Skunk Train
add photos5 Reviews for Skunk Train
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'11, '12
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"Rails Through the Redwoods!"
UNIQUE ACTIVITY FOR TRAIN LOVERS
The skunk train is a piece of living history that will bring your family back to the days of big lumber, steam trains, and gold rush fever. The beautifully restored cars are authentic and well maintained and will captivate every little Thomas the Tank Engine aficionado and their family.
PACK TOYS, GAMES AND MONEY FOR BBQ LUNCH
Although kids can walk from car to car and stand outside in the observation car, the 4 hour round trip from Ft. Bragg to Northspur can get monotonous, so don’t forget to pack toys and games to keep kids occupied. Although the conductor does a great job discussing the history and points of interest along the way, small kids may soon grow tired of sitting still and, unless you are happy to chase your kids up and down the rail cars, will need some distraction.
We enjoyed seeing the 1000 year old redwood specimens, which survived the axe only because they were damaged by lightning and were economically worthless. The big trees were more fascinating to me than they were to my kids, who don’t quite understand the concept of a millennium yet.
The BBQ feast in Northspur is worth waiting for. We had an excellent pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw which we devoured, and would have gone for the tasty looking tri tip had we packed more cash. They also have Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, various drinks, and a kiosk selling jewelry and gift items. Make sure you get in line for BBQ as soon as you get off the train, because the stop in Northspur is only 40 minutes and you may run out of time to eat otherwise. If you get hungry on the train, the café car serves hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and drinks.
My kids loved riding on the beautifully restored antique trains, but I wish I had packed some books or games for them, because they got tired of just sitting and looking out the window. All in all, a wonderful trip into the past, and a perfect activity for train lovers.
*Although I received complimentary tickets to the Skunk Train, this review is my honest opinion and was not influenced by the Skunk Train staff or its affiliates.
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"Awesome for train loving kids!!"
Although it is pretty spendy this is a fantastic 1/2 day trip your train of choice from the coastline back into the cool redwoods. We went on the steam train and spent most of our time in the open car listening to the historical information. You stop for awhile, watch the train fill up with water and make the return trip relaxing and enjoying the sights. We had a fantastic man dressed in character playing his guitar and singing old song. There is a snack car on the train with goodies, hot chocolate, espresso drinks and more!! Worth riding at least once!!
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"Do you like Trains and the Beach?"
If you like Trains and the Beach you can have both here in Fort Bragg California.
Follow this link for more information about history cost and time of the rides,
http://skunktrain.com/
We enjoyed our ride, but it was hot the day we went. I would recommend waiting until fall so its’ cooler and the trees are truing the fall colors. I have been a passenger on the train many times since I was young and have been able to share this with my children and other family. There are guides and people who perform toe stoppin music and singing during the ride.
On the weekends you can expect to enjoy a steam powered train ride verses the newer train that we rode on. An open car without seating is offered for those who want to more easily take photos. Light snacks, beverages and beer/wine are offered on the train ride also.
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"Fun with the Family"
Hauling logs to sawmills in the 1880s, the Skunk Train—actually several historic dieseland steam trains—now takes tourists on half- or full-day trips to Willits and back. The route runs along Pudding Creek through redwood forests, crossing thirty bridges andtrestles; it’s a beautiful train ride—perfect for the grandparents and younger granchildren. In the Fort Bragg train depot are two dozen retail shops and places to eat, scattered among railroad and logging artifacts. Snacks and lunch are available to buy along the way, or you can bring a picnic. Special events, such as barbecue-dinner rides and “Tour de Skunk,” a skunk ride one way and bike ride the other, are held annually. The logging trains were nicknamed for their original gas engines, which prompted folks to say “you can smell ‘em before you can see ‘em.”
Trains run on Mon-Sat: 8am - 6pm; Sun 8am to noon
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"Very fun train ride!"
We went up here with my parents and really enjoyed the train ride. Fort Bragg itself and close by Mendocino are also fun places to visit but you'll enjoy the train the most. You take an open car train through the Redwoods, then stop in the middle and take a break. You then ride back to your original destination, or you can take a train that takes you to Willetts, CA. A very nice relaxing trip through the trees for you and your train buff.
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