All aboard! Ride the 12-inch gauge Steam engines of the Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Association.  The Railroad is open every Sunday, May through October.

Be it rain or shine, trains depart at 11:00 a.m. But if you miss the first departure? Don’t worry, trains leave about every 20 minutes with the final train leaving at 4:15 p.m. The thirty minute, two-mile trip travels along the scenic Meramec River and passes through a western section of Castlewood State Park that’s not open to the public. Admission is $3 a person. Children under three years of age ride free.

The WF&P Railway, operated by an all volunteer staff carries about 13,000 passengers a year and boasts 13 locomotives. The line is laid on the original right-of-way of the Pacific Railroad which was built in 1852. Missouri Pacific used the line until the 1920’s when new bridges were built to cross the Meramec. A siding and turntable from yesteryears is still visible.

To reach the station, take I-44 to Highway 109 (Exit 264). Go north about three miles to Old State Road. Turn right and go about 200 ft. on Old State Road. Then turn right again on to Washington/Grand avenues. Proceed about three blocks to the train station which is at the foot of Grand Avenue, Wildwood, MO (Glencoe)

Why not make a day out of it? There’s lots of hiking, biking and picnicking to do! The railway is close to three state parks –  Babler, Castlewood and the new Route 66 Park located in the former community of Times Beach. You can even camp at Babler.

Oh and for those of you (like me) on the look-out for a cool birthday party idea? They do birthdays too! http://www.wfprr.com/birthday/index.html For more information, click here www.wfprr.com