2025 is a milestone year for Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, with major improvements completed and a full calendar of celebrations on track.

This summer, the park opened several highly anticipated features designed to enhance the visitor experience year-round, including:

• The Roundhouse — a 10,000-square-foot train-themed indoor play space featuring a locomotive-shaped play structure and a multipurpose room for events and activities.
• A 5,000-square-foot splashpad play area — one of the most requested additions, offering families a fun way to cool off during Scottsdale’s warmest months.
• A new entry plaza — complete with a shaded seating area, landscaping, public art, new restrooms, lighting and pathways to create a more welcoming arrival experience.

The $13.1 million improvements were funded through several sources, including bond financing approved by Scottsdale voters in 2019, and the Scottsdale Railroad Mechanical Society - a nonprofit organization that provides technical expertise and has been instrumental in the development of park amenities through volunteer labor and donations.  

New attractions draw big crowds in the first month.

Since opening the Roundhouse and splashpad on Aug. 1, the park has welcomed more than 39,000 visitors, boosting overall summer attendance by 160% compared to last year.

Golden Jubilee kicks off a season of celebration.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the park officially turns 50. To mark the occasion, the community is invited to a Golden Jubilee celebration, part of the annual Railfair weekend (Oct. 4–5). Guests can enjoy live music, activities, historical displays and a commemorative ceremony honoring the park’s legacy.

The festivities don’t stop there. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park will continue its tradition of hosting some of Scottsdale’s most popular family events throughout 2025:

• Halloween Spook-Track-ula (Oct. 10-31) – A month-long transformation of the train ride into a family-friendly haunted adventure.
• Holiday Lights (Nov. 29 – Dec. 30) – A dazzling holiday tradition featuring festive displays and a train ride through a winter wonderland.
• Noon Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) – A daytime New Year’s celebration for families with a train ride, music, activities and a “noon” countdown.

“McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park has always been a place where generations come together,” said Stephanie Tippett, parks and recreation manager. “To be able to unveil these major improvements the same year the park turns 50, is so incredible for our staff and community.”

For details on events, tickets and park amenities, visit TheRailroadPark.com.