With its scenic views and historical entertainment – cowboys rounding up cattle and Wild West shootouts – Grand Canyon Railway has delighted generations of visitors looking to experience bygone Arizona. This summer, GCR’s family-friendly appeal gets a boost following a makeover of its signature Steam Engine No. 4960. “Of the more than 30,000 steam engines originally built in the U.S., less than 200 survive today,” community relations manager Sam Langner says. “Only a few are still running, and even fewer on everyday passenger railroads.” No. 4960 further distinguishes itself from the pack with its new power source: green energy fueled by snowmelt and waste vegetable oil, earning it the nickname “The French Fry Express.” It chugged out of the station this March and will run through October. Langner recommends making a weekend out of a train excursion with a stay at the AAA Three-Diamond, 298-room Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. It’s “just walking distance from downtown Williams, Arizona, and Route 66,” Langner says. “Guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly amenities and dining options, and it’s the perfect stop-over before seeing one of the world’s seven natural wonders.” thetrain.com
