The Silverwood Central Railway might just be my favorite attraction at Silverwood!!!
Seriously, good ‘ole Engine No. 7 has a vintage charm all its own. It was originally built in 1915 in Eureka, NV for the purpose of transporting miners. In 1986, Silverwood purchased it from an auction and relocated the locomotive to the park.
Its claim to fame is that it’s now the only operational steam engine in all of Idaho. There’s an on-site team at Silverwood who diligently works to keep up its timeless legacy. And every time the train makes a lap around the park, there is a team of 2 highly skilled engineers who ensure the magic happens.
M’kay…now that the mini history lesson is over, let’s jump into exploring all the train has to offer.
First, you’ll need to decide which of the 3 experience options you want to choose. (Or maybe just plan when you want to try each one out). I’ll explain what are the key highlights of the differing offerings in just a moment.
Next, you’ll navigate your way thru the building that is still set up like an old fashioned train depot. It’s super duper cute!
Pro Tip: When selecting your seats, consider that the Silver Mine “stage” will be off to the right side of the train, so that would give you the best possible view.
One other thing to note is that the train departs from the station *right* on time so don’t be late. In fact, I’d recommend getting in line to board at least 20ish minutes before the departure as the spots often fill up rather quickly.
Ok, onto the 3 different show descriptions…
# 1 – A Trip to Yesteryear
This one is a little shorter in duration since it doesn’t stop at the Silver Mine for a formal show. Instead, it’s a relaxing loop around the track while a pre-recorded message plays on the speakers overhead. You’ll hear lots of interesting little facts about what you’re seeing along the route but also some silly and catchy songs too.
Yes, these are REAL bison, the largest land mammal alive today. They are brought down to Silverwood each year from a nearby place called, Cocolala. It’s always an extra special treat when you spy the adorable babies running to keep up with their mamas, so keep your eyes open!!!
# 2 – Silver Mine Shootout: The Search for Sasquatch
This option starts out with Wildlife Ranger Eddie eagerly sharing from the notes in his Sasquatch research book.
Then when the train arrives at the Silver Mine, the adventure becomes full of friendly competition on who is the better shot – Eddie or Wildlife Ranger Ruby.
They are trying to one up each other the whole time, while having some hilarious mishaps with their firing aim that may or may not involve the train riders ending up getting a bit wet in the process.
Not worry though, no one is (seriously) injured and a surprise someone gets bragging rights on winning at the target practice. This time slot also includes all the exciting sightings of the various woodland critters as the train chugs along.
# 3 – Rescue Mission: Saving Sasquatch
This ride is thrilling and exciting. It follows the premise that it’s the newest recruit, Levi Young’s, very 1st day working as a tour guide on the train. Well, it quickly turns into a rescue mission when his partner, Tour Guide Tallulah (aka “Take ‘Em Down Tali”) gets a SOS letter from her friend who needs to be saved at Silver Mine. In a serious plot twist, Levi is really an “Evil Guy” who is actually a ruthless poacher in cahoots with his buddy to capture Sasquatch.
You’ll have to enjoy the ride to know how the story ends but there’s lots of goofy jokes, play fight scenes involving dynamite, and even a train “robbery”.
No matter which train ride you decide on, you really can’t go wrong. The entire family is sure to be entertained. And might even learn a thing or two.
Whether you just need a break from the craziness of rides in the cool breeze, your littles need naps or a convenient place to sit down and eat…The Silverwood Central Railway is a great place to be.
Oh and ps: Every single penny of the shooting wager/stolen money is donated to a local Coeur d’Alene charity called “The Children’s Village” which is a residential care facility for children in crisis, so you can know that your money is going to a great cause when you slip it into the canvas sacks.
Meet The Conductor
My name is Emma! I love a good iced coffee, and love Jesus even more. While I’m currently rocking the city life in Post Falls, Idaho, my dream is to one day raise my own family on a little homestead. In this season, you’ll find me spending my days pouring into the lives of the sweet kiddos I nanny, running my home business making non-toxic playdough, enjoying lots of quality time with friends, loving on the precious little ones I’m currently fostering, or sharing my passion for all things holistic living. If y’all want to follow the daily adventures of my crazy, exciting, blessed life, you can do so here
Comments (30)
I had no idea there were options on the train ride! We always just head over when it’s time for lunch! I’ll pay more attention next time!
Cool
Good to know for the first time I go — hopefully this summer.
The train ride is cool.
Appreciate the info. I have rode the train once before but am looking forward to it again this summer and now have a few more tips to make it the best experience for my family!!
Scarrywood is a here at time to go
We need to try the train next time we make it there!
Can’t wait to try #3
Will definitely check out the train on our upcoming first visit.
Can’t wait for the train!
Can’t wait for the train! Looking forward to the “robbery”
Silverwood is one of our favorite places to visit! The train ride is a nice break for us and the kids. 🙂
I love Silverwood! I ride the train when I need a laugh or a rest. It’s a beautiful park.
LOVE the train ~ my wife & I were both raised in railroad families!
I took my children to Silverwood when they were young, and now I am taking my teen grands to Silverwood. I sure hope it remains a family tradition for future generations. Looking forward to the train excursions! See you soon Silverwood!
Thanks for the secret. We’re coming soon.
Can’t wait to go next month. Love all the different options for the train! Our kids will love it!
Would love to ride the train with my kids. Hoping to win.
My family loves the train ride. Its so beautiful, peaceful, fun and a great way to let the kids get a little break from the everything, plus fresh air. I can’t wait to go on it this year!!
Thanks for all the info! Went as a kid myself, and can hardly wait to take my three boys this summer. Your post got them very excited for the train!
We love Silverwood and can’t wait to come back at the end of August.
Love silverwood! And the train ride is fun and a way to get off your feet and relax for a bit!
Emma is awesome!! I can’t wait to ride the train next month on my Birthday!! History is beautiful and the pictures are great Emma.
I didn’t know there were different options. Will keep in mind for our next visit.
We didn’t get a chance to ride the train when we went a few years ago. I’d love to go back and ride all 3 different options.
Silverwood has been an annual tradition with my kids and grandkids! We especially love all the rollercoasters
Thankyou. Definitely doing the rescue!!
These look like great fun and are so helpful so we can best plan our Silverwood adventure this summer!
Would love to visit one day soon!
This is such a fantastic article. It had been 15 years since our last trip and it’s grown so much! We weren’t prepared and are redoing our visit but with a better plan to get the most out of it with our kids. They are finally tall enough to love it as much as I did as a kid. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information!
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