Future passengers on Grand Canyon Railway will arrive at the South Rim with little fanfare or noise, as a battery-powered electric locomotive is added to the fleet. The Williams-based railway announced in late 2024 that it was awarded a $3.4 million federal grant to convert one of its diesel locomotives to a zero-emission battery-electric locomotive. Xanterra, the parent company of GCR, will pay 20% of the conversion cost under the U.S. Department of Transportation grant agreement. “This … [Read more...] about All Aboard for Sustainability: Grand Canyon Railway to Debut Battery-Powered Train in 2027
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GC Railway Honored as Flagstaff’s Green Business of the Year
The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has recognized Grand Canyon Railway as its Green Business of the Year. The recently presented award, now in its third year, recognizes local businesses and non-profits that reduce operational impacts on the environment. “We hear from our business community frequently about how much they’re doing to preserve our environment and keep our quality of life high here in Flagstaff,” said Julie Pastrick, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce president and … [Read more...] about GC Railway Honored as Flagstaff’s Green Business of the Year
Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback
This past winter, while icy roads cut vehicle traffic to Grand Canyon 22% in the first quarter, Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) powered through all the snow with a 5% increase in ridership. Train travelers were treated to a snow-blanketed South Rim and photographers scored images of a century-old steam locomotive puffing smoke into the frigid air. “We’re chugging along and only seeing more and more people coming out to visit,” said Sam Langner, Grand Canyon Railway vice president of sales. … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback
Making Holiday Magic with the Polar Express
Going to work in places where he could play is what Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel General Manager Jeff D’Arpa had in mind while growing up, and that’s exactly what happened. With ski resorts, national parks, hotels and now the Polar Express and Grand Canyon Railway in his professional queue, D’Arpa has completed 25 years with the Xanterra Travel Collection. In his new position as Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel General Manager, D’Arpa oversees 280 to 340 employees and said, “The team I … [Read more...] about Making Holiday Magic with the Polar Express
The Last Large Parcel of Private Land in Northern Arizona Goes into Escrow
One of the largest privately owned parcels of land in the cool pines of Northern Arizona is currently in escrow and scheduled to close this year. Located in Williams, just 30 minutes from Flagstaff in Coconino County, the 500 acres are owned by Valley entrepreneur Max Biegert, who spent 85 million to develop and build the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in the late 80’s. He is selling the land to developers to make way for a new mini master planned community that would include custom homes as … [Read more...] about The Last Large Parcel of Private Land in Northern Arizona Goes into Escrow
Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
A sign posted on the wall of the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop states, “Expect movement on any tracks from any direction…at any time.” Though a good reminder for engineers and mechanics working on the trains, the advice spells out sage wisdom for Bob Baker’s position as general manager of train operations as well. With responsibilities ranging from maintenance of the trains to ticketing, Baker has a lot of motion in his job. “I oversee the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel maintenance, … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
Celebrating National Train Day
May 12 and May 13 National Train Day presented by the Grand Canyon Railway. Activities include special locomotive and caboose tours, model train layouts, live entertainment, classic car show and more. For more information visit www.thetrain.com. … [Read more...] about Celebrating National Train Day
Expressing the Holiday Spirit
For Michael Fleishman, magic happens. Williams High School teacher by day, Santa by night, Fleishman is well suited for both roles. Approaching life with a twinkle in his eye, he is a student of human nature, looking to create meaningful interaction with each person he meets. That is a tall order for a Santa, employed by the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, with a steady stream of passengers. This is Fleishman's tenth season on the Polar Express, which takes riders on a 17-mile train ride to … [Read more...] about Expressing the Holiday Spirit
National Chains Employing Local Contractors
Local contractors have not been overlooked by national chains. In fact, qualified Northern Arizona construction companies are doing business all over the state and throughout the United States for nationally recognized companies. Bed, Bath & Beyond, PETCO, TJ Max, Wal-Mart, IHOP and KFC are just a few of the national chains that prefer Northern Arizona contractors. “We work all over the country,” said Pete Muscarella, president of Straightline Builders, Inc., which has done work in … [Read more...] about National Chains Employing Local Contractors
Beer Lovers Choose Cans and Keep Microbreweries Hopping
The original concept about beers in cans was ‘cheap, watered-down rice beer,’ right?” said Grand Canyon Brewing Company owner John Peasley, smiling in his Williams, Ariz. brewery. “Colorado beer manufacturer Oskar Blues turned that around; those guys only do cans.” Award-winning Oskar Blue revolutionized the microbrewery world by canning handcrafted beers in back 2002. “So now there is consumer drive, because they know that good … [Read more...] about Beer Lovers Choose Cans and Keep Microbreweries Hopping
