Kittitas County Railroad History Association

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

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

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

About KCRHA
Rotary Park Narrative

Make a Donation

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

Donate

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

Organizational Progress & Current Grant Status

The Kittitas County Railroad History Association has reached an important milestone with the award of a $10,000 Parks Partnership Grant from the Ellensburg Parks & Recreation Commission. This investment not only advances construction of the riding railroad at Rotary Park, it also strengthens our standing for future funding opportunities by demonstrating strong local commitment.

Our project continues to benefit from broad community support. Formal letters of endorsement have been received from:

  • Kittitas County Board of Commissioners

  • Ellensburg Mayor Rich Elliott and the City Council

  • Ellensburg City Manager Heidi Behrends Cerniwey

  • Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce

  • National Railway Historical Society

These endorsements will accompany future grant submissions and reflect the region’s unified backing of this youth‑focused, heritage‑based public project.

A building permit to build 2800 feet of railroad track has been submitted to the Community Development Department Jan 18 2026.

Further updates will be posted here.

- Jim Pendley, CEO, 1/8th Scale buildings and Structures

View Master Track Plan
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: Our goal is to be running by Fall 2026.  We will keep this site updated as track is put down.

  • 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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Browse FAQs

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!