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McCormick Ranch: lakes, trains and green
Central Scottsdale's planned neighborhood looks like a postcard. Seven lakes, two golf courses, the Greenbelt and a railroad park built for slow afternoons.
McCormick Ranch is the big planned community in the middle of Scottsdale, roughly between Indian Bend Road and the Shea Boulevard corridor, with Paradise Valley to the west and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to the east. About five square miles, nearly 14,000 people, and more water than you'd expect in the desert.
It's quiet. Lots of HOA lawns, palm-lined lakes, walkers with dogs and golf carts crossing the street. For a stoner it's the place to come down slow: a lake loop, a ride on a tiny train, a big Italian sandwich. If you want noise, Old Town is a short ride south.
The McCormick Ranch story
This was a real ranch. In the 1940s Fowler McCormick, the president of International Harvester, and his wife Anne bought a 160 acre ranch near what's now Scottsdale and Indian Bend roads, then kept buying land around it. Anne set aside part of it as Paradise Park, an Arabian horse show grounds that hosted the state's big Arabian show from 1956 to 1968.
After Anne died, about 4,236 acres sold to Kaiser-Aetna in 1970 for $12.1 million, and the master planned community was born, with its property owners association incorporated in 1972. They dug seven man-made lakes, around 130 acres of water, and built the Palm and Pine golf courses. The horse ranch became one of Scottsdale's first big suburbs.
Things to do in McCormick Ranch
Everything here is slow and outdoors. That's the point.
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Scottsdale Rd and Indian Bend Rd
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250A 30 acre park on the old ranch land with a ridable train, the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, plus the Scottsdale Charros Carousel, a vintage Allan Herschell. Getting in is free. The rides take tickets.
The museum side is the sleeper. There's a model railroad exhibit and a Pullman car that presidents rode from Herbert Hoover through Dwight Eisenhower. Riding a miniature train around a park at a gentle pace is a top tier way to spend an hour with a light buzz from earlier.
TipWeekday mornings, before the birthday parties roll in.
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Runs north to south through the neighborhood
Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt
Scottsdale's famous flood control project. Instead of a concrete channel, the city turned a flood-prone wash into about 11 miles of parks, lakes, paths and golf courses. The paths duck under the big roads, so you can cover real distance without hitting a light.
Rent or bring a bike and cruise it south toward South Scottsdale, where it passes Vista del Camino and Eldorado parks. Flat, green and shady in spots.
TipGo at sunrise in summer. By 10am the path is a frying pan.
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Throughout the neighborhood
The McCormick Ranch lakes
Seven man-made lakes totaling about 130 acres, many of them ringed by walking paths and homes. Ducks, fountains and a lot of palm trees. It's the most relaxing walk in central Scottsdale, especially near sunset when the water goes gold.
Where to eat and drink near McCormick Ranch
Food here is mostly in strip centers along Hayden Road and Via Linda. Don't judge by the parking lot. For more ideas, hit our munchies guide.
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Hayden Rd near Via de Ventura
Grassroots Kitchen & Tap
8120 N Hayden Rd, Suite E-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85258Family owned since 2011, cooking from scratch with a Southern lean. Craft beer, wine on tap and cocktails, plus big patios for the cooler months.
The brisket and the braised short ribs are the comfort orders, and the tangy BBQ slaw gets talked about more than a side dish should. Regulars swear by the miso salmon.
TipGo for social hour and graze. Get the slaw.
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Via Linda
Andreoli Italian Grocer
8880 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85258Chef Giovanni Scorzo and his family run this Calabrian-leaning Italian deli and grocery. They make salami, cheese, bread and tiramisu in house, and the shelves are stocked with imports.
It's busy at lunch for a reason. Sandwiches, salads and antipasti, all of it the real thing rather than red-sauce Americana.
TipGrab a sandwich and a tiramisu to go. Thank yourself at midnight.
Questions about McCormick Ranch
Is McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park free?
Yes, park admission is free. The train, the carousel and some attractions take tickets, while the railroad museum and model railroad exhibit are free to walk through.
Can you smoke weed on the Scottsdale Greenbelt?
No. The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is public parkland, and smoking cannabis in public in Arizona is a petty offense. Sesh at home or another private place first, then go for the walk.
How many lakes are in McCormick Ranch?
Seven man-made lakes, totaling about 130 acres. Many of them have walking paths around them.
Can I smoke in a McCormick Ranch rental or condo?
It depends on the owner, the lease and the HOA. Many rentals and associations restrict smoking, including on patios, so ask your host before you light anything.
Who was McCormick Ranch named after?
Fowler McCormick, president of International Harvester, and his wife Anne, who assembled the ranch starting in the 1940s. It was sold for development in 1970.