Visitors to This Is the Place Heritage Park could also turn into "train nuts" once they catch a ride on the park's newest attraction, he added.

"These trains are realistic, from the sound track you hear while riding the train to the boiler making smoke and the ringing of a brass bell," Ivory said. "We have been working feverishly on improving the park, and we're really excited about using these trains to shuttle visitors from the parking areas to Heritage Village and around the park."

Among the improvements, which were paid for with a $2 million executive appropriation from the state, are the trains and newly laid asphalt routes and a significant boost to the park's "Living History" presentations. Entertainment, activities and an expanded children's area add to the park's allure, said Matt Dahl, executive director of the park, in a news release.

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