Small, open air cars are pulled by a Crown Steam Locomotive. 
Operational Steam Locomotive - #83   | 4-4-0 | Built in 1982 by Crown for the park. 
www.Knotts.com   

​San Francisco Zoo
San Francisco, California 
PARK LOCOMOTIVE 

Little Puffer Steam Train is a 22" gauge railroad that runs in a small loop within the zoo. The train has been at the zoo since 1925, and supposedly operated on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk before that. While technically built as a park train, the Cagney Locomotives are very historic in their own right. 
The train boards from one station, and all passengers make a roundtrip. The Locomotive burns natural gas. 
Operational Steam Locomotive - #1925 | 4-4-0 | Built around 1904 by Cagney Brothers. 
www.SFZoo.org

Picture
Walt Disney World Railroad #1, "Walter E. Disney," lets off steam at Fantasyland Station. Baldwin | 1925

FLORIDA 

Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, Florida 

HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES 
Click HERE to for more information and to see TrainChasers.com photos and video of the WDW Railroad. 

Walt Disney World Railroad is a 36" gauge, 1.5 Mile Railroad that circles the park. All of the locomotives burn oil. 
The train makes 3 stops along the park, beginning at the Main Street Station at the entrance of the park. 
Up to 3 trains will operate during busy times allowing Train Chasers a chance to see several locomotives in action. 
For Train watching, there is a walkway that parallels the track near the Fantasyland Station.
The Park offers a morning Railroad Roundhouse Tour, for a fee, and by Reservations Only. 
Operational Steam Locomotives  - #1 "Walter E. Disney" | 4-6-0 | Built in 1925 by Baldwin.  
                                                 #2 "Lilly Belle" | 2-6-0 | Built in 1928 by Baldwin.
                                                 #3 "Roger E. Broggie" | 4-6-0 | Built in 1925 by Baldwin. 
                                                 #4 "Roy O. Disney"     | 4-4-0 | Built in 1916 by Baldwin. 
www.DisneyWorld.com 
***Note - The Walt Disney World Railroad is currently not operating due to major construction near the Railroad Right of Way in Tomorrowland. 
The Walt Disney World Railroad closed in December of 2018 and is expected to be closed for 1-2 years. During this time, one of the locomotives will be on display at Main Street Station and the Behind the Scenes Steam Train Tours are still being given for an extra charge. The Steam Train Tours do include a short steam train ride from within the park to the Disney World Steam Train and Monorail Maintenance Facility. 
​
Busch Gardens 
​Tampa, Florida 
PARK LOCOMOTIVES 
Click here for more information and to see TrainChasers.com photos of the Serengeti Railway at Busch Gardens. 

Serengeti Railway is a 36" gauge railway that operate throughout the park. All of the locomotives burn propane. 
The train makes 3 stops along the park, and passes through the Serengeti Plain with views of the exotic animals. 
Multiple trains operate on a normal operating day, giving Train Chasers a chance to ride behind multiple steam locomotives.
Operational Steam Locomotives - #4 | 4-4-0 | Built in 1971 by Crown for the Park. (Cosmetically - Green European Style) 
                                                #5 | 4-4-0 | Built in 1971 by Crown for Six Flags St. Louis. (Cosmetically - Yellow American Style)
                                                #9 | 4-4-0 | Built in 1971 by Crown for the Park. (Cosmetically - Red European Style) 
                                             #601| 4-4-0 | Built in 1974 by Crown for Kings Dominion Park.  (Cosmetically - Green American Style) 
www.BuschGardens.com 
Idaho 

Silverwood Park 
Athol, Idaho 
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE

Central Railroad is a 36" gauge, 3.5 mile railway that loops around the park and through the "Backwoods." The Locomotive burns oil. 
The train boards from one station, and all passengers make a round trip. 
Operational Steam Locomotive - #7 | 2-6-2 | Built in 1915 by Porter for the Eureka & Palisade Railroad in Nevada. 
www.SilverwoodThemePark.com
​
Picture
Locomotive #43 is a 24" gauge, 2-4-0T, steam locomotive in operation on the "Frisco Silver Dollar Line" at Silver Dollar City in Missouri. O&K | 1934.
MISSOURI 

Silver Dollar City 
Branson, Missouri
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES 

Frisco Silver Dollar Line is a 24" gauge railway that operates through the park and into the woods of the Ozarks. All locomotives burn fuel oil. 
The train boards from one station, and all passengers make the 20 minute round trip. 
The Railroad operates rarely seen (in the USA) European Narrow Gauge steam locomotives. 
Operational Steam Locomotives - #13 | 2-4-2T | Built in 1938 by Orenstein & Koppel in Berlin. 
                                                #76 | 2-4-2T | Built in 1940 by Kolben-Danek in Czechoslovakia.
                                                #43 | 2-4-2T | Built in 1934 by Orenstein & Koppel in Berlin. 
www.SilverDollarCity.com


Six Flags St. Louis 
Eureka, Missouri 
PARK LOCOMOTIVE 

Click here to see TrainChasers.com photos and videos of the Tommy G. Robertson Railroad at Six Flags St. Louis. 
Tommy G. Robertson Railroad is a 36" gauge railway that operates on a loop throughout the park passing several attractions.
The Locomotive burns propane. 
The train serves two stations within the park. 
Operational Steam Locomotive-  "Tommy G. Robertson" | 4-4-0 | Built in 1971 by Crown. 
www.SixFlags.com/StLouis/
​​
​
Worlds of Fun 
​Kansas City, Missouri 
PARK LOCOMOTIVE 

Worlds of Fun Railroad is a 36" gauge railway that operates on 1 mile of track that loops through the center of the park. The Locomotive burns propane. 
The train boards from one station, and all passengers make the 10 minute round trip. 
Operational Steam Locomotive - #33 "Eli" | 4-4-0 | Built in 1973 by Crown. 
www.WorldsOfFun.com 
NEBRASKA

Henry Doorly Zoo 
Omaha, Nebraska 
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE & PARK LOCOMOTIVE 

Omaha Zoo Railroad is a 24" gauge railway that operates on 1.8 miles of track that makes a large loop around the Zoo with views of the African Animals. 
A Diesel Locomotive also operates on the railway. Both Steam Locomotives burn oil. 
Operational Steam Locomotives - #119 | 4-4-0 | Built in 1968 by Crown. 
                                               "Riva"| 0-6-2T| Built in 1890 by Krauss Works in Austria. 
www.OmahaZoo.com 
New Hampshire 

Clark's Trading Post 
Lincoln, New Hampshire 
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE 

White Mountain Central Railroad is Standard Gauge Railway that operates on an out and back line over a covered bridge. 
The Steam Locomotive burns wood, and is a unique "Climax" geared steam locomotive. 
Steam operates daily in July and August. During the Spring and Fall, a Diesel will sometimes operate instead. 
The train boards from one station, and all passengers make the 25 minute, 2.5 mile roundtrip. 
Operational Steam Locomotive - #6  | 2 - Truck Climax | Built in 1921 by Climax. 
www.ClarksTradingPost.com 
NORTH CAROLINA 

Tweetsie Railroad 
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES 
Click here for more information and to see TrainChasers.com photos of the Tweetsie Railroad. 

Tweetsie Railroad is a 36" gauge, 3 mile loop around a mountain that travels over a trestle and seemingly back in time. Both Locomotives burn Coal. 
Tweetsie refers to the nickname for the East Tennessee & West North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC) which operated in this area. 
​The train boards from one station, and all passengers make the full roundtrip. 
"Tweetsie Railroad" is the name of the family theme park that features a Saloon Show, Chairlift Ride and other attractions in addition to the train ride. 
A Railfan weekend is held in August and features both steam locomotives operating along with a wooden coach historic to the ET&WNC. 
​Operating Steam Locomotives - #12 "Tweetsie" | 4-6-0 | Built in 1917 by Baldwin for the ET&WNC. 
                                            #190 "Yukon Queen" | 2-8-2 | Built in 1942 by Baldwin for the White Pass & Yukon. 
www.Tweetsie.com
OHIO 

Cedar Point 
Sandusky, Ohio
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES 

Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad is a 36" gauge, 2 mile railway that operates throughout the park and along the scenic coast of Lake Erie. 
The train boards from 2 stations throughout the park. 
Operating Steam Locomotives -     #5 "Judy K." | 2-4-0 | Built in 1923 by Vulcan Iron Works. Originally built as an 0-4-0T. 
                                             #22 "Myron H." | 2-4-0 | Built in 1922 by Vulcan Iron Works. Originally built as an 0-4-0T. 
                                             #4 " George R." | 2-4-0 | Built in 1942 by Porter. Orginally built as a 38" Gauge.  
www.CedarPoint.com    

​
Kings Island 
​Cincinnati, Ohio 
PARK LOCOMOTIVES 

Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad is a 36" gauge, approx. 1 mile loop that travels through the woods connecting the Theme park with the Water Park. 
Both Locomotives burn Propane. The train boards from 2 stations, one for the theme park, and one for the water park. 
When the water park is open, both trains usually operate. 
Operating Steam Locomotives - #12 "Kenny Van Meter" | 4-4-0 | Built in 1972 by Crown for the park. Cosmetic Appearance - Blue Locomotive
                                                   #19    "Lew Brown" | 4-4-0 | Built in 1972 by Crown for the park. Cosmetic Appearance - Green Locomotive. 
www.VisitKingsIsland.com
PENNSYLVANIA 

Knoebels 
Elysburg, Pennsylvania 
PARK LOCOMOTIVE 

Ole Smokey Train is a 16" gauge railway that operates on a short out-and-back track with turn around loops on each end.
The track travels through the Kids-Section of the park. The Locomotive is Coal Burning. 
The train boards at one station and all passengers stay on board for the roundtrip. 
Another Railroad, the "Pioneer Train" also operates on a longer route through the woods in the park with Gas powered locomotives. 
Operating Steam Locomotive - #1865 | 4-4-0 | Built in 1960 by Crown. 
www.Knoebels.com 
​
Hersheypark 
Hershey, Pennsylvania 
PARK LOCOMOTIVES 

Dry Gulch Railroad is a 24" gauge railway that operates on a short Western themed loop within the park. Both Locomotives burn propane. 
The train boards from one station, and all passengers stay on board for the entire roundtrip. 
Operating Steam Locomotives - #1985 "Janelle" | 4-4-0 | Built  around 1985 by Crown. 
                                             #1907 "Scooter"| 4-4-0 | Built in 1984 by Crown. 
www.HersheyPark.com 
Picture
Dollywood Express #70, "Cinderella," one of the hard working 2-8-2 locomotives at Dollywood! Baldwin | 1938.

TENNESSEE 

Dollywood 
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES 

Click Here for more information and to see TrainChasers.com Photos and Video of the Dollywood Express.
Dollywood Express is a 36" gauge 2.5 mile railway that operates on an out-and-back section of track with turn around loops at each end. 
The railway climbs an impressive 3.5% ruling grade and crosses over bridges as it passes various areas of the park.
At the half-way point, the Great Smoky Mountains can be seen in the distance. Trains board from one station, and all passengers ride the full roundtrip. 
Both Locomotives burn coal. These are the hardest working theme park locomotives in operation, pulling long trains up impressive grades everyday. 
Operating Steam Locomotives -         #70 "Cinderella" | 2-8-2 | Built in 1938 by Baldwin for the White Pass & Yukon. 
                                                    #192 "Klondike Katie" | 2-8-2 | Built in 1943 by Baldwin for the US Army Transportation Corp. 
www.Dollywood.com 
TEXAS 

Six Flags over Texas 
Dallas, Texas 
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES 

Six Flags & Texas Railroad is a 36" gauge, 1 mile railway that operates on a loop through the park. Both locomotives burn oil. 
The train boards from 2 stations within the park.
Of note, the Locomotives are still owned by the Louisiana Plantation that originally purchased them. They are leased, operated, and maintained
​by Six Flags over Texas. The railroad is the only opening day attraction at the park, having operated since 1961. 
Operating Steam Locomotives - # 1 "General Sam Houston" | 2-4-2 | Built in 1901 by ALCO.  Originally built as a 0-4-4T. Cosmetic note - Green. 
                                                  # 2 "Mirabeau B. Lamar" | 2-4-2 | Built in 1897 by H. K. Porter. Originally built as a 0-4-0T. Cosmetic - Red. 
www.SixFlags.com/OverTexas/
UTAH 

Lagoon Park 
Farmington, Utah
PARK LOCOMOTIVES 

Wild Kingdom Train is a 24" gauge railway that operates around a large lake with views of various animals. 
The train boards from one station, and all passengers ride the full 12 minute roundtrip. 
Operating Steam Locomotives -    #1 | 4-4-0 | Built by Crown. 
                                             #126 | 4-4-0 | Built by Crown. 
www.LagoonPark.com 
VIRGINIA 
​
Busch Gardens 
Williamsburg, Virginia
PARK LOCOMOTIVES

Busch Gardens Railway is a 36" gauge, 2.5 mile railway that loops around the park providing scenic views of the coasters, the valley and the "rhine river" that runs through the park. A highlight of the ride is crossing an impressive trestle. All locomotives burn propane.
​The train boards from 3 stations throughout the park. 
Operating Steam Locomotives - #239 "Der Hochbeinige" | 4-4-0 | Built in 1974 by Crown for the Park.  (Cosmetic - Light Brown, European Style).
                                             #661 "Balmoral Castle"   | 4-4-0 | Build in 1974 by Crown for the Park. (Cosmetic - Blue European Style).
                                                   #17 "Alpen Express" | 4-4-0 | Built in 1972 by Crown for Lakeside Park. (Cosmetic - Dark Green, American Style). 
www.BuschGardens.com 
WASHINGTON 

Remlinger Farms 
Carnation, Washington 
PARK LOCOMOTIVES 

Tolt River Railroad is a 24" gauge railway that runs an out and back route along the Tolt River with turn-around loops on each end. 
The Train boards from one station and takes riders on a round trip. It appears the locomotives burn oil. 
Operating Steam Locomotives - #1 | 4-4-0 | Built by Crown.
                                             #2 | 4-4-0 | Built by Crown in 1964.
www.RemlingerFarms.com
WISCONSIN 

Little Amerrika 
Marshall, Wisconsin 
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
 
Whiskey River Railway is a 16" gauge railway that runs on a 2+ mile, out-and-back route with turn around loops on each end. 
Some, if not all, locomotives burn coal.  The Park is also home to the shops of the Merrick Light Railway Equipment Company. 
Diesels also operate at the park. The operation, while in a theme park, resembles an impressive live steam operation. 
Operating Steam Locomotives - #1919 "Lee W. Merrick" | 4-6-2 | Built by Merrick in 1996. 
                                               #12 | "Oakland Acorn" | 4-6-2 | Built by George Reddington in 1949. 
                                                            #12 "Gracey" | 4-4-2 | Built by Norm Gracey in 1969. Cosmetic - Lettered "Rio Grande Southern," Green. 
                                                       #1956 "Daylight" | 4-6-2 | Built by George Reddington in 1956. Cosmetic - Resembles "Daylight" Locomotive.         www.LittleAmerricka.com

​
Milwaukee Zoo
​Milwaukee, Wisconsin 
PARK LOCOMOTIVES 

Safari Train is a 15" gauge gauge railway that operates on a large loop around the zoo. Locomotives Burn Coal. 
Diesels also operate at the park. 
Operating Steam Locomotives - #1916 | 4-4-2 | Built by Sandley in 1961. 
                                             #1924 | 4-6-2 | Built by Sandley in 1977. 
www.MilwaukeeZoo.org

                                      
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A Theme Park Caboose for the end of the page... the Disneyland Railroad!
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