The scenery is absolutely stunning and the ride is entirely enjoyable. One of the best tourist railroads that I have ever been on! I would recommend it to everybody, irrespective of their interest in railroads.
The museum contains local history and geology information, too. Set up to walk through at your own pace.
We did not expect to ride the train due to our schedule. Once we got settled into our room we drove out to the museum. It wasn't too long after they closed as the engine was still hot. My husband got some photos & took some time to enjoy the engine. Wished we could have ridden, next time.
Lots and lots of local thing here. And why not. One can spend a few hours here and then walk on up the street and have lunch at any number of restaurants. Why not go to the Market street Bakery....hey that should get a 5 star rating?
Very nice parking lot. Informative about the history of Chehalis and Centralia, WA. I liked the pictures, telling the story of the railroad. I liked the train that used to go up to a winery, a dinner train. We went on it for our anniversary (gift from our son). Please bring it back!
Rode of the steam train for a special presentation by the Adna Band Boosters. They had a dessert service on the trains along with student groups performing live music. The train ride was enjoyable on the way out of town. The way back in was the exact same trip. It also got a little cold on the train while riding. It was a fun thing to experience, but not something I would do more than once.
Maybe my expectations were too high. First, the staff are very nice and welcoming. However, I did not find the ride scenic at all as advertised. I saw people's houses and yards. Some cows. Some blackberry bushes..... That's about it. It was a long, hot, 90 minutes. I am glad I used a Groupon and it only costs us $8.50 each. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway is truly that ...scenic. It costs a bit more but if you want a truly enjoyable scenic ride on a much more comfortable restored steam engine train, I would recommend you spend the extra money and skip this one.
You are really only moving for about an hour in total - along side tree/bush area - the river & fields are nice though. I should have read up more to know that all they do is drive a ways in one direction then take the time to relocate the engine to the other side of the cars, and pull you back to the station from where you just came from. You do get a complimentary small cup of apple cider though. It just was a lot of money for the experience.
Any time you get to ride on a steam train, do it! They are practically giving away tickets to ride this 1916 beauty. The countryside is lovely in the summer and I imagine in the fall, too. From what I understand they have plenty of events during the year for Christmas, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day AND on Saturdays they sometimes run a dinner train. We were there and saw the chef & caterers loading the train. Riding the Chehalis & Centralia Steam Train is the best. Did you check the price for a cab ride? Have you ever ridden in the cab of a steam locomotive? You should! You'll never do it for this price anywhere else ever. Plus, you might get to meet Harold.
A nice attraction for young and old. Ride through the countryside in open or covered cars. Runs May-Sept. and on special occasions.