Support Us Button Widget
City

All about Zilker Park’s mini-train, the Zilker Eagle

The train has been out of commission since 2019 and delayed re-opening for nearly four years, but the Zilker Eagle could come back this year

August 14, 2023 • 
Laura Figi
The Zilker Eagle in a vintage, black and white photo with a visible skyline.

Just take a look at that vintage skyline.

Photo by E.P. Haddon via The Portal to Texas History, crediting Austin History Center and Austin Public Library.

The Zilker Eagle is still off the rails... for now.

Zilker Park’s mini-train, which is temporarily out of commission, has been a beloved part of the park for 60 years — and we’ve got a one-track mind to tell you about it.

The Zilker Eagle took its maiden voyage on April 22, 1961 and ran until 1996, when the train came back under new management as the Zilker Zephyr.

A photo of the Zilker Zephyr driving with a caboose full of children and their parents.

The Zilker Zephyr was the last train to run on the tracks at Zilker Park.

Photo by That Other Paper

The Zephyr ran from 1997-2019 when track erosion caused the train to shut down and the relationship between the city and the train’s operating company came to an end.

The train is coming back again as the Zilker Eagle, but the Austin Parks Foundation doesn’t expect the new train to be back in operation until at least fall this year. The train’s progress has been delayed a few times — most recently due to braking issues.

More from ATXtoday
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
City
How to protect Austin’s urban forest of 42 million trees
It may be Earth Day, but we’re offering tips and tools for supporting Austin’s thriving urban forest 365 days a year.
April 21, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
A woman in a denim jacket stands smiling in a lush garden with a water fountain. The background features greenery and a mural of an eye.
Business
Good Grief: How Austinite Veronica Pulido turned tragedy into creation
The winner of Austin FC’s Dream Starter competition started an online platform to help people navigate serious illness and end-of-life care for their loved ones.
April 20, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_W Block of Red River_No Text.jpg
City
Red River Cultural District unveils five-year strategic enhancement plan
The Soundtrack to the Future plan outlines improvements to the venue facades, curb appeal, and safety features.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Downtown Austin from the east, featuring train tracks running through a busy street, lined with trees and vegetation in the foreground. Modern high-rise buildings with glass and steel facades dominate the skyline, interspersed with older, low-rise structures. Cars navigate the streets below, and traffic lights and street signs add to the busy, bustling atmosphere. Clear skies with light clouds above the city.
Culture
If Downtown is Austin’s living room, what does that make the rest of town?
Mayor Kirk Watson calls Downtown “Austin’s living room,” so we’re speculating on what that means for the rest of the city.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
One person handing a bag of food to another person on the porch of a home
Play
40+ volunteer opportunities in Austin
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.
April 8, 2026
 · 
STAFF
A spaceman kite floating facing down in front of a sky filled with dozens of other kites.
Events
A brief history of Austin’s ABC Kite Fest
The ABC Kite Fest — originally called the Kite Tournament — has been an Austin staple for almost a century, providing free fun for kids and adults alike.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A singer and guitarist in a cowboy hat sings into a microphone with a bassist and drummer in the background.
City
Red River Cultural District announces $529 million inaugural economic impact report
The home to some of Austin’s most iconic venues, the district has generated $2.3 billion in impact in five years.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_CapMetroFools
Culture
April Fools’ pranks in Austin that we almost fell for
We’ve got some jokers in the Capital City, and these pranks from local businesses almost had us fooled.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A bottle of Desert Door sotol on the rocky ground next to a golden easter egg and a spiky plant.
Events
Try This: Adult Easter egg hunts in Austin
Who says the kids should have all the fun? Here are four Easter egg hunts where everybunny 21 and up can relive the nostalgia.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi