ALL ABOARD! Revised Chehalis Steam Train Info

Chehalis, Wash. – May 2, 2008- All aboard the steam train! The 2008 season will officially begin on May 24, Memorial Day weekend, with a new depot and a new schedule. On Saturday, May 24, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum will celebrate with a Grand Opening at 12:00 noon.

After years of restoration and labor, the old Milwaukee Railroad train order station and section house has now become the depot and ticket office for the steam train’s passengers. A gift shop, concession stand, and ticket counter will serve the public and train memorabilia is now on display in this renovated building. The building was abandoned and sat empty along the tracks on State Avenue in Chehalis from 1980 until 2001 when it was acquired by Bill and Wanda Thompson and moved to the steam train rail yard.

The ribbon cutting and welcome address will begin at 12:00 noon on May 24, followed by a mini ride on the steam train. Learn about the history of the depot and enjoy refreshments with board members and local dignitaries.

As a compromise due to the December 3rd flood, for the immediate future mini rides are being offered to the public. Work will begin on the tracks very soon as a result of the FEMA and state aide acquired by the Port of Chehalis. Thanks to their efforts, the tracks will be fully repaired this summer and the train will commence its regular runs and dinner trains as soon as the repairs are complete. Until that time, the train association announced they will run the train for riders every Saturday and Sunday, beginning May  24.

The mini rides will be about 10 minutes in length and cost $2.00 per person, with 3 years and under free. Rides will begin at the top of the hour at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm each day. According to Rick Burchett, Board President, “We want to make the most of the season and give our passengers an experience which we hope will bring them back after the tracks are repaired. We are thankful for the support and generosity of so many people. We want to keep the train running as close to normal as possible. Please come and ride the train with us.”