Whittle Shortline Railroad and Toy Store

Whittle Shortline Railroad train store is a hidden gem for children - and their parents - who love wooden trains. The main store is located in downtown Valley Park in the historical Frisco Hotel, between the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe train tracks.

Whittle Shortline Railroad is a family run company that makes wooden toys the old fashioned way right here in the U.S.A. Each car is handcrafted from reforested birch, decorated with child-safe paints, then covered with authentic train logo stickers - Amtrak, Burlington Northern, Conrail, etc. They also make a "Little Engine That Could" line of toys based on the favorite children's story. All of Whittle's trains are the same scale and compatible with Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio sets. Whittle even makes high quality tracks and bridges.

Whittle isn't just a train store full of blister packed toys - they have four train tables set out for young visitors. Three are average size tables like you might set up in your own basement. But the main table stretches for 15 fabulous feet of train loving fun, complete with every kind of track Whittle make plus several Thomas buildings. All the tracks have been creatively laid out, then glued down to withstand the handling of hundreds of preschool engineers.

The trains may look a little beat up, but you need to consider the sheer number of children who play with them every day. This speaks volumes for the quality of their toys should you choose to purchase your own set for home. They also stock Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio sets, plus other train accessories.

Parents can relax on authentic train station benches while their children check out the dozens of trains set out for their enjoyment. Coffee, soda and snacks can be reasonably purchased from the counter, and they accept donations for people who just came to play.

You can also rent a party room on the second floor for private events.

Whittle Shortline Railroad is located at 24 Front Street in Valley Park, MO, near Hwy 44 and Hwy 141. Stop by to check out the trains and stay awhile to play. The store is open 10am to 4pm Tuesday-Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturdays, and 12pm to 5pm Sundays.

Family Fun Nights are held the second Friday of the month from 5:30 to 8:30. For a small admission (adults are free) you can play trains, decorate cookies, have your face painted and more.

Contact Whittle Shortline Railroad for more information at (636) 861-3334, or visit them online at www.woodentrain.com.