La Plata Railroad Days June 18th-20th 2021. (Updated)

gauchely This year it is FULL STEAM AHEAD as it is time once again to get rolling on the plans for the 3rd Annual LaPlata Railroad Days. This post will be updated as things get planned out. Here is the latest information:

Date June 18th- 20th Mark your calendars!

Cost to enter: $5.00 a person

Camping $40.00 for the whole weekend (includes per person cost up to 4 people). We will not have services available except port-a-potties.

T-Shirt and Hoodies for the event or anytime.

All Aboard for the third annual American Passenger Rail Heritage Foundation and Virtual Railfan Train Watching Event!! This will be a great time to come and experience La Plata, MO and the surrounding area, watch trains, catch up with old friends, make new friends, and have some fun.

Friday evening from 7 to 9pm. Stone House will be playing at the park. This is free to all Railroad Days attendees. $5.00 a person for anyone that just want to come see the band.

Saturday from 7 to 10pm. FULLY LOADED is scheduled to perform on the park grounds. This is free to all Railroad Days attendees. $5.00 a person for anyone that just wants to come see the band.

This event is a fundraiser for the current running campaign regarding the move and restoration of the APRHF Exhibition of Amtrak History. For more info on the project or to donate ahead of time. We hope the cars are on the grounds by this event.

Camping will be available on the Lookout Point Park grounds so you will not miss a train. There are also hotel accommodations available in LaPlata, Macon, and Kirksville. Camp stoves and fire pits will be allowed. Please no open fires on the grounds for the safety of others. This is a BYOB&C (Bring your own Beverage and Chair) event on campground area ONLY. We will update this to include camping slots if there is any built by then.

Food options will be:
D’Abolengos (Just north of campground)
Casey’s (Just north of campground)
LaPlata Spirits (Across the street from campground)

Happy Dog Hot Dog Food Truck will be on site

Hotels in LaPlata:
Depot Inn & Suites
LaPlata Motel

Please come prepared for any kind of weather! This event will be held rain or shine!!

Below are a few points/basic rules to help make your stay here better:

  1. Places to eat: Casey’s (regular hours), and D’Abolengos Mexican Restaurant. Hours will vary with the “on site” food services, as it is up to each business.
  2. Dollar General, Casey’s, and La Plata Spirits are located across the street or down it if you need some snacks, drinks, and ice.
  3. Please no open fires on the grounds/site. Camp stoves and fire pits are allowed. We do have access of non-potable water.
  4. We worked very hard to get the grounds ready for your visit but please be very careful of holes and uneven surfaces. Please bring a flashlight for getting around especially at night.
  5. The camping area is first come, first serve. We will help you get a spot picked out but not reserved.
  6. Train watching area will be marked off with yellow tape. Once again, be mindful of the uneven ground. There will be a lighted entrance way to the watching area for nighttime viewing. If you go beyond the yellow tape, you can be turned in for trespassing on BNSF properties.
  7. The train station will be open regular hours for train service (8:30 to 10:30 am and 6:30 to 8:30 pm). Please do not crowd the caretaker and passengers during those times. The train station is not the place for the event. Railfanning at the station is fine but that is not where the event location is. Do not be upset if you miss something. Please also follow all safety rules at the station while you are there.
  8. We do encourage everyone to get out and railfan the area sometime during the event. If you do not have a car, hopefully, someone that does will take you out with them. There will be no golf cart rentals. Enterprise Rental in Kirksville does have car rental opportunities. 660-665-3396
  9. There will be plenty of room on the grounds for some yard games. If you have one and feel the need, bring it with you.
  10. Pre-registry is not required as you may pay at the gate. All entrants will receive wristbands at the gate for the weekend.
  11. We are sorry for any inconvenience, as our area is not set up for wheelchairs, walkers, or any other ADA requirements.

Want to pre-enter for the event? You may checkout below.


Individual Entry




Camping Weekend





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Dave Siteman
Dave Siteman
3 years ago

I’m so excited for this! Can’t wait!

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Dave Siteman

We are looking forward to this year also. Going to be a fun time.

k h
k h
3 years ago
Reply to  Dave Siteman

I’m a new member/Lurker on VRF. I really enjoy following the chats and watching the trains I’ve already learned a lot just by following along. Railroad Days sounds like a good time for Railfans! (Unfortunately, I am unable to attend such events as I am a resident of a care facility.) Since we’re all so crazy about Oscar the Can (AKA Oscar le Bin), I have a suggestion for a fun activity. You could have a “Dress Up Oscar” contest or event. Folks could dress up Oscar in a temporary costume, (you may need to provide Oscar’s measurements), photograph Oscar,… Read more »

Clifton Carnes
Clifton Carnes
3 years ago

Ill be there @buzzman chronicle

k h
k h
3 years ago

I’m a new member/Lurker on VRF. I really enjoy following the chats and watching the trains I’ve already learned a lot just by following along. Railroad Days sounds like a good time for Railfans! (Unfortunately, I am unable to attend such events as I am a resident of a care facility.) Since we’re all so crazy about Oscar the Can (AKA Oscar le Bin), I have a suggestion for a fun activity. You could have a “Dress Up Oscar” contest or event. Folks could dress up Oscar in a temporary costume, (you may need to provide Oscar’s measurements), photograph Oscar,… Read more »

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  k h

Thanks for this. Glad you have fun watching the cams. Fun idea about Oscar. The problem is the event is not at the station. I guess Oscar could be moved for a day to the event grounds. Sorry you can’t make it to the event. Thanks for the well wishes. Bob

k h
k h
3 years ago
Reply to  Bob Cox

Bob Cox Is there a committee working on LaP Railroad Days?

Bob
Bob
3 years ago

anyone know if there will be a 5k during this time?

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Bob

No 5k at this event.

Steve Kruse (SK in chat)
Steve Kruse (SK in chat)
3 years ago

Question on the camping. I am assuming it’s just dry camping (no water, electric or sewer.) Is there any dump station close by if anyone knows. Thinking about coming out for this in my RV. Not many campgrounds with full services close, though.

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago

As of right now yes. If things go well we will have electric and water. I will be updating the information in the post if we do have more services.

Brytta Fitzgibbons
Brytta Fitzgibbons
3 years ago

Looking forward to Rail Days! Mom and I are both excited to be there.

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago

Glad you are going to be there.

k h
k h
3 years ago

LaPlata Railroad Days 2021 sounds like a great time! Bob Cox, Is there a committee working on the event?

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  k h

Sorry for the missed reply. Yes we have a few members and volunteers that help out.

Edward G Osborn
Edward G Osborn
3 years ago

Hello Mr Bob Cox is there firewood for sale nearby?

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago

There is firewood available on the grounds for you to use. We also have fire rings.

Cody
Cody
3 years ago

If we payed by PayPal will we just show the transaction receipt to the person at the gate?

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Cody

Yes they will have a list there also. You should be fine. Bob

ROBERT HARRELL
ROBERT HARRELL
3 years ago

Thank you Mr Cox for a fun filled weekend. Hot but great time, Lots of action on the rails this year, looking forward to next year just hope not as hot and no rain. AGAIN THINK YOU FOR ALL YOU AND AMY DO

Bob Cox
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  ROBERT HARRELL

You are most welcome. Glad you all had fun. It was a time of polarized weather. Hot then rain. UGH. Always hope for mother nature to cooperate. Glad you all came up.

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