Chehalis, WA – In response to popular demand, the Chehalis Centralia Railroad has adapted to the current situation by offering stationary summer events “On the Train….At the Depot.” According to the president of the Chehalis Centralia Railroad, Mary Kay Nelson, calls and emails keep coming in asking for reservations for Dinner Train rides. To satisfy their inquiry, the Chehalis Centralia Railroad is offering five days of Escape Room activity playing upon the unique situation we are in with a track that is in repair. On January 6, 2022, 1.3 miles of track were washed out during the flood. Currently, funding and repair work is in progress, but with the lack of revenue from in inability to offer the regular excursions along with the delay, the non-profit organization had to find an alternative source of revenue. Nelson said, “We hope our loyal passengers will find the fun in this event. Once our track is repaired, we will return to regular operations, and next year, the Escape Room event will take place on a fictitious “getaway train ride”
According to our local Escape Room artist, the passengers will be given clues to help stop the pretend “runaway train” on this irregular railway operation. This interactive adventure will give all passengers a role in the investigation. Like all of us have learned over the past two years, our Railroad has had to temporarily pivot for fundraising events. The static, non-moving event will be held at 2 pm for $40 without dinner and 5 pm for $65 with a 3-course dinner served for the passengers. Choose your entrée of Italian Lasagna or Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo when you reserve your seats online. The dates are July 16 and 30, August 27, September 10, and October 8. Tickets are on sale now at SteamTrainRide.com. Seating is limited to 52 passengers on each train. Tables of four passengers will be given an assigned suitcase where they will find a key or clue to help get the engineer “back on track.”
Following the Escape Room events, a Wizard Express is planned for October 1 and 2, and the Pumpkin Train on October 15/16, and 22/23. If track repairs and all flood damage is done, the organization will once again present THE POLAR EXPRESStm
Experience the history of railroading as it used to be. Although the train is not moving, the train will consist of the #6 naval diesel engine, a 1920s dining car, the historic 1920s S P & S 99 Business Car, and the bright yellow Caboose. The train will be parked at the Depot where the accessible loading platform provides easy access to the train. ADA access is limited. Call ahead for details. The train station is located at Exit 77, off I-5 in Chehalis at 1101 SW Sylvenus Street, across from the Veterans Memorial Museum. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding time. Parking is free. Online reservations are required as seating is limited. No walk-up tickets are available. Visit SteamTrainRide.com for tickets and more information.
Donations are welcome for the 501c3 organization, whose purpose is to restore and maintain a historic steam engine #15, and to benefit the local economy while providing an educational experience to show the history of railroading in Lewis County.