All Aboard the KC Northern Railroad

Trains fascinate children and intrigue adults. Riding the rails evokes nostalgia and captivates the imagination. Tucked away in the Northland, on N.W. Waukomis Drive, Kansas City’s bargain treasure awaits families every weekend May - October. 

The story began in 1984, when a group of volunteers took to heart the message of The Little Engine that Could, saying, “We think we can, we think we can.” Indeed they did! 

The original Swope Park Zoo train of 1948, retired after 24 years of faithful service, sat in storage until 1984, falling into disrepair. Then the KC Parks and Recreation Department advertised in The Clay Dispatch-Tribune for someone to restore the train. Enter the Kansas City Northern Railroad, a group of train-lovers who developed a strategy to restore the Zoo Train to its original glory. After years of work, the Kansas City Southern Train No. 31, The Southern Belle, went back into operation at Line Creek Park in July 1992.

Since then, the KCNRR has acquired two additional trains: The Missouri Pacific No. 561 (c. 1963) named The Eagle, from the Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton, N.Y., and the Union Pacific No. 910 (c. 1953) from Manhattan Kansas Zoo, aptly named City of Kansas City. 

Volunteers work year-round to maintain, restore and operate the trains offering rides for just 75 cents. Ticket receipts, donations, and volunteer labor fund the KCNRR’s operations entirely. 

Families ride the loop two times for the price of one ticket, including the traditional tunnel, and search for the beloved railroad puppy, Buddy, en route. After riding the rails, kids enjoy testing out the train whistle and bell. 

The Southern Belle, The Eagle, and City of Kansas City are beloved among Kansas Citians. They are working to add a fourth, a steam train, next year and we can't wait! The KCNRR team is working on plans for expansion and we're excited to see them grow in the coming years.

If your family is looking for an affordable outing packed with priceless memories, you can't beat a ride aboard a train at KC Northern Railroad!