Kittitas County Railroad History Association

A 501(C)(3) Organization Supported by the National Railway Historical Society

A free train ride through local railroad history coming to Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington, in 2026.

A photo of the Ellensburg Depot in 1884 with a train and several men getting ready to board. The photo has inspired the Kittitas County Railroad History Association to recreate a miniature model of the depot for their Riding Railroad in Rotary Park.
A photo of a miniature Ellensburg Depot modeled after the structure from 1884. The depot will be a part of the Riding Railroad by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association, fun new things to do in Ellensburg, Washington, for families to enjoy.

Our train ride will be a comfortable family-friendly experience and will always be free!

Learn more about the Kittitas County Railroad History Association and browse photos of our work so far!

Our History Helps Build Our Future

Make a Donation

Donate to our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization via our website or our GoFundMe page at any time!

Once we are operating, KCRHA will also collect donations for Ellensburg’s FISH Community Food Bank to feed our Kittitas County community members.

A photo of two parents and five children enjoying a bench car at the Riding Railroad in Skykomish, Washington. The KCRHA's Riding Railroad will be similar at Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington, fun things to do in Ellensburg.

August 2025 Update

The KCRHA has submitted required permits, a process that took over six months of detailed research. Special thanks to Terracon, the Geotech firm working next door on the WinCo project, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife for their valuable support. Permit submission for the Ellensburg 1886 roof by the building contractor when the time is right. Additionally, Land Use Action signs went up on July 26th, another big milestone as we move into the public comment phase.

Land Use Action signage posted throughout Rotary Park in Ellensburg Washington, explaining the changes to be made as construction for the KCRHA Riding Railroad begins.
Land Use Action signage posted at the entrance to Rotary Park in Ellensburg Washington, explaining the changes to be made as construction for the KCRHA Riding Railroad begins
Land Use Action signage posted at the South of Rotary Park in Ellensburg Washington, explaining the changes to be made as construction for the KCRHA Riding Railroad begins

The KCRHA has carefully structured our Preliminary operating schedule to minimize any potential conflict with major local events. Our planned schedule is as follows:

  • 2026 Operating Dates: 2nd & 4th weekends of the month, from July 11 - October 1

  • Hours of Operation:

    • Saturdays: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Sundays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Special Event: A "Train Ride to See Santa" on the Saturday after Thanksgiving

  • Non-Operating Days: We will not operate during Ellensburg Rodeo weekend or the hours of the Ellensburg Farmers Market out of respect for these long standing community traditions.

By structuring our schedule in this way, we aim to provide a valuable attraction while also supporting our local economy and ensuring that existing businesses and events continue to thrive.

Follow Us!

Follow Us!

Follow Us on Facebook!

Like our page for project updates, volunteering opportunities, progress photos, and more!

A screenshot of the Kittitas County Railroad History Association's Facebook page, follow for project updates, volunteering, photos, and more. The Riding Railroad will be built at Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington, fun things to do for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our FAQs page to learn more specifics about our railroad.

A photo of a few models that the Kittitas County Railroad History Association has constructed for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington. The models include Ellensburg Depot, Easton Water Tower, railroad cars, and more.

Volunteer for the KCRHA!

In 2026, we will need several volunteers to help build the railroad. If you are interested in volunteering, please input your email below and we will email you once volunteer positions are available.

Check out this video of our train at the Great Northern & Cascade Railway in Skykomish, WA!

A graphic of the plans for the new Riding Railroad at Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington, provided by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association. This free activity in Ellensburg will be family friendly and fun.