Zilker Eagle train to open Wednesday after facing several delays

Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, June 10, 2024

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A mini-train in Austin's Zilker Park will be rolling again this week after undergoing a restoration process for several years and facing many delays in its reopening.

The mini-train initially opened in 1961 and has provided rides to park goers under the names Zilker Eagle and Zilker Zephyr, until it closed in May 2019 due to erosion under and around the tracks near Lady Bird Lake, according to the City of Austin.

In 2020, the Austin Parks Foundation took over operations and began restoration efforts.

The effort to re-up and reopen the train has since faced a slew of issues and delays, but the Foundation announced Monday it will officially start providing rides again on Wednesday, June 12.

Earlier this year, officials with The Austin Parks Foundation said they were aiming for a March return for the park’s train system. However, in late March, a representative confirmed it wasn’t ready for a re-launch.

More information about the train and updates from the Austin Parks Foundation can be found online at ZilkerTrain.org.