Hi family, friends, and train buddies! Today I'm writing a little of the "backstory" about  the miniature railroad that once operated at Great  in Santa Clara. Do you remember ever riding on it? 

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MUSINGS OF A THEME PARK FAN

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GREAT AMERICA SCENIC RAILWAY

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Fess Parker had an idea for a western theme park, Frontier World, for a portion of his 452 acres of undeveloped South Bay agricultural land in Santa Clara. About 100 acres would be devoted to the “cultural and entertainment needs of the city” as part of a land development joint venture with Great Western Savings. Unfortunately the venture fell apart as did a generous offer from McDonalds’ owner Ray Kroc. Ultimately Parker convinced the Marriott Corporation to take the entire property off his hands and in 1976 the hotel and restaurant operator fulfilled the cities “entertainment” commitment by opening a hotel and Marriott’s Great America theme park. Great America featured over 40 rides and attractions in 5 themed areas including Hometown Square, County Fair, Yankee Harbor, Yukon Territory, and Orleans Place with a railroad circling the park. The Great America Scenic Railway included two gas engine locomotives and passenger car consists, one red and one blue, built by Custom Fabricator’s of Johnson City, Tennessee. Park guests could stay aboard as long as they liked on the relaxing tour of the park or depart at Hometown Square or at at the County Fair Station. Great America has changed ownership several times in the ensuing years and is currently owned and operated by Cedar Fair, also owners of Knott’s Berry Farm and operator of Gilroy Gardens. The Great America Scenic Railway was removed from the park after the 1999 season and one of the trains is currently in Florida operating as the “Scary Train” at the Kirby Family Farm.

1982 Marriott pamphlet photo from the collection of Bill Ralph