http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2016-02-23/saving-sad-monkey

Anyone who traveled to Palo Duro Canyon from the 1950s to the 1990s can probably remember the little tourist railroad. Some may not be up on its demise. The good news is that a local couple have bought the old train, and county inmates will restore it for display.

This is good news for a piece of history.

This is indeed sad news in that the Sad Monkey no longer runs... I'm sure the "government" was in its right but so far as I know there were no accidents, etc. And, to claim that it had to meet the ADA is preposterous at best!! What a crock!! No only did it have grandfathering it also was not for travel as in transportation from city to city...

As Examples I offer other trains that are for historical and local excursion pleasure riding from my newly adoped retirement area:

http://www.vanburen.org/attractions/ride-the-train/



Ride the Train
All Aboard the Scenic Rail!
Step Back into the 1920's & Tour the Ozarks
Arkansas reveals her inner beauty from the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad's route through the bluffs and valleys of the Boston Mountains. Impeccably restored and polished, the passenger train is a ride back in time and a journey forward as the wonders of Ozark wildlife and 1920s opulence merge during this two-hour excursion.
Begin your afternoon adventure at The Old Frisco Station, a Van Buren landmark and welcome center for over a century. Settle in to the plush grandeur of the comfortable passenger cars and hold your breath as the tracks take you over the Arkansas River, through a quarter mile tunnel and over a series of trestles overlooking the rugged and spectacular forestland. Laugh and wonder with the conductor, who will share his tales of lore and his knowledge of this beautiful and bountiful part of the world.

http://fortsmithparks.com/parks/community-parks/creekmore/

http://condrenrails.com/FSVB/FS&ECPSRy.htm



Creekmore Express Train
Rides are only 25 per person, per ride!

The train is a favorite of park-goers of all ages! Our grey train (pictured left) is our main locomotive. Our beautiful little steam engine is brought out only on special occasions, like national holidays! Want to see some pictures of the Steam Engine from back in the day??? Look at this website:http://condrenrails.com/FSVB/FS&ECPSRy.htm for some great pictures and information about our Steam Engine #999

Creekmore Train Hours of Operation:

April 27 - May 15
Monday - Friday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
May 20 - September 7
Wednesday -Saturday
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sundays: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
September 12 - November 1
Saturdays: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sundays: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Steam Engine Calendar (brought out on special occasions):

• Memorial Day (1:00pm - 6:00pm)
• Independence Day (1:00pm - 6:00pm)
• Labor Day (1:00pm - 6:00pm)

Creekmore Holiday Express

The Creekmore Holiday Express is a colorful journey through the hundreds of animated lights adorning Creekmore Park during the holidays.

Hours of Operation
November 30 through December 23 (excluding Sundays) from 5:30pm - 8:30pm.
Our beautiful little steam engine will run on opening night only!

Nothin' like the gov't to screw up something good.

I always visit PD Canyon on my July 4th visit back home and each year I could see it rotting away on the side of road. Worse every year, then it looked like the property was just abandoned and everything became overgrown and rotting away.

Glad it's going to get preserved.

Last I was there they had banned the horses down in the canyon as well (I think that's right...). There were some nags available on the rim as you approach the canyon but the fun was riding all around and throughout Prairie Dog Creek, etc...

I think there is still a stable in the Canyon. In fact, the stable was moved to the site of the Sad Monkey depot. I suspect they trail ride on the old tracks. I know for sure that there is an equistrian camping area at the end of the park, for those who bring their own.

Good to know... I will be back "home" for my 55 HS reunion in September; and if all goes as usual, the Palo Duro Canyon is a place to visit - again.

When curiosity calls, Google is my friend. There appears to be two options: Palo Duro Stables and Old West.

http://www.oldweststables.com/

http://www.paloduroridingstables.com/

Maybe I was there out of season when they were not available before...

Old West is the inside-the-park concession. Palo Duro is the private concern just outside the park.

That was a nice little train ride. I have pictures on my kids on that train from the late 80's or early 90's.

http://www.newschannel10.com/story/35205196/sad-monkey-railroad-makes-final-stop-in-canyon

Quote:

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Quote:
CANYON, TX (KFDA) -
After a long restoration process the Sad Monkey Railroad has made its final stop in Neblett Park, just south of the Canyon Square.
For the last 21 years the train has been out of commission and subject to the weather of West Texas.
After the Barbara Logan, the train's benefactor and former owner, jumped through several hoops, the train has been fully restored and sits on the original tracks laid in 1953.
"This was a huge task and there were moments when I didn't think I could get it done," said Logan. "However there was always a blessing waiting for me that encouraged me to continue."
In attendance for Thursday's unveiling were city officials, builders, former patrons and employees of the Sad Monkey Railroad. One of those employees was Jason Miller, an engineer who drove the trains from 1985 to 1993.
"Those were some of the most important years of my life," said Miller. "It taught me how to work and more than anything how to interact with people."
There are plans to build a depot for the train, however the project requires additional donations.

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We were down in Canyon a few weeks ago for brunch. They did an OUTSTANDING job with the restoration.