Long Island Live Steamers

Description

Long Island Live Steamers, is located in Southaven County Park, Yaphank. There are four accessible spaces in the gravel parking lot, near the gravel entry path. Tickets must be gotten at the ticket booth.

There are two train lines you can ride. One is the Ground Line. One is the High Line. There are some restrictions about riding. You can find them on their website (www.listeamers.org).

Two porta-sans, one of which is accessible, are located near the entrance.

There is a small concession truck and small souvenir area.

Checklist

Attraction Type:  park
Surface of lot:  gravel
Distance to venue:  close
Transportation to venue offered:  na
Terrain:  a bit uneven
Places to rest:  benches near picnic tables
Paths and walkways:  gravel
Doors:  na
Number of floors:  na
Elevators:  na
Ramps:  slight ramp to accessible porta-san
Steps and staircases:  na
Width of aisles:  ample space
Places to sit:  benches near picnic tables
Location of restrooms:  near entrance
Type of restroom:  two porta-sans (one is accessible)
Ease of entry and exit:  ok
Baby changing station:  no
Available food services:  smal concession area
Friendliness of staff:  extremely pleasant

Read More

Those of you who have been to our website and read our “s”  know that we are always looking for something new and interesting to tell you about. This week I came across something I had never heard about – Long Island Steamers.

LI Steamers is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to preserve the history and wonderment of the glory days of railroading and steam model making.” (website) To this end they provide Public Run Days on the second and last Sundays of the month between May and October, so that we (the public) has an opportunity to see and ride on these unique trains. 

Naturally, when I read about this, I had to go. Happily, we were free on a morning of one of their Public Run Days, with time to go to Yaphank  and Southaven County Park, where LI Steamers is located. We found a gravel parking lot with four accessible spaces close to the gravel entryway. Many cars were parking on the side of the road because the lot is not that large. 

Not knowing what to expect, we made our way down the path, passing the two porta-sans ( one of which is accessible ) and coming to the back of a long line of what seemed to be parents, grandparents, and kids waiting for their turn to ride. We joined the end of the line and asked the people near us how this works. We found out that we needed to get tickets. Tickets are free (donations very much appreciated), but need to be gotten at the ticket booth. There are two different lines – the Ground Line (red tickets) and the High Line (blue tickets). The Ground Line accommodates almost everyone, the high line has some restrictions as to who can ride. Although the Ground Line was much longer, know that there are many more Ground Line trains thus accommodating many more people. The High Line has only two trains (one of which was not operating) and can only accommodate 3 – 4 people at a time. The other thing to know is how one has to sit on the trains – no matter which line you travel on, you must put one leg over the middle (like sitting on a horse) and keep your feet on the side runners – almost in a crouching position. Each train is unique – different designs, logos, etc. Some are steam, some are electric, all are interesting. The ride takes you through the 8.5 acre site that belongs to the club. All of the kids we encountered loved it, some saying they have been here numerous times. 

There is a small concession selling snacks, and a small souvenir area.  There are plenty of picnic tables and benches if that is something you want to do. 

With all of our waiting we were there about 11/2 hours. When I asked, I was told that there is usually a line like the one we encountered. While you wait on the line you can watch the trains.

Even though we didn’t have any kids with us, it was definitely a fun thing to do. We hope to come back with a kid (our granddaughter),  if she visits during one of their Public Run Days. 

As always, we at Destination:Accessible, advise you to visit a venue’s website, http://www.lilivesteamers.org">www.lilivesteamers.org, when planning a visit, to “know before you go,”  In this case we urge you to do this to make sure they will be running on the day you want to visit! 

Location

Nearby