Trains! Everyone loves trains, and they have a long history in the last frontier. Take this epic journey across the state to hit all the important train related places. You’ll head to trains from the past, actual working trains, a train museum and even a train you can stay in! So, grab your overalls, put on your conductor’s hat and head out on this train-themed trip across the great state of Alaska!
Take a ride on the Alaska Railroad! There may not be Amtrak in Alaska, but the Alaska Railroad offers passenger and freight service up and down the state. Go from Fairbanks to Denali National Park and on to Anchorage and Seward with a wide variety of trains, depots, and routes for you to choose from.
Every September, Hoo Doo Brewing, one of the local breweries in Fairbanks, takes over the Alaska Railroad for a day. By all accounts, it's a fantastic time cruising through the gorgeous scenery from Fairbanks to Denali National Park.
The Council City & Solomon River Railroad started construction in 1905 and finished in 1906 after laying only 35-miles of track. Now, the remains lie rusting into the land on the Seward Peninsula.
The Harding Car was used by U.S. President Warren G. Harding when he visited Alaska in 1923. Now, it stands in Pioneer Park as a place for visitors to see this antique railcar and imagine an older time. Occasionally music events and gatherings are held in the car, a magical experience for all.
Take a ride around the park on this authentic train from the Gold Rush Era! The Crooked Creek Whiskey Island Railroad encircles Pioneer Park and is pulled by Old 67, a historic train engine maintained at the park. The ride costs just a few dollars and runs every 15 minutes. The museum is open from Noon to 8 PM every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The depot houses the museum and gift shop with information on the importance of railroads from the Gold Rush to present day.
At this bed and breakfast, you can stay in a retired Alaska railroad train! At this unique railroad car hotel, guests get their own railroad cars for the night. There is a fancy dining car that serves scrumptious homemade breakfast every morning while you take in the view of the Tanana Valley.
This railway linking Skagway to Whitehorse in the Yukon offers an eerie look into the past. This route has been traveled by train since 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. See the ruins of the old railroad from the comfort of the new train that follows the route.
This tunnel is over 2.5 miles long making it the longest highway tunnel in North America! It is also the longest combined rail and highway tunnel. Head to Whittier to watch the trains come and go through the mountain.
Take a quick and fun ride to spend the day at the Fair without worrying about parking! Enjoy a scenic and relaxing ride from the Anchorage Depot to the fairgrounds in Palmer. The Fair Train runs the last week of August through Labor Day weekend.
This Americana band is one of Alaska's most popular acts, picking fun, original dance music up and down the road systems. They are from Seward, Alaska, but look for them all across the state and catch a show if you can for a fun night out.