Hermann Park has run a miniature railroad since 1957, and today's train loops about 1.8 miles on two-foot-gauge track, rolling past the zoo, under the trees and along McGovern Lake. The ride takes 20 to 25 minutes from Kinder Station at Lake Plaza, with stops at MD Anderson, Mullenweg and Bob Weekly stations, and a day pass lets you hop off and back on as often as you like. Since summer 2024 the trains have run on battery-electric power instead of gasoline, so the ride is quieter than it used to be. Around the corner from the Sunday Press café at Lake Plaza, the boathouse rents pedal boats for a lap around the lake, with turtles and ducks for company. The Lott Family Carousel rounds out the trio. Pair all three with a morning at the zoo and you've built a full Hermann Park day.
What to expect
- Strollers and wagons can't ride the train, and kids must be able to sit on their own.
- No food or drinks on the train, the pedal boats or the carousel.
- Each pedal boat needs a rider 18 or older; everyone wears a life vest.
- Riders 18 and up sign a digital waiver, so do it on your phone while you wait.
- Free parking is in Lots G and F in front of the zoo and Lot H across the street.
What to do
- Ride the full train loop from Kinder Station and hop off at another station to explore
- Rent a pedal boat on McGovern Lake from the Lake Plaza boathouse
- Take a spin on the Lott Family Carousel
- 1957Railroad since
- About 1.8 miles, 2 ft gaugeTrack
- 4Stations
- Battery-electric since 2024Power