Keeping History
on Track
Beadle Park Heritage Train Campaign
Step Back in Time and Discover the Past
About
This uniquely restored 101A/Model FP7 diesel electric locomotive serves as a reminder of our community’s founding based on local rail service. Built in LaGrange, Illinois, in 1951, it was the first model ever sold to the Milwaukee Road railroad line. It was purchased in non-operating condition in 1984 by community-minded citizens. It was restored to operating condition and donated to the Cresco Park Board in 1985.
A side note to Cresco’s connections to trains: The Milwaukee Road held a contest for elementary classes located along its railroad to name their new passenger streamline (The old passenger name was the Olympian). In 1934, the 8th grade class from St. Joseph Catholic School in Cresco entered the name Hiawatha. Cresco won the contest and the new passenger streamline was named the Olympian Hiawatha. The railroad brought the new streamline to Cresco for 45 minutes in the spring of 1936. All the classes went to the station to be photographed with the new passenger streamliner; the Olympian Hiawatha. Mary Ann Billmyer, Cresco resident, was in that 8th grade class in 1934 and helped come up with the winning name.
All Aboard for the
2026 Restoration
- PHASE 1 – Replace the railroad ties and add rock to the foundation - Spring
- PHASE 2 – Community fundraising campaign and sponsorship opportunities - Summer
- PHASE 3 – Repaint and restore the train - Fall
THE VISION:
Cresco Railway Company
EXPLORE
Tours will be available inside and out of the Train
LEARN
Discover local Train history and beyond
CONNECT
Create lasting memories of days gone by
Donate Today
Make checks payable to:
Cresco Railway Company - CRICCET
101 2nd Ave SW, Cresco, IA 52136
Tax exempt letter for gifts over $250
Thomson Charitable Foundation
and CUSB Bank announce
Community Challenge:
1:1 match, up to
$125,000