Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad

16739 Crews Lake Dr, Spring Hill, FL, 34610

Tucked inside Crews Lake Wilderness Park in the Shady Hills area, the Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad is a labor of love for the volunteers who build, maintain and run it. It is a riding miniature railroad, laid out in 7½-inch gauge, meaning passengers sit astride small open cars pulled by scale locomotives along a track that winds through the park grounds. For children, and for the grown-ups who bring them, it is a rare chance to ride a real train at a human scale. Public run days are held on the second Saturday of each month. Rides are offered on a donation basis, so there is no fixed ticket price; contributions help the all-volunteer group keep its equipment and track in working order. Because the railroad depends on volunteers and on weather, it is wise to check the club's website, cp-grr.com, before heading out, particularly in the summer rainy season or around holidays. The railroad also runs a seasonal favorite each fall, an annual Halloween train that brings costumed riders and a festive atmosphere to the park after the regular schedule. The railroad sits on property that belongs to Pasco County, in Crews Lake Wilderness Park at 16739 Crews Lake Drive. The park itself offers a quiet setting of lake, woods and trails, and a run day pairs naturally with a picnic or a walk. Visitors should expect an informal, community-run experience rather than a commercial attraction: there are no staffed ticket windows, and the pace is set by the volunteers and the number of riders waiting in line. Families, railroad enthusiasts and anyone looking for an inexpensive weekend outing will find a welcoming crew and a genuinely hands-on piece of local railroading. Check the website for current run-day information before visiting.