Fridays & Saturdays Are for Historic Exploration at Nevada Northern Railway; Spring Break Excursion Train Rides Start Mar. 8
Four weekends this March are reserved for a first-time offering at Nevada Northern Railway: Spring Break Excursion train rides. The railway’s most popular ride will now be offered a month ahead of schedule with discounted ticket prices. The ride lasts 90 minutes and takes passengers into two tunnels, up real mountain grades through Robinson Canyon to the Ruth Copper Mining District on the following weekends: March 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30.
Friday train departures head north out of the Steptoe Valley up a mountainside, offering stunning views of the valley below. Passengers will get wildlife sightings including spotting hawks, eagles and the occasional antelope while riding the hi-line toward McGill. Along the way, experts share the history of western exploration in the Steptoe Valley and the Hercules Gate cliff in the mountain range.
Saturday departures head to Robinson Canyon and pass through Chainman Mine’s ghost town. Legend has it that Stephen King wrote his book, Desperation, at this site where 100 Chinese workers died in the mine’s collapse. Passengers will see views of Lane City ghost town as they travel to a copper mine where equipment is still used today.
The purchase of a Spring Break Excursion ticket also includes a complimentary tour of the railroad’s original shops and grounds. Trains have snacks and beverages available for purchase, a restroom onboard and are wheelchair accessible. Guests can sit in an open-air car, in the coach or roam between the two during these excursions.
After the train ride, be sure to explore the other fun family activities in the area. At Garnet Hill you can search for natural mineral gemstones called garnets, south of town are the Ward Charcoal Ovens. An hour from the railroad is Great Basin National Park with Lehmann Caves. These are all great family activities to participate in during spring break.
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is a designated National Historic Landmark. Voted the state’s Best Rural Museum and the Best Place to Take the Kids by readers of Nevada Magazine, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum also has been featured on Modern Marvels, American Restorations and on PBS. For more information, call 775-289-2085, log onto NNRY.com or to get the latest news “Like” the Railway’s Facebook page.