Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Railroad

Guide to Arizona's Miniature Railroads

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Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Railroad

The Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Railroad





The Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Railroad in Marana Arizona



          The MPP & FF RR is a seasonal railroad operation located on the Post Farms in Marana, AZ. The railroad operates during most of October and weekends only in December each year. In 2018, the “Pumpkin Patch and Farm Festival” dates are October 6–30 and the “Christmas on the Farm” dates are December 7-9, 14–16 and 21–23. As with any event, you should call or visit their website in advance to check for days and hours of operation, prices and directions. The telephone no. is 520-305-5481 and the website is www.maranapumpkinpatch.com




MPP&F RR RR
The Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Railroad




          The past three years, I have traveled the 115 miles each way from Peoria to the small town of Marana to attend the Fall event and look forward to visiting each year. The railroad is called the Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Festival Railroad. They run two trains on 15 inch gauge, 12 pound rail over a modified loop that winds through corn fields and around the perimeter of the festival grounds. They run through a wooden tunnel and have a large shaded loading platform. The ride takes about nine minutes and is just under a mile in length. On my visits, every train is full or close and there is typically a short waiting line that moves quickly. The trains run constantly.




MPP&F RR RR
Preparing to board the train







MPP&F RR RR
Union Pacific engine 3410




          Every year there is additional equipment. Some of the equipment is lettered for the New York Central and was previously seen at the ATT & NW of the John Woods Family. Some of the equipment ran previously at the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad of Don Guill and some equipment including aluminum gons, enclosed coaches and an aluminum caboose are new and manufactured in the Custom Built Trailers and Products shops of Don Guill in Shandon, OH. All of the equipment is very comfortable and they do have some ADA equipment for special guests.




MPP&F RR RR
Two Gulf, Mobile and Ohio engines




          During the Fall event, they attract 6000 visitors a day by featuring family and kid friendly activities. The event features two corn mazes, huge jumping pillows, a petting zoo, zip line, air cannons firing apples at various targets, the pumpkin patch and many other activities.




MPP&F RR RR
A view of the caboose passing the zip line




          There are plans to move the festivals to a larger section of the farm a short distance away that will allow greater expansion of the event and an even longer train ride. Additional railroad equipment is being purchased with this expansion in mind. I am already looking forward to this October.




MPP&F RR RR
Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Railroad




          During the Fall event, they attract 6000 visitors a day by featuring family and kid friendly activities. The event features two corn mazes, huge jumping pillows, a petting zoo, zip line, air cannons firing apples at various targets, the pumpkin patch and many other activities.

          Time is always at a premium for me in December and I have not made it down to Marana to attend a “Christmas on the Farm” event yet. I have heard the light displays and the entire ambiance is really special. I hope to make it down there this Christmas.






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