Ride the World Famous Skunk Train

What in the world is the Skunk Train and why would you want to ride it?

Well, first of all, trains are just plain cool.

Walt Disney knew it and so did everyone else in 1830 when the first railroad track was opened in the United States. Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, laid the first stone when construction on the track at Baltimore harbor on July 4, 1828.

The Skunk Train happened about 50 years later on the opposite coast. Fort Bragg, California to be exact.

What is the Skunk Train

In 1885 The Redwood Route began carrying trains, cargo, and passengers through the majestic and surreal setting of Mendocino County’s ancient redwood groves.

The train played a vital role transporting families and workers who set up the various logging camps along the route and in doing so, played an important part not only in the area’s industrial life, but also in its social and cultural activities. No other logging railroad in America has made the deep impression on American life that was created by the line from Fort Bragg – first by the natural beauty of its route and later, by the distinctiveness of its equipment. (info courtesy of Skunk Train)

Why is it called the Skunk Train

According to the experts at the Skunk Train, the nickname “Skunk” originated in 1925, when motorcars were introduced (today sometimes referred to as railbuses or railcruisers). These single unit, self-propelled motorcars had gasoline-powered engines for power and pot-bellied stoves burning crude oil to keep the passengers warm.

The combination of the fumes created a very pungent odor, and the old timers living along the line said these motorcars were like skunks,

“You could smell them before you could see them.”

Historic Train

The experience of riding the Skunk is a magical blend of nostalgic history and childlike wonder. I mean, who didn’t fall in love with The Polar Express story? or doesn’t love the train ride all the way around Disneyland?

The cars on the Skunk Train are virtually untouched and are exactly the way they looked when it first carried passengers. The only difference is that one car has a concession stand built in and they put up some seasonal decorations. I can one hundred percent live with these upgrades, especially since one involves holiday and the other, coffee.

There is also a ‘flatbed’ car that passengers can stand on and enjoy the views and the soothing chugs and clicks of the railroad. Personally I was fascinated with the flatbed because it was originally used to transport Sherman Tanks for WWII. The only ‘upgrade’ was to install wood planks to be more passenger friendly to walk upon. We spent most of our ride on this car to best enjoy the sites and smells of the redwoods.

Trains are Magic

Sage’s eyes lit up like you can’t believe when the conductor punched her ticket. He talked with her for a moment and winked when he gave her back the ticket. We boarded and she could barely get the words out, “It’s JUST like in The Polar Express!”

Yes, it was.

We sometimes take for granted things that happened in our lifetime or earlier seem like total fiction to the younger generation. It’s really why we feel so strongly about connecting our family with our country’s history. SO many good stories… and I guarantee she will never forget that moment.

I know this because she put her ticket in her memory box.

She had another magical moment while getting concessions. She came back to our seats with a giant smile and a twinkle in her eye and said, “I feel like I’m going to Hogwarts!”

Yup, a magical Harry Potter moment for sure!

And when we pulled back into the station she just didn’t want to leave. Who could blame her? We must have spent at least an hour touring the giant train set village set up for families to explore.

It brought back so many fond memories for Josh and I…I mean, we both played with trains when we were kids and THESE trains took up a half of a warehouse! A couple of them had real steam! Some were lit up! Some were even decorated for Christmas! Honestly, it was a little like being in Santa’s workshop. (SQUEAL!!!)

I totally reverted to a child and now I have a new goal to get a great train set to go around our Christmas tree next year like we had when I was a kid. They are SO FUN!!!

Magic.

READ MORE UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA

Know before you Go

Food

As I mentioned, there is a concession stand on board. For this reason they discourage bringing food on board with exceptions of small children and dietary needs of course.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on the train BUT they need a reservation so call ahead! When on the Mendocino Coast we stayed at the Historic Little River Inn (VERY pet friendly) and tickets for the Skunk Train can be purchased there so that is another way to go. Their front desk is well versed and happy to help.

Handicap Accessible

One must remember when the train was built so whereas the train IS handicap accessible, it it limited as to what that access is. Call ahead to make sure there is a clear understanding of expectations.

How to Dress

The Skunk Train is on the Northern California coast and starts by the water, ends in the redwoods. Dress in layers. The other note is to remember you will be around trains and nature. Both of these things can be grubby so wear appropriate clothing.

Plan It

Purchase Tickets

The Skunk Train does special seasonal rides like The Pumpkin Express and the Magical Christmas Train. For more information on these specialty trips as well as the standard one we took CLICK HERE.

Where to Stay

There are many quaint sites to explore in the Fort Bragg area. This Family recommends you take the time to check out Historic Little River Inn to stay or to dine. We stayed and it was a perfect blend of local history, family hospitality, and a unique coastal experience.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT HISTORIC LITTLE RIVER INN

Explore Historic and Unique America with This Family!

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Have you been on a historic train in America? Tell us which one and what your experience was like in the comments below.