kcrailfan.com

Railfan Headquarters for the Greater Kansas City Area

Want to do some train watching in Kansas City? kcrailfan.com is the answer. We'll list all the local hotspots, what you'll see, security information and include easy instructions on how to get there. New information and photos are being added all the time, so check back with us often!

Paola, Kansas

CSX at Paola

Run-through CSX units head south on ex-Katy rails in Paola

Railfan Vantage Point:
4th & Peoria Streets - Ex-Katy, ex-Missouri Pacific and ex-Frisco lines all come together at this spot in Paola. South of town they separate and head toward Texas, Little Rock and Oklahoma respectively.

Train Frequency:
40-65 trains daily

What You'll See:
Union Pacific: coal trains, stack trains, intermodal and manifest
trains

BNSF: coal trains, stack trains, intermodal and manifest trains.

Security Concerns:
Not a problem in the daytime. The area is not well lighted after dark. There are a few parking areas along 4th Street, although they are on private property. A small-town atmosphere doesn't raise many suspicions. Do not venture off Peoria Street near the railroad property.

GPS Address
800 W Peoria St - Paola, KS

How to Get There:
Paola is 20 miles south of Olathe, KS on Hwy 169. Head south on 169 and exit at Baptiste Drive. Turn right and go 1.4 miles to Silver Street. Turn left on Silver and go 1/2 mile to Peoria Street. Turn right on Peoria and go 1/2 mile to 4th Street, which will be right next to the tracks.

UP freight Heads North on ex-Missouri Pacific Rails

Union Pacific freight heads north on ex-Missouri Pacific rails at 4th Street in Paola