Miniature Railroad in Wildwood Celebrates 50 Years

Fifty years ago Sunday, the first spike was driven for the at Glencoe, one of the local villages eventually incorporated as part of Wildwood.

Many volunteers run this non-profit organization, which delights 15,000-plus passengers each season May through October from the 12-inch gauge live steam railroad.

The organization was founded in 1938-1939 when it was located at Brown Road and Natural Bridge near St. Louis-Lambert International Airport. It now consists of 14 locomotives and 45 cars traveling on a one-foot-wide track near the Meramec River, with 10 of the locomotives running on steam.

Trains run on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. The ride is a two-mile round trip that lasts about 30 minutes. A $4 donation per rider is requested. Children 3 years old and younger ride free. A military families' special rate is offered.

Commemorative 50th anniversary postcard tickets were available Sunday for $5.

Picnic facilities at the train facility are available on a first come, first served basis. For more details, visit the organization's website.

Group specials are possible for special occasions, such as a birthday party. Prices start at $100 for a group of 25. Birthday parties include a ride in one of cabooses for the birthday person and two friends.