RIDE THAT TRAIN!

HISTORIC RAIL EXCURSIONS AWAIT THE ADVENTUROUS ACROSS THE WEST.

- MELODY GROVES

Towering pines whirl past an open window ushering in pine-scented breezes. The click-clack of train wheels underneath relaxes riders. Puffs of locomotive smoke sail beside the car. In the distance, a wide blue ribbon meanders through hills forested with shrubs and wildflowers showing off their yellow beauty.

Spending a day riding the rails, connecting with nature and history, enjoying time with family and friends, is a great way to immerse yourself in a summer getaway. Short train excursions in the West are an ideal way to occupy a glorious summer day.

Summer is here and so are trains, museums, restaurants, hotels! Visit Sacramento, home of the Gold Rush, where people from all over the world flocked to make their fortune. Or ride the narrow gauge train transporting passengers from bustling Durango to laid-back Silverton, Colorado.

No matter where you visit, there’s much to see and do.

ELY, NEVADA

Historic Ely, founded as a stagecoach stop, where the Pony Express rushed through, stopping only long enough to change riders and pick up mail, is a true summer getaway (ElyNevada.org).

For train enthusiasts, the Northern Railway Museum (NNRY.com) includes restoration and operation of historic railroad equipment. The Ghost Train of Old Ely, a working steam-engine passenger train, travels through ghost towns and mines offering a unique Star Tour at night.

DOING

Renaissance Village, with six restored historic houses, showcases 100-plus ethnic cultures of people who settled here. Stroll along the old Cherry Creek Mining District famous for wild cherry tree groves. White Pine Public Museum (WPMuseum.org) features the original settlers, Shoshone Indians, gold rushes and Pony Express.