Updated 10:45 a.m. CDT Aug. 26
Shady Oak Junction opened with new features Aug. 2 at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander.
Shady Oak Junction, a train-themed recreation area through which the Cedar Rock Railroad passes, now has a train playscape, a new smaller, crank-car train ride called The Little Locomotive Chase and an expanded train ride schedule.
The Cedar Rock Railroad is a quarter-scale train which operates Tue.–Fri. from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. as well as Sat.–Sun. from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cedar Rock Railroad owner and operator Ken Knowles said he sold more than 350 tickets for the Cedar Rock Railroad and more than 50 tickets for the Little Locomotive Chase ride on the reopening day, Aug. 2.
"It was fabulous. We had our record turnout," he said.
Knowles said a depot was also added to sell snacks, drinks and other train-themed accessories including bandanas, whistles and hats. Only cash is accepted for rides and merchandise.
Located in the southern portion of the park at 3005 CR 175, Leander, Cedar Rock Railroad takes riders on 1.3-mile track through fields and wooded areas, Knowles said. Tickets cost $2.50 each for riders age 1 year or older, while younger children can ride for free.
For children ages three and older, Knowles said the Little Locomotive Chase gives children the opportunity to crank individual cars on a ride that lasts about four minutes. Each ticket costs $2.
Knowles has operated the Cedar Rock Railroad since its opening in December 2004 and recently converted the train's drive system from gas-hydraulic to electric. Knowles said the change eliminated distracting sounds and smells. Knowles also installed a sound system that mimics realistic train sounds, he said.
In addition, Knowles said each train ride will now run in 30 minute intervals instead of the previous 20 minutes to allow riders to further enjoy their experience. The train ride lasts 15 minutes.
Editor's note: This story was updated from its original version for clarity.
Cedar Rock Railroad at Shady Oak Junction
512-413-1705
Southwest Williamson County Regional Park
3005 CR 175, Leander
512-943-1920
