Last updated: January 9, 2022
Thing to Do
Become a Trails & Rails Guide
NPS Photo
Would you like to represent the National Park Service and engage thousands of people a year along one of the most interesting rail routes in America? Become a Trails & Rails guide along the Illinois Corridor!
Trails & Rails volunteers do not need to be historians or naturalists, but they should have an enthusiasm for meeting people. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old (ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian), in good health, and available for 4 six-hour long trips between May and September. A uniform shirt, training, program materials, and train tickets are provided. Guides must begin and end each trip in St. Louis. A mandatory one-day training takes place before the summer season begins.
Trails & Rails volunteers do not need to be historians or naturalists, but they should have an enthusiasm for meeting people. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old (ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian), in good health, and available for 4 six-hour long trips between May and September. A uniform shirt, training, program materials, and train tickets are provided. Guides must begin and end each trip in St. Louis. A mandatory one-day training takes place before the summer season begins.
Details
Activity
Guided Tours
Trails & Rails volunteers ride Amtrak trains and share St. Louis area history with their fellow passengers.
Age(s)
16 and Older
Ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on Amtrak trains, with some restrictions. See Pets on Amtrak for more information.
Activity Fee
No
A uniform shirt, training, program materials, and train tickets are provided.
Reservations
Yes
To register as a Trails & Rails volunteer, e-mail us.
Season
Summer, Fall
Guides ride the Lincoln Service daily in summer (between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend) and weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) in September and October.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Amtrak prioritizes accessibility in its trains. See Accessible Travel Services | Amtrak to learn more.