Council decision extends contract for popular Forest Park mini-train

Council decision extends contract for popular Forest Park mini-train

Published on May 15, 2024

The Forest Park Miniature Train is on track to continue providing rides through Forest and Trinity parks for another 20 years.

Forest Park RidesInc., owners of the popular 65-year-old amusement attraction at 1700 Colonial Parkway, renegotiated its operating license agreement with the City of Fort Worth that was set to expire Oct. 31, 2026.

What's new: The City Council approved an agreement Tuesday that allows for the train and associated concession stand to begin operating under a new 10-year lease. The agreement has two five-year lease renewal options that could push operations to 2044.

The new agreement comes after Forest Park Rides Inc. reopened Sept. 1, 2023. The ride was closed for several months as the owners made needed repairs and operational upgrades.

• The owners sought the new agreement to give them time to recoup their investment, which included buying new train engines.

About the ride

• The ride is a 5-mile, 40-minute trek through Trinity and Forest parks.
• When it opened, it was considered the longest miniature railway in the world, according to the owners.
• The train travels over six bridges.

Photo:The Forest Park Miniature Railroad offers a five-mile round-trip train ride around Forest Park and Trinity Park.

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