Theme Park Steam Trains – Where Real Steam Lives in America’s Amusement Parks
Theme parks across the USA are home to some of the best operating steam locomotives — from historic railroad engines to beautifully restored park trains that still run daily for visitors.
While some railfans refer to park trains as “Circus Trains” due to their bright paint and over-the-top details, they’re still a joy to ride. Unlike many heritage railroads, most theme parks operate steam daily, keeping the sights, sounds, and smells of live steam alive for millions of guests each year.
Locomotive Tags Used on This Page:
• HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE – Operates original steam locomotives built for commercial railroads.
• PARK LOCOMOTIVE – Operates locomotives originally designed and built for theme park use.
Many of the Park Locomotives 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 to 1989.
All information is provided for reference only. Please contact each theme park directly for the most current schedule, ticket information, and operating updates.
While some railfans refer to park trains as “Circus Trains” due to their bright paint and over-the-top details, they’re still a joy to ride. Unlike many heritage railroads, most theme parks operate steam daily, keeping the sights, sounds, and smells of live steam alive for millions of guests each year.
Locomotive Tags Used on This Page:
• HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE – Operates original steam locomotives built for commercial railroads.
• PARK LOCOMOTIVE – Operates locomotives originally designed and built for theme park use.
Many of the Park Locomotives 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 to 1989.
All information is provided for reference only. Please contact each theme park directly for the most current schedule, ticket information, and operating updates.
Ghost Town & Calico Railway Steam Locomotive #41, in historic "Rio Grande Southern" lettering, steams through Knott's Berry Farm in California.
California
Disneyland Park | Anaheim, California
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, 2 or 3 trains will operate.
This allows Train Chasers the opportunity to ride behind a variety of locomotives.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES & PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1 C. K. Holiday | 4-4-0 American | Walt Disney Company | 1954
#2 E. P. Ripley | 4-4-0 American | Walt Disney Company | 1954
#3 Fred Gurley | 2-4-4 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1894 Originally built as a 2-4-4T
#4 Ernest S. Marsh | 2-4-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1925 Originally built as a 0-4-0T
#5 Ward Kimball | 2-4-4 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1902
Website: disneyland.disney.go.com/
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, 2 or 3 trains will operate.
This allows Train Chasers the opportunity to ride behind a variety of locomotives.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES & PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1 C. K. Holiday | 4-4-0 American | Walt Disney Company | 1954
#2 E. P. Ripley | 4-4-0 American | Walt Disney Company | 1954
#3 Fred Gurley | 2-4-4 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1894 Originally built as a 2-4-4T
#4 Ernest S. Marsh | 2-4-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1925 Originally built as a 0-4-0T
#5 Ward Kimball | 2-4-4 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1902
Website: disneyland.disney.go.com/
Knott's Berry Farm | Buena Park, California
Ghost Town and Calico Railway is a 36" narrow-gauge railroad that makes a short loop inside the park. Both of the locomotives burn oil.
This is the country's 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.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#340 Green River | 2-8-0 Consolidation | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1881 for the Denver & Rio Grande
#41 Walter K. | 2-8-0 Consolidation | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1881 for the Denver & Rio Grande
Website: www.sixflags.com/knotts
This is the country's 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.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#340 Green River | 2-8-0 Consolidation | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1881 for the Denver & Rio Grande
#41 Walter K. | 2-8-0 Consolidation | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1881 for the Denver & Rio Grande
Website: www.sixflags.com/knotts
San Francisco Zoo | San Francisco, California
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 Locomotive burns natural gas.
The train boards from one station, and all passengers make a roundtrip.
A restored 1921 Dentzel Carousel is also in operation at the zoo.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#1925 Little Puffer | 4-4-0 American | Cagney Bros. | 1904
Website: www.sfzoo.org/
The train boards from one station, and all passengers make a roundtrip.
A restored 1921 Dentzel Carousel is also in operation at the zoo.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#1925 Little Puffer | 4-4-0 American | Cagney Bros. | 1904
Website: www.sfzoo.org/
Redwood Valley Railway at Tilden Park | Orinda, California
The Redwood Valley Railway is a 15-inch narrow-gauge railroad located in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, California. Founded in 1952 by Erich Thomsen, the line operates over 1.2 miles of track, winding through a scenic forest of redwood trees.
Trains run on weekends throughout the year, with daily operations during the summer season.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#4 Laurel | 2-4-2 Columbia | Erich Thomsen | 1965
#5 Fern | 4-4-0 American | Redwood Valley Shops | 1986
#7 Oak | 2-6-2 Prairie | Redwood Valley Shops | 2005
#11 Sequoia | 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler | Redwood Valley Shops | 1976
Website: www.ebparks.org/parks/venues/steam-train
Trains run on weekends throughout the year, with daily operations during the summer season.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#4 Laurel | 2-4-2 Columbia | Erich Thomsen | 1965
#5 Fern | 4-4-0 American | Redwood Valley Shops | 1986
#7 Oak | 2-6-2 Prairie | Redwood Valley Shops | 2005
#11 Sequoia | 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler | Redwood Valley Shops | 1976
Website: www.ebparks.org/parks/venues/steam-train
Walt Disney World Railroad #1, "Walter E. Disney," lets off steam at Fantasyland Station in the Magic Kingdom Theme Park in Florida.
Florida
Magic Kingdom | Walt Disney World, Florida
Click here 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 route, beginning at the Main Street Station at the entrance of the park.
For Train watching, there is a walkway that parallels the track near the Fantasyland Station.
*NOTE - Walt Disney World Railroad is now operating in "Shuttle Mode" from Main Street U.S.A. to Fantasyland Station and back. This is due to construction at the Magic Kingdom Park.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1 Walter E. Disney | 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1925
#2 Lilly Belle | 2-6-0 Mogul | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1928
#3 Roger E. Broggie | 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1925
#4 Roy O. Disney | 4-4-0 American | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1916
Website: disneyworld.disney.go.com/
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 route, beginning at the Main Street Station at the entrance of the park.
For Train watching, there is a walkway that parallels the track near the Fantasyland Station.
*NOTE - Walt Disney World Railroad is now operating in "Shuttle Mode" from Main Street U.S.A. to Fantasyland Station and back. This is due to construction at the Magic Kingdom Park.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1 Walter E. Disney | 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1925
#2 Lilly Belle | 2-6-0 Mogul | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1928
#3 Roger E. Broggie | 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1925
#4 Roy O. Disney | 4-4-0 American | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1916
Website: disneyworld.disney.go.com/
Busch Gardens | Tampa, Florida
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 operates throughout the park. All of the locomotives burn propane.
The train makes 3 stops along the route, 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.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#4 | 4-4-0 American | Built in 1971 by Crown for the Park. Cosmetically - Green European Style.
#5 | 4-4-0 American | Built in 1971 by Crown for Six Flags St. Louis. Cosmetically - Yellow American Style.
#9 | 4-4-0 American | Built in 1971 by Crown for the Park. Cosmetically - Red European Style.
#601 | 4-4-0 American | Built in 1974 by Crown for Kings Dominion Park. Cosmetically - Green American Style.
Website: buschgardens.com/tampa/
Serengeti Railway is a 36" gauge railway that operates throughout the park. All of the locomotives burn propane.
The train makes 3 stops along the route, 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.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#4 | 4-4-0 American | Built in 1971 by Crown for the Park. Cosmetically - Green European Style.
#5 | 4-4-0 American | Built in 1971 by Crown for Six Flags St. Louis. Cosmetically - Yellow American Style.
#9 | 4-4-0 American | Built in 1971 by Crown for the Park. Cosmetically - Red European Style.
#601 | 4-4-0 American | Built in 1974 by Crown for Kings Dominion Park. Cosmetically - Green American Style.
Website: buschgardens.com/tampa/
Idaho
Silverwood Park | Athol, Idaho
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.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#7 | 2-6-2 Prairie | H. K. Porter | 1915 Built for the Eureka & Palisade Railroad in Nevada.
Website: www.silverwoodthemepark.com/
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#7 | 2-6-2 Prairie | H. K. Porter | 1915 Built for the Eureka & Palisade Railroad in Nevada.
Website: www.silverwoodthemepark.com/
Steam 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.
Missouri
Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri
The Frisco Silver Dollar Line is a 24-inch–gauge railway that winds through Silver Dollar City and into the wooded hills of the Ozarks. All locomotives burn fuel oil, and trains depart from a single station for a scenic 20-minute round-trip ride.
The railroad operates historic European narrow-gauge steam locomotives that have been cosmetically modified to resemble classic American-style engines.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#14 | 0-4-0 T | Orenstein & Koppel (Germany) | 1938
#43 | 0-4-0 T | Orenstein & Koppel (Germany) | 1934
#504 | 0-4-0 | Ceskomoravska Kolben Danek (Czech Republic) | 1941
Website: www.silverdollarcity.com/
The railroad operates historic European narrow-gauge steam locomotives that have been cosmetically modified to resemble classic American-style engines.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#14 | 0-4-0 T | Orenstein & Koppel (Germany) | 1938
#43 | 0-4-0 T | Orenstein & Koppel (Germany) | 1934
#504 | 0-4-0 | Ceskomoravska Kolben Danek (Czech Republic) | 1941
Website: www.silverdollarcity.com/
Six Flags St. Louis | Eureka, Missouri
Click here to see TrainChasers.com photos and videos of the Tommy G. Robertson Railroad at Six Flags St. Louis.
The Tommy G. Robertson Railroad is a 36-inch–gauge railway that loops through the park, passing several major coasters and attractions along the way. The train is powered by a propane-fired locomotive and provides convenient transportation between two stations located within the park.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
Tommy G. Robertson | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1971
Website: www.sixflags.com/stlouis
The Tommy G. Robertson Railroad is a 36-inch–gauge railway that loops through the park, passing several major coasters and attractions along the way. The train is powered by a propane-fired locomotive and provides convenient transportation between two stations located within the park.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
Tommy G. Robertson | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1971
Website: www.sixflags.com/stlouis
Worlds of Fun | Kansas City, Missouri
The Worlds of Fun Railroad is a 36-inch–gauge railway operating on a one-mile loop through the heart of the park. Powered by a propane-fired locomotive, the train departs from a single station, carrying passengers on a 10-minute round-trip ride.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#33 "Eli" | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1973
Website: www.sixflags.com/worldsoffun
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#33 "Eli" | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1973
Website: www.sixflags.com/worldsoffun
Nebraska
Henry Doorly Zoo | Omaha, Nebraska
The Omaha Zoo Railroad is a 30-inch–gauge railway operating on 1.6 miles of track that forms a broad loop around the zoo, offering unique views of African wildlife and other exhibits. The line is powered primarily by oil-burning steam locomotives, with a diesel locomotive also in service. All trains depart from the main station, providing a classic narrow-gauge ride through the heart of the zoo.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE & PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#119 | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1968
#104 Riva | 0-6-2T | Krauss Works (Austria) | 1890
Website: www.omahazoo.com/train
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE & PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#119 | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1968
#104 Riva | 0-6-2T | Krauss Works (Austria) | 1890
Website: www.omahazoo.com/train
New Hampshire
Clark's Bears (Formerly Clark's Trading Post) | Lincoln, New Hampshire
White Mountain Central Railroad is a 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 the summer season. 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.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#6 | 2 - Truck Climax | Climax | 1921
Website: clarksbears.com/
The Steam Locomotive burns wood, and is a unique "Climax" geared steam locomotive.
Steam operates daily in the summer season. 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.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#6 | 2 - Truck Climax | Climax | 1921
Website: clarksbears.com/
North Carolina
Tweetsie Railroad | Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Click here for more information and to see TrainChasers.com photos of the Tweetsie Railroad.
Tweetsie Railroad is a 36-inch–gauge railway operating a 3-mile loop around a mountain, complete with a high trestle, wooded hillsides, and the feeling of stepping back in time. Both steam locomotives burn coal. The name “Tweetsie” comes from the nickname of the historic East Tennessee & West North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), which once served this region. All passengers board at the park’s depot and take the full round-trip ride. “Tweetsie Railroad” is also the name of the surrounding family theme park, which features a saloon show, chairlift ride, live entertainment, and additional attractions.
Each August, Railfan Weekend celebrates the railroad’s heritage with both steam locomotives in operation—often joined by a historic wooden coach.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#12 "Tweetsie" | 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1917 for the ET&WNC.
#190 "Yukon Queen" | 2-8-2 Mikado | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1942 for the White Pass & Yukon.
Website: tweetsie.com/
Tweetsie Railroad is a 36-inch–gauge railway operating a 3-mile loop around a mountain, complete with a high trestle, wooded hillsides, and the feeling of stepping back in time. Both steam locomotives burn coal. The name “Tweetsie” comes from the nickname of the historic East Tennessee & West North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), which once served this region. All passengers board at the park’s depot and take the full round-trip ride. “Tweetsie Railroad” is also the name of the surrounding family theme park, which features a saloon show, chairlift ride, live entertainment, and additional attractions.
Each August, Railfan Weekend celebrates the railroad’s heritage with both steam locomotives in operation—often joined by a historic wooden coach.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#12 "Tweetsie" | 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1917 for the ET&WNC.
#190 "Yukon Queen" | 2-8-2 Mikado | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1942 for the White Pass & Yukon.
Website: tweetsie.com/
Ohio
Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio
Click here for more information and to see TrainChasers.com photos of the Cedar Point Steam Train.
The Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad is a 36-inch–gauge, 2-mile railway that circles the park and travels along the scenic shoreline of Lake Erie. Trains board at two stations, offering convenient access from different areas of the park. All locomotives are hand-fired, coal-burning engines.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#4 George R. | 2-4-0 Porter | H. K. Porter | 1942 Originally built as a 38" Gauge.
#22 Myron H. | 2-4-0 Porter | Vulcan | 1922 Originally built as 0-4-0T.
#44 Judy K. | 2-4-0 Porter | Vulcan | 1923 Originally built as 0-4-0T.
Website: www.sixflags.com/cedarpoint
The Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad is a 36-inch–gauge, 2-mile railway that circles the park and travels along the scenic shoreline of Lake Erie. Trains board at two stations, offering convenient access from different areas of the park. All locomotives are hand-fired, coal-burning engines.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#4 George R. | 2-4-0 Porter | H. K. Porter | 1942 Originally built as a 38" Gauge.
#22 Myron H. | 2-4-0 Porter | Vulcan | 1922 Originally built as 0-4-0T.
#44 Judy K. | 2-4-0 Porter | Vulcan | 1923 Originally built as 0-4-0T.
Website: www.sixflags.com/cedarpoint
Kings Island | Cincinnati, Ohio
The Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad is a 36-inch–gauge railway operating on an approximately 1-mile loop through wooded terrain, connecting the main theme park with the water park. Two propane-burning steam locomotives power the line, with trains boarding from stations at both parks. During the summer season—when the water park is open—both trains typically operate.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#12 Kenny Van Meter | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1972 for the park. Cosmetic - Blue Locomotive
#19 Lew Brown | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1972 for the park. Cosmetic - Green Locomotive.
Website: www.sixflags.com/kingsisland
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#12 Kenny Van Meter | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1972 for the park. Cosmetic - Blue Locomotive
#19 Lew Brown | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1972 for the park. Cosmetic - Green Locomotive.
Website: www.sixflags.com/kingsisland
Pennsylvania
Hersheypark | Hershey, Pennsylvania
Click here for more information and photos of the Dry Gulch Railroad.
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.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1985 Janelle | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1961
#1907 Scooter| 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1961
Website: www.hersheypark.com/
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.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1985 Janelle | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1961
#1907 Scooter| 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1961
Website: www.hersheypark.com/
Knoebels | Elysburg, Pennsylvania
Ole Smokey Train is a 16" gauge railway that operates on a short out-and-back track with turnaround loops on each end.
The track travels through the kids section of the park. The Steam Locomotive is possibly the only coal-burning Crown Locomotive in operation. 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.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#1865 | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1960
Website: knoebels.com/
The track travels through the kids section of the park. The Steam Locomotive is possibly the only coal-burning Crown Locomotive in operation. 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.
PARK LOCOMOTIVE
Operational Steam Locomotive:
#1865 | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1960
Website: knoebels.com/
White Pass & Yukon Steam Locomotive #70 is seen here pulling the Dollywood Express Train in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Tennessee
Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Click Here for more information and to see TrainChasers.com Photos and Video of the Dollywood Express.
The Dollywood Express is a 36-inch–gauge, 2.5-mile steam railway operating on an out-and-back route with turning loops at each end. The line features a challenging 3.5% ruling grade, multiple bridges, and views of different themed areas of the park. At the mid-point of the journey, riders are treated to sweeping vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Trains board from a single station, and all passengers remain on board for the full round-trip. Both locomotives burn coal, and they are widely regarded as some of the hardest-working steam engines in any theme park—hauling long trains up steep grades every operating day.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#70 "Cinderella" | 2-8-2 Mikado | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1938 for the White Pass & Yukon.
#192 "Klondike Katie" | 2-8-2 Mikado | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1943 for the US Army Transportation Corps.
Website: www.dollywood.com/
Note: #70's sister locomotive #73 is still in operation on the White Pass & Yukon in Skagway, Alaska. Check out the listing in Steam by State for more information.
The Dollywood Express is a 36-inch–gauge, 2.5-mile steam railway operating on an out-and-back route with turning loops at each end. The line features a challenging 3.5% ruling grade, multiple bridges, and views of different themed areas of the park. At the mid-point of the journey, riders are treated to sweeping vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Trains board from a single station, and all passengers remain on board for the full round-trip. Both locomotives burn coal, and they are widely regarded as some of the hardest-working steam engines in any theme park—hauling long trains up steep grades every operating day.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#70 "Cinderella" | 2-8-2 Mikado | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1938 for the White Pass & Yukon.
#192 "Klondike Katie" | 2-8-2 Mikado | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1943 for the US Army Transportation Corps.
Website: www.dollywood.com/
Note: #70's sister locomotive #73 is still in operation on the White Pass & Yukon in Skagway, Alaska. Check out the listing in Steam by State for more information.
Texas
Six Flags over Texas | Arlington, Texas
Click here for photos of the Six Flags & Texas Railroad 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, thel 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.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1 General Sam Houston | 2-4-2 Columbian | ALCO - Dickson | 1901 Originally built as a 0-4-4T.
#2 Charles Jefferson Patton | 2-4-2 Columbian | H. K. Porter | 1897 Originally built as a 0-4-0T.
Website: www.sixflags.com/overtexas
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, thel 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.
HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1 General Sam Houston | 2-4-2 Columbian | ALCO - Dickson | 1901 Originally built as a 0-4-4T.
#2 Charles Jefferson Patton | 2-4-2 Columbian | H. K. Porter | 1897 Originally built as a 0-4-0T.
Website: www.sixflags.com/overtexas
Utah
Lagoon Park | Farmington, Utah
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 round trip.
Lagoon Park began as a resort called "Lake Park" that was built in 1886 by the Denver & Rio Grande.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1 | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1975
#126 | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1975
Website: www.lagoonpark.com/
The train boards from one station, and all passengers ride the full 12-minute round trip.
Lagoon Park began as a resort called "Lake Park" that was built in 1886 by the Denver & Rio Grande.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1 | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1975
#126 | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1975
Website: www.lagoonpark.com/
Virginia
Busch Gardens | Williamsburg, Virginia
Click here for more information and photos of Busch Gardens Railway.
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.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#239 Der Hochbeinige | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1974 for the Park. (Cosmetic: Light Brown, European Style).
#661 Balmoral Castle | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1974 for the Park. (Cosmetic: Blue, European Style).
#17 Alpen Express | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1972 for Lakeside Park. (Cosmetic: Dark Green, American Style).
Website: buschgardens.com/williamsburg/
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.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#239 Der Hochbeinige | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1974 for the Park. (Cosmetic: Light Brown, European Style).
#661 Balmoral Castle | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1974 for the Park. (Cosmetic: Blue, European Style).
#17 Alpen Express | 4-4-0 American | Crown | 1972 for Lakeside Park. (Cosmetic: Dark Green, American Style).
Website: buschgardens.com/williamsburg/
Wisconsin
Little Amerrika | Marshall, Wisconsin
Whiskey River Railway is a 16" gauge railway that runs on a 2-mile, out-and-back route with turnaround 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, but the operation closely resembles a live steam railway.
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1919 Lee W. Merrick | 4-6-2 | Merrick Light Rail Equipment | 1996
#1950 Oakland Acorn | 4-6-2 | George Reddington | 1949
#12 Gracey | 4-4-2 | Norm Gracey | 1969 Cosmetic - Lettered "Rio Grande Southern," Green.
#1956 Daylight | 4-6-2 | George Reddington | 1956 Cosmetic - Resembles "Daylight" Locomotive.
Website: www.littleamerricka.com/
PARK LOCOMOTIVES
Operational Steam Locomotives:
#1919 Lee W. Merrick | 4-6-2 | Merrick Light Rail Equipment | 1996
#1950 Oakland Acorn | 4-6-2 | George Reddington | 1949
#12 Gracey | 4-4-2 | Norm Gracey | 1969 Cosmetic - Lettered "Rio Grande Southern," Green.
#1956 Daylight | 4-6-2 | George Reddington | 1956 Cosmetic - Resembles "Daylight" Locomotive.
Website: www.littleamerricka.com/
Disneyland Railroad Caboose in operation at the Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.
When planning a trip to visit theme park steam operations, take a moment to check the states you’ll be traveling through—there may be a scenic railway or museum on our Steam by State page that makes a perfect extra stop. You can also see if any. Mainline Steam locomotives are scheduled to operate during your travel dates.
