A great way to celebrate the spirit of the season is by boarding a locomotive powered sleigh for a magical journey to the North Pole. Such an adventure awaits Treasure Valley residents who want to embark on a memorable day or nighttime journey. The Thunder Mountain Line depot in Horseshoe Bend carries passengers through the mountains along the beautiful and scenic Payette River to the town of Banks.
Guests are allowed to move freely between the passenger cars which feature a concession car, a lounge car with full beverage service and an all round-favorite --the open-air car.
On a recent excursion, my friends and I opted for the nighttime journey and became enchanted with the sparkling river below, as a nearly full moon illuminated its splendor and surroundings. With a cup of warm cocoa cradled in your hands, visitors will feel the bite of the crisp, clean air that is both intoxicating and exhilarating. Quietness settles over the car as the gentle rocking of the train swings passengers like babies in their cradles and the clanking wheels sing a soft lullaby.
Back inside the heated, cozy passenger cars, Mrs. Claus greets guests with a warm smile and explains we’ll be seeing Santa soon. The overhead lights are dimmed and the icicle lights hanging from the windows provide the perfect back drop for the carolers that soon gather around the guests to sing Christmas carols and invite everyone to join in song.
The intimate setting is made more so with only 75 guests per trip according to Sherry Smith, Group Sales Manager. “We want our guests to have a really good time and we encourage the kids to wear their warm pajamas and bring their stuffed animals.”
The train begins to slow as it enters Banks (The North Pole) and kids scurry to the doors to be first to see Santa. After visiting with jolly old St. Nick, guests enjoy homemade cookies and milk while taking in the full array of Christmas lights. After all the children have secretly told Santa their Christmas gift wishes, he hitches a ride aboard the train and joins Mrs. Claus and the carolers and sings songs with guests back to Horseshoe Bend.
“The round trip excursion takes about 2.5 to 3 hours,” said Smith “The train is really unique to the area and with it’s older cars, it makes for a very nostalgic experience for our guests.”
The rail line also features three routes and several themed train rides throughout the year. Some of their other popular excursions include Mystery Theatre Dinners, Wine and Dine, and Wild West Train Robbery. A new addition to their line is The Texan, which features the ultimate railcar experience. Built for the senior executives of the Northern Pacific by Pullman Standard in 1955, this business car includes a rear observation deck, observation lounge, formal dining room, master bedroom, two sleeping compartments, secretary room and full kitchen with staff quarters. Smith said this car is frequently booked for special occasions and private parties.
Smith said reservations for the North Pole Express are filling up fast and can be made by visiting their website at www.thundermountainline.com, calling their sales office at 331-1184 or visiting their sales offices in Horseshoe Bend at 120 Mill Road or their Boise sales office at 106 North 6th Street, Suite 202. Merchandise and gift certificates are also available.
