Polar Express Train Ride in Ely

Read along with the story as the train makes its magical round trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. And, for those who believe, a special gift for each child. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas! A truly unforgettable journey.

Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, our exciting train tour, the Polar Express. Join us as steam locomotive #93 couples up to coaches Ely and Nevada and heads for the North Pole for a visit with Santa Claus!

We invite everyone to experience a real life Polar Express. We will fire up steam locomotive #93 to pull us to the North Pole. This is a real live steam locomotive that is ninety-seven years old!

On our way to the North Pole we will serve hot chocolate and cookies to all of our passengers. During the trip to the North Pole we will read the story of the Polar Express (read story details below). Upon our arrival to the North Pole, Santa will board the train and greet all of the passengers. Santa and his elves will present a silver bell to all of the passengers.

After Santa gets off of the train, we will head back to Ely. During the trip back everyone is invited to sing Christmas carols. This magical trip is for everyone who believes in Christmas. Come join us as we whistle-off and head way up north!

The Polar Express Storybook

Based on the popular children's book The Polar Express, this is a story of a young boy and his sister who learn from their friends that there is no Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, however, the boy hears a distant whistle and sees a locomotive pull into his front yard. He boards it and is on a journey northward; the destination is the North Pole.

After he and the other children disembark, they learn that it is nearly time for Santa to begin his annual Christmas Eve journey. However, he will select one of them to receive the first gift of Christmas, which can be anything that they wish. The young boy is selected and, after much thought, he chooses a bell from the harness of Santa's reindeer.

When he begins his trip to his home, the boy discovers that he had a hole in his pocket and he lost the bell. The next morning though, he receives an extra present: the bell with a note from Santa. His parents are disappointed because they do not hear the sweet jingle from it, and they think that it is broken. However, the boy and his sister DO hear the clear, sweet sound because of their faith.

Many years later, the sister could no longer hear the jingle, but the boy always could. He always believed in the spirit of Christmas.

Tour does not include hotel pick up or drop off. Steam locomotives may be replaced by diesel locomotives during winter months. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-235-9819.