Northern Nevada Railway Last Star Train Sept. 28, October Ghost Trains in the works

Enjoy a wondrous evening under the stars with our friends from Great Basin National Park as they host the Star Train at Nevada Northern Railway, Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.

There will be a trivia contest on board with prizes for those with their thinking caps on. Passengers will be let off the train in order to gaze through telescopes at the night sky, guided by the Dark Rangers of Great Basin National Park. This is a great train ride that the whole family can enjoy.

Tickets are selling for Haunted Ghost Trains - Oct. 5, 12, 19, 25 & 26 -- don't forget to get yours before it's too late. Discounted group rates for parties of 12 or more with one person paying.

For more information, please call toll-free at (866) 40-STEAM (866-407-8326), locally at (775) 289-2085 or visit the website at www.nnry.com. “Like” on www.facebook.com/nnry and subscribe and see train videos at www.youtube.com/nnry1 and follow us on www.twitter.com/nnry1.

Nevada Northern Railway Museum is a National Historic Landmark, located in rural Ely, Nevada; less than 200 miles from Elko, and halfway between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City (about 240 miles in either direction). It is, indeed, a Nevada treasure; but it’s not hidden, buried, or in need of a special map to find it. The Nevada Northern Railway is America’s best-preserved short line railroad and the most complete rail facility left in the nation. According to a Smithsonian Curator Emeritus, it is “the best…bar none.”

The Nevada Northern Railway, established in 1905, is an original, working historic railroad, complete with operating steam and diesel locomotive trains. The 56-acre rail yard contains original track and over seventy original buildings and structures, including the original Depot, Machine Shop, Engine House and the iconic Coaling Tower. It also features an extensive paper record, documenting more than 100 years of history.

It is a national treasure the whole family can enjoy. In 2012, the Nevada Northern Railway was awarded “Attraction of the Year” by the Nevada Travel Network; calling it a “must see; must do” attraction. In 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, it was recognized by the readers of Nevada Magazine as: the Best Place to Take Kids in Rural Nevada; Best Rural Museum; and via a Nevada Commission on Tourism survey, Favorite Nevada Treasure.

True West magazine awarded its Reader’s Choice Award to Nevada Northern Railway for “Best Preservation Effort of the West.” It has been featured many times on PBS television, as well as on The History Channel’s “Modern Marvels” show and “American Restorations.” The artifacts restored by Rick’s Restoration and featured on the show can be seen at the Nevada Northern Railway. The NNRy is also featured in train magazines and travel guidebooks all over the world; having wide appeal to people of all ages.

The grounds are open year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Historic steam and diesel train rides run April through January; and include regular fare excursions, as well as specialty trains and unique programs.

The spooktacular Haunted Ghost Trains are always a sell-out so book now to ensure a seat. These take place every Saturday night in October and Friday, Oct. 25. Costumes are encouraged for passengers, who sit safely inside while viewing ghostly, ghastly scenes along the way.

Celebrate an old-fashioned, traditional Christmas in Ely with snow-capped mountains, the scent of wood-burning stoves and the ability to cut a fresh Christmas tree for just a few dollars. The highlight of the season, however, is Nevada Northern Railway’s Polar Express, licensed by Warner Bros. This magical journey to the North Pole includes hot chocolate, cookies and a visit with Santa Claus – don’t forget your camera and wear your pajamas. You can see the video on www.youtube.com/nnry1.

The Gift Shop is well-stocked with Polar Express merchandise for Christmas gifts and souvenirs. In January, enjoy weekend steam rides that are held in conjunction with Ely’s famous Cave Lake Fire & Ice Show (Fireworks Express Train) and Rotary’s Cave Lake Ice Fishing Derby (Jack Frost Train).

See www.elynevada.net for details.