Other Historic Railroads in the American Heritage Railroad Family
American Heritage Railways offers two additional opportunities to experience history and culture of a bygone era.
Mt Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum
Mt Rainier Railroad & Logging Museum located in the small picturesque town of Elbe, Washington is American Heritage Railways newest historic railroad located southwest of Mt. Rainier National Park. It offers a truly wonderful and unique way to experience the landscape of the Cascade Mountain Range aboard a historic steam-powered train on an exciting 14 mile journey through the forest and across the glacier-fed Nisqually River to the Logging Museum in the town of Mineral, Washington. Once there, passengers have the opportunity to explore the most comprehensive collection of logging steam locomotives in the world and discover the stories of the pioneers of NW logging camps in the early to mid-1900’s. Visitors have an opportunity to explore exhibits in the Railroad logging camp, the house of gears, the rod house and the restoration shop.
In addition to the regular train excursions, Mt Rainier Railroad also offers exciting special event trains including the following:
Washington Wine Express
All aboard for the sip of a lifetime. Enjoy a steam train ride through the forests and foothills south of Mount Rainier. This two and half hour special event includes wine tastings and is exclusively for passengers 21 and older. Passengers must show valid identification before boarding the train. Your ticket includes the train ride, refreshments, tastings of a variety of Washington wines, museum admission, live entertainment, and a souvenir tasting glass.
PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
Join Snoopy and Charlie Brown aboard PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express for this wonderful fall train ride. Passengers will ride the train and read the book ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ on their journey to the Pumpkin Patch. Every child gets to choose their very own pumpkin to take home, play PEANUTS™ themed games and activities, and meet Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
The magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ comes to life in Elbe, Washington. This story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey comes alive on-board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. All ages can enjoy the warmth and fun of the Christmas season as you depart for a trip to the North Pole.
Excursions and museum visits are scheduled May through October. Standard and first class seating options are available.
Learn more at www.mtrainierrailroad.com or by calling 1-888-783-2611
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Explore the lush western mountains and distinctive southern culture of Appalachia when you visit the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina. Choose from a variety of steam or diesel year-round train excursion options and special event trains sure to create lasting memories! Dine in the First Class Cars with first class service while traveling through breathtaking scenery or take it all in while riding in an Open Air Gondola! Long tunnels, high bridges, and steep grades will thrill you as you enjoy the journey through beautiful southern forests and historic homesteads. A variety of classes and seating options are available.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers both western and eastern bound year-round train excursions as well as special event trains:
Journey West
Westbound from Bryson City, this 44 mile roundtrip excursion journeys to the Nantahala Gorge and back with amazing sightseeing opportunities as the train travels along the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers and across beautiful Fontana Lake with an opportunity to have lunch by the water while enjoying the view.
Journey East
Eastbound from Bryson City, this 32 mile roundtrip journey travels along the Tuckasegee River as it heads towards the quaint town of Dillsboro with a layover at a historic village with enough time to dine and shop in the village before the return trip.
Special Great Smoky Mountains Railroad event trains include the WIZARD OF OZ™ Train Ride, THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride, PEANUTS™ The Easter Beagle Express, and The Photo Special Trains. Learn more at www.gsmr.com or by calling 1-800-872-4681.
