![]() Get Involved Volunteers in National Park Service (NPS) sites support the park and its employees in carrying out the dual mission of protecting America's natural and cultural resources and providing recreational opportunities for the public. Volunteers at NPS sites are called Volunteers-In-Parks, or VIPs. ![]() Gateway Arch ![]() Museum at Gateway Arch
![]() All Aboard! FAQs for Trails and Rails Volunteers What do Trails & Rails volunteers do? Trails & Rails volunteers share the heritage of our region with passengers aboard Amtrak trains between St. Louis, MO and Springfield, IL. This is part of Amtrak’s national Trails & Rails program to enhance the journeys of Amtrak passengers.
Who can become a Trails & Rails volunteer? Anyone age16 or older may become a Trails & Rails Volunteer at this park. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Trails and Rails volunteers work in teams of two, either with another volunteer or with a park ranger. What do volunteers bring to the Trails & Rails Program? Volunteers should be willing to interact with all kinds of passengers and do some public speaking. They should be able to handle a 25-pound wheeled suitcase, climb aboard a train, and walk on a moving train. When do volunteers ride Amtrak? Volunteers ride Amtrak trains between St. Louis and Springfield on the 302 and 301 Lincoln Service daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends from Labor Day to mid-November. Volunteers are expected to make at least three trips in the summer season. Each round trip is scheduled to last about six hours. There is no overnight requirement. What does Amtrak provide Trails & Rails volunteers? Amtrak provides ticket fare for each trip. What does the National Park Service give Trails & Rails volunteers? The NPS provides volunteers with a Trails & Rails uniform shirt, and training and mentoring so they may introduce rail passengers to the fascinating history and ecology of the region. Volunteers are also trained in emergency preparedness on Amtrak trains. Volunteers are not paid. For more information contact: e-mail us |
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Last updated: April 14, 2021