Events we participate in
We enjoy working with communities, organizations, non-profit groups, and other large gatherings where multiple activities are going on and our train adds to the experience. Our “family based” trains are for all ages and fit nicely into this setting.
We are not a full time train rental. We enjoy doing the above type of events and charge to cover our insurance, gas, maintenance and some of our time.
Typically we are hired by the event itself to give rides during a specific time range.
Smaller/individual events (Birthday party, reunions, etc.) we typically don’t do given smaller number in attendance but we are open to you contacting us and discussing your specific situation.
How far will we travel for an event
Our trains travel in an enclosed trailer and can do events in Missouri as far as 150 miles from Springfield, MO (our insurance does not cover other states or further than 150 miles). There may be a gas surcharge for distances over 10 miles.
Cost
Cost is based upon length the train will be available at an event, expected number of passengers during the event, and travel distance to the event.
As mentioned above, we are not a full time train rental. We primarily give rides during large group events.
A typical community event is 2 to 3 hours, 100 to 150 passengers. If a larger number of passengers are expected or longer period of time is needed we will work with you.
2025 Rates:
Group/Community Events
- $300 – 2 hours of train rides (minimum charge)
- $ 50 – Each additional hour
- $ 25 – For every 25 miles/30 minutes one way from Springfield MO area
Family/Private Parties
- $200 – 1 hour of train rides
- $ 25 – Typically don’t do Private train rides outside Springfield, MO area but fee would be $25 for every 25 miles/30 minutes one way from Springfield MO area
Given we are working with limited number of groups a year we are open to being paid after the event. We will create an invoice via Square which will have a due date that we agree upon. Some events we may ask for half payment before traveling to the event for high requested dates or further distances.
In all cases, we limit how many events we do a year and have the right to turn down any event.
Features of the train
Our primary train is used during most of the year. We have a special train for Fall and another for Christmas. The Fall/Christmas trains may be used at other times based upon request and type of event.
Our trains are “Trackless” trains and can travel on any hard surface.
All trains come with our red locomotive (has smoke, a bell, and a whistle) and 2 cars (each has 3 benches and can fit up to 6 adults/children). The Fall Train has same seating compacity but “hay ride” look/feel. Our Christmas Train has an additional sleigh car which can fit 2 or 3 additional people.
A “coal car” that holds 4 to 6 people may be added if larger crowd is expected.
Their is a single step for each passenger car to make it easier to get in/out of the train.
Each train car has 2 doors which latch from the outside. The Sleigh car is open but in the middle of the trailer the sleigh is on.
All trains are decorated for the season/event, music playing in the passenger cars, and lights inside and outside for night events. Our Christmas train’s lights are extra special and light up the night with color.
The train locomotive is driven by a gas Lawn Tractor which is capable of pulling up and down slight grades. Our trains are designed to travel on hard surfaces which typically is a closed street.
What is required from event organizers?
Organizers need to define what time period train rides will be available and work out a cost for the train ahead of time. Christmas events are the most popular and suggested to work out months ahead of time.
The loading site and route the train will take during rides will need to be planned, making sure there is little to no traffic in the area. We load from the left side of the train and cannot go in reverse, so the train path needs to be a circle or a large turn around spot. Length of rides are typically around five minutes. When considering distance think of a small town square traveling 3 MPH around it.
We will need a location close to the event to park and setup the train. Our Van/trailer is about 40 feet in length and we need a space behind or next to our trailer to setup.
We may want to meet with an organizer before the event to go over parking/setup location and train route.
We have insurance for these types of events so it will not be necessary for the event itself to provide insurance.
How does it all work on day of the event?
We will arrive at least 1 hour before rides to unload/setup the train. We are a husband/wife team and will drive and organize loading/unloading of the train. If an organization wants to give additional help for crowd control or setup loading line markers we would love to have the additional help.
We will attempt to give rides to individuals waiting in line that have not rode before event ends, even if ending time has been met.