Fun excursion on the Deer Creek Express. I thought $30 per ticket was a bit steep for the 90 minute train ride. One car had high ceilings and bigger windows than the other; we were assigned to the smaller one but thankfully got to switch halfway through as our ride was not crowded. The bigger car is much more spacious and feels less claustrophobic. The heat is what killed us. The lack of AC during the summer is brutal. It got better with time but for 80% of the ride was uncomfortably hot. Keep in mind if you're planning to visit in the summer. Beautiful views, concessions for purchase, and friendly staff. read more

Great time for the entire family. The outlaw was fun for the little kids. The kids that rode with us were great. read more

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We came towards the end of the summer for a scenic train ride, tickets were $30 each for adults which seemed a little steep for the experience. Luckily it wasn't too hot out, so the car was comfortable as the windows were all open. Staff at the ticket booth and on the train were friendly. The train was packed and the ride itself was no more than an hour and a half total. It was cool to see the trains but I'm not sure that I would do it again. They did have an old time "sheriff" on board who cracked a few jokes. They also had folks playing the fiddle who played some classic songs and took requests on the way back. Primarily though you are on board to enjoy the ride. Their themed rides may be a little more fun depending on what you're into. If you want to kill an hour or two, this will fill your time. They do have restrooms and a small gift shop where you check in before you board. read more

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We had such a great experience ! You can pay in person or online, they have 3 trips running per day. We took the 10 am one and had a blast. The views and history was impeccable. They also had entertainment on the ride and snacks and drinks for purchase. read more

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They had a fun event to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday called The Jane Train. Their employees dressed in regency attire and served a variety of teas and scones. There were two dining cars plus one with a piano and seats under windows for better views. Each car had speakers for music and announcements. One employee told us about the train's history. We didn't go all the way to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon, but turned around after the end of Deer Creek Reservoir. It was a beautiful ride. Great value. They have a nice gift shop with snacks and souvenirs, bathrooms, and ticket office. There are train rides with themes of Harry Potter, Polar Express, Halloween, etc. read more

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Friendly, knowledgeable staff made for a fun afternoon on a vintage train ride through the beautiful Heber Valley. We enjoyed the fun facts, beautiful scenery, and even lucked into seeing a moose. The train was an affordable, great value with ticket options and a concession car. Need a rainy day activity? Look no further read more

There is nothing like this railroad experience! We road the railroad for the North Pole Express experience and it was super fun. I highly suggest going with people you want to have fun with or bring your kids. Our friends rented out a whole car and that was super fun. Especially for the kids! Definitely worth taking a detour to come support a historic rail ride! read more

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We had an awesome time on the heber valley railway , we have gone for the polar express the pumpkin train and the Halloween train it's such an awesome experience and for a great price I might add. It seems that they always have something new going on and service is always great. I do recommend getting there early as the train is very punctual and you usually have to pick up physical tickets inside. Also tickets sell out so plan ahead! Can't wait for our next trip up to Heber! read more

Heber valley train is a fun ride for families. I went to the dinosaur theme and pumpkin train so far. Both were 40 minutes long, perfect for littles before they get restless. I would love to go on the wildlife train and the Polar Express train someday. Polar Express goes on sale in July and is a hit, so book then if you'll be here for Christmas time! Each person gets an honorary ticket and one boarding pass that marks your reserved seats on the train. Snacks are $2 in the depot. During the summer, they keep the windows open for airflow and in the fall and winter, they have the heaters. It gets very warm! In the dinosaur train, staff dressed up and we received a dinosaur egg toy. In the pumpkin train, we got a delicious pumpkin cookie and then picked a pumpkin from the patch. A wonderful, fun family experience. Dancing on the train, fun corner jokes and good views. read more

Heber Valley Railroad - Snacks $2 - Local Flavor Near Me - Heber City, Utah

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Monday night ride was very disappointing. It was supposed to be fun with music and games but the kids running our car did not really try at all. I passed through the other cars and the kids running their activities were a lot more engaged and fun. Waste of money for us. Views were great though! read more

We took my 3yr old daughter on a train ride and it was really a good time. We went in the evening so it wasn't as hot, let it be known the cars do not have A/C, so plan accordingly in the summer. The train ride lasts about 90 mins which is a good amount, and it's fun to see the lake from the north side. The crew were very fun and with all the singing and dancing, my 3 year old was having a blast. I can't wait to try the other themed rides around the fall. I'd recommend this. read more

We rode the Deer Creek Express when family was visiting, and enjoyed that it was a low-effort way to get great views of the mountains and reservoir. The train is slow and relaxing, the staff are very professional, and everything ran smoothly. Parking is nearby and easy. Everyone is assigned seats, but only one side (luckily our side) had views of the reservoir. The commentary near the beginning of the ride gave some nice background info, but I wish we didn't have to experience the other on-board entertainment (horribly corny/bad jokes and subpar music- totally not needed). It was nice to simply feel the wind through the open windows and watch the view. A bit expensive for what it is, but not exorbitantly so. A fun and unique experience on a train that's over a century old. read more

Heber Valley Railroad - Local Flavor Near Me - Heber City, Utah

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This was a fun experience that we opted to do while we were exploring the area. I was a little disappointed because I was expecting a Steam Engine so that was bummer. They do a cute skit of a few robbers and a sheriff coming through and telling stories and a few of the girls tell some fun facts and give you some information a long the way. They also have a fiddler player who was a nice young lady who played some nice tunes for us a few times. The scenery is ok basically goes along the reservoir on the other side along the hill. We had driven up the highway earlier to go to the waterfall so we saw basically the same thing from another direction from the train. We chose to spend the extra money to have the first class upgraded car which I thought would be nicer with a table booth or something since it said there was a table, but basically it was four chairs sitting at a small table that were set up inside an empty train car. It was not very busy so there were only six of us in the whole car so they give us each our own table. I did not look at the general admission train or how the seats were in that but just so you know if you spend the extra you're basically sitting in a chair at a table. So comfort wise, you might not be getting anything extra but for space wise and being able to see out windows it was good. Definitely something to do if you like trains or have kids that love trains. You can bring on your own snacks so you don't get overcharged for the ones they are selling. It was kind of cool. They did give us a bag for each of us with a ceramic mug and a small bottle of water inside which was a special treat that was unexpected. I am not sure if general admission got this as well. Perhaps it was only for a first class. In any case when you're in the area, come check out the station take a look at the trains that they do have sitting around even if you don't take a ride it's worth a visit. read more

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This ride was fun especially since we got a couple inches of snow. The scenic ride showed beautiful lakes and let you see how others live. The train also gave a little entertainment by one employee. They also had two employees explain the sights and background about the town and train . I would love to see more interactive participation for the customers. The area is beautiful . read more

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Such a fun adventure while vacationing in Park City. They have a short robbery skit with the sheriff before boarding. Nice, comfortable seats and smooth ride. We were entertained the entire ride (dancing, singing, and fiddle players). Scenery is beautiful! read more

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Such a unique experience! Family friendly ride through Heber City and Deer Creek Reservoir! The train goes down and comes back (no turn around, you'll ride backwards) but you'll get the best views on the left side of the train! History, entertainment, and nature's beauty all in one! read more

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Great little train ride in Heber. They have singers & gun slingers. Just make sure you call ahead to ensure the train's 'Old West Gunfight' is actually going to be staged. We did not get one with our experience even though it was advertised as such online. Tickets are relatively spendy. $30/ea 12 years +, $20/ea 2-11, free for children 1 & under who will sit on your lap. Approximately 45min out & 45 min back for a total of 1.5hr ride. They have specialty rides throughout the year: North Pole Express, Halloween Express, Pumpkin Train, Rock-n-Roll train, & a Reading Railroad Fundraiser. Pricing for these specialty rides vary from the traditional scenic train. Don't expect a lot from the gift shop. You can purchase snacks and drinks on the train. Specialty rides often include food and/or souvenirs. Not sure if the $90+ for our family of 3 was worth it considering we didn't get the full experience we expected, but it was a nice night for a ride & the on board entertainment was appreciated. Parking is widely available. I would recommend trying a specialty ride as your first experience if you have the funds to do so. read more

We planned to spend the day in Park City and my parents mentioned how much they enjoyed this train ride not too far from town. It was easy to book, $25 each and getting our tickets from their depot/gift shop was quick and painless. We arrived 45 minutes early to check out the area. Not much in the way of picture taking and if you don't have kids, the gift shop may not excite you, but it was fun and relaxing. Parking is free, easy and just across the street. They start seating about 20 minutes before departure and there is no AC, other than the windows which only went halfway up. The train was made in the '30s and is warm inside so keep that in mind. It looked original and they even mention keeping your kids sat to prevent damage to the upholstery. Once we were heading on our trip, they had a little "bank robbery" show on board with a shootout. It was a bit cheesy, but the kids loved it. They also had a young man playing the fiddle which was nice. He was quite good! About halfway through the trip they came around to take orders for drinks and snacks. Everything was about $2 each. Cash or card. The views were pretty and reminded us of our life in WA state heading through the Cascades. Wish the track went in a circle vs. out and back but it was nice to see the mountains, water and animals. They have so many themed train options so check them out online! read more

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We somehow lucked out and last minute snagged some tickets to the North Pole Express ride a couple days after Christmas. Since it was after Christmas, I was a little worried about how the ride would be since the holiday was over, but it was SUCH a blast! You arrive 45 minutes before the train takes off to check in and get your tickets. It was crowded when we arrived but we were able to get a good parking spot and the ticket booth didn't have a line. Everyone waited outside of the train cars they were assigned to. Our train left at 7:30pm and I believe we started being seated (one group at a time) around 7:10pm. We got "VIP" tickets and got a table for four and it was a lot of fun. I believe the entire train ride was about 1.5 hours? We were given delicious cookies from Suss and hot chocolate as well. There were a lot of really fun elements to the train ride - carolers, fun games for the kiddos (and adults!) throughout the train ride, and then we pulled up to the North Pole and Santa got on the train and made his way up and down the train, taking photos with all of the kiddos. All in all, this was a fun experience. They also have other train rides throughout the year - a foliage ride, rock and roll ride, and other fun themed rides as well. My biggest tip: get your tickets early! They told us when they go on sale and I completely forget, but I know it's quite a few months prior to the actual event. read more

Heber Valley Railroad - Local Flavor Near Me - Heber City, Utah

I can't even explain how fun & cute The Polar Express ride (A.K.A "The North Pole Express") was! The train was decorated beautifully, and I absolutely loved how they stayed true to the book. Highly recommend:) read more

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My favorite Christmas tradition is the polar express ride on the Heber train. This place is so cute and they have some fun themes train rides throughout the year. Our host Sam was so sweet and a hard worker. They have local teens running the carts and hosting the events and it's wonderful to see respectful hard working kids doing such a wonderful job. Tip: visit dairy keen (local train themed restaurants) before. They have the best gluten free menu. If your riding the train in the winter bundle in layers. Did dent carts have different heaters and some don't work as well. read more

I am specifically reviewing the Christmas North Pole railway event We had the opportunity to ride and experience the North Pole railway event put on by the Heber Valley Railway. From a historic perspective, this place is awesome. I loved the vintage feel of the train and the ticketing office. My critiques - the ticket price was quite steep, and in my opinion not worth it. If you are looking for something really spectacular and interactive, this is more of a laid back type of vibe. The train only goes about a mile and then goes back directly backwards. If you have children who are in the Santa phase, this would be really fun and probably magical. As an adult with no kids, I would skip it next time. The price was quite a bit for what it was. This event is also not dietary friendly whatsoever - there are no other options for those with dietary restrictions. I was disappointed there was no tables on the train to rest your drink on. They also only provided a small 8oz water. Luckily you can bring your own or snacks - so come prepared!! I recommend a blanket too so you can open the windows - otherwise, it was way too stuffy in there. read more

Heber Valley Railroad - Trains - Local Flavor Near Me - Heber City, Utah

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Had a lot of fun on our train ride! Was not quite sure what to expect but this was listed as one of the top things to do in heber so wanted to try it out. we prebooked our tickets online. Very easy. They do have a lunch option on the train. But you will need to order it in more than 24 hours in advance. They say they have gluten free and vegetarian options. I did not remember how far in advance you needed to order so sadly i missed the cut off by a few hours for this. Maybe next time. You get there and park. So many trains they have at the station. Go in and check in. There is a small gift shop next to where you check in. If that is your thing. Check in was easy and fast. They give you a ticket. You can start to board around 20 minutes prior to your ticket time. They will ask to see your ticket and then show you to your seat. You will have assigned seating. But there was not really a "bad" seat. We enjoyed the acting by the robber and officer and also his stories of history. You can order snacks on board. They can take cash or charge. No healthy options really. But chips, candy and soda and water. You can bring lunch on board as long as it is small and will sit on your lap. We really enjoyed our ride. I wouldn't mind coming back in the winter for the polar express train ride. highly recommend if you are in the area. read more

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This is really fun. We've done a few different rides. We did a Wild West one, a Halloween one with the Sanderson Sisters and The Polar Express. When we did The Polar Express, it was cold and the train stopped for probably about 45 minutes until it started moving again. It was awful. It could be updated a little bit too. The Halloween Train was great though. read more

Heber Valley Railroad - Local Flavor Near Me - Heber City, Utah

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Beautiful train ride through the Heber Valley. Entertaining and informative. Local entertainment and snacks. Several different venues available. Best time of year for me ride are spring and fall. Military and veterans ride free. Definitely will bring visiting friends here. We rode in a 105year old train ca read more

I love trains and this experience looked like a great opportunity to spend some time in the mountains. Overall, it was ok - not bad, but not awesome either. It was a ride to Deer Valley and it didn't really go that far. The ride was about 45 mins at a very slow speed, then 15 mins to switch the loco, then 45 mins back on the same track. Overall, about 1h 45m. The loco was a diesel one, not steam - that makes sense since the route is not a loop and you can't switch a steam loco the same way as diesel (you need a railway turntable for steam locomotives to turn them 180 degrees). The train cars were in a good shape and were very clean. The crew had soft drinks in each car for sale and there were some entertainers as well (a train robber, a sheriff story teller, and some musicians). The entertainment part was average, not really my style and not why I came here in the first place. The views along the route were good enough for someone from the Midwest but probably won't impress folks from Montana / Colorado / Washington / Oregon / Wyoming. I'd say, take a train from Durango to Silverton, it's more expensive but offers better value. Or go to Illinois Railway Museum - tons of locomotives to look at, many cars, and you get a 45-min historic train ride included in your $11 ticket. Lastly, check the weather before your trip. It's an old train and doesn't have an AC. If it's 110F outside, it's going to be hot on the train. However, it's lovely to be in a 360 car on an 80F day. read more

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A verry good experience !! my girls loved it! We had so much fun! I recommend it for one time in your life. read more

Heber Valley Railroad - Local Flavor Near Me - Heber City, Utah

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Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Train cars are nicely restored. Its just that the ride is kind of boring. You just ride up to one stop and turn around to return. Don't really see much. read more

Overall impression: Came for the North Pole express and had an awesome experience. Highly recommend I just want to say the whole experience was just awesome and every single employee did their job amazingly. The host for our car was totally into his job and I really feel like these are the people that should be tipped. It was very sad to see that he didn't get a single tip from anyone else just because I don't think people think to tip for this kind of thing. But he definitely deserved it far more than any fast food joint or wherever that are now routinely asking for tips. I don't want to get into details about what we did in the train because I think you should experience it for yourself but I thought everyone did an awesome job. 90 mins ride was a little long for my young kids but that has nothing to do with the service, of course. Highly recommend. read more

We loved this educational train ride. We were enclosed in an air conditioned, historic coach but could move about the train. While aboard we were treated to some stories (jawing) from the Sheriff who was quite the charmer, then we were serenaded by a very talented fiddler. The Conductor was friendly and kind. The entire train crew were spectacular and engaging. Our Grandsons truly enjoyed this train trip and appreciated the knowledge that they gained. The scenery was lovely and ever changing. This was the first time we had seen Sandhill Cranes.. and they are a sight! Covid19 precautions are in effect. read more

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Do you like trains? Do you like history? Do you like scenic views? Yes to any, or all three, means you need to book a ride! The train is from 1938. In the summer, this means that the AC are your windows. This is not a fast, roller coaster ride experience. The train moves at a slow pace, passing some residences. It's a 90 minute ride, with some snacks sold on board. My kids love trains and did not falls asleep (I thought the motion would rock them) and enjoyed looking out the window. All ages were on board, so it's safe to say this is an experience for anyone! read more

Fun ride through beautiful Heber Valley. Kid focused train rides are a fun break from hustle and bustle of city life and to create memories with the family. Our experience was dinosaur focused which little kids loved. The teenage staff was fully committed to the experience which was much appreciated. The train carts have original features and you can feel the history. I would have liked a bit longer ride but understand logistics wouldn't allow. We'll be back to try out other themed rides. read more

This was the biggest waste of time and money! You get on the train, go about 5 miles then the engine detaches and connects to the back of the train. Then you go back the same route. Super corney entertainment on the way back. Do not recommend. read more

The "Heber Creeper" always sounds more fun to me than it actually ends up being. I think it's a really cute idea to do themed rides on an old train but in my opinion it's a bit overpriced. I've been on the Polar Express and Halloween Train and both were tailored for younger children. For the most part they sing songs, have a couple people come by dressed up, and they give you a cookie. The workers do a good job of staying in character and helping the kids have fun. The train goes a short distance and moves slowly, and then it goes right back the way it came. I was glad that the Halloween one gave you a pumpkin to take home at the end! As far as seating goes, the benches are pretty close together and don't allow for much leg room. I do like that you can switch position of the back rest so you can face people or have more privacy though! All in all this could be a fun activity to do with younger kids, but just don't go in with too high of expectations. read more

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Overall, we had a great time. We took the Provo Canyon Limited ride. It was three hours long with a 20 minute layover at the park to stretch our legs. It was more than the ride. They had a cowboy on the train that rob us in the beginning, and he told us funny stories through the ride, thy also had couple fiddlers that took song requests. They played anything from, " The Devil went down to Georgia" to " Old Mcdonalds had a farm". They did a great Job. My son ask them to play Star Wars theme song, and the fiddlers did a awesome Job on that. Our guide, Stephanie was very nice and give us cool facts on the area. We ate before getting on the train but they offered lunch boxes to purchase. We bought from the snack bar on train -cookies, soda and popcorn. Everyone is very friendly and you get to meet lots of fun people. I recommend this place for the whole family!!! read more

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This scenic rail journey is located about an hour from Salt Lake and 20 minutes from Park City. This 2:15 ride leaves the small town to enter a valley before hugging the side of a reservoir. The trip stops at the dam when the engine pulls on the siding, hooks onto the end and pulls us back to town. It's our option to flip the seats or ride backwards. For starters, the parking area seemed small. Maybe there is a second lot but I didn't see it. In the station there are two windows for people that ordered in advance. I didn't but that did not seem to be an issue on this day. I was offered open air or enclosed. Being late October I went enclosed. Your ticket is a pass to get you onto the car. It's your typical old fashioned car so steps are steep. Once on board an attendant takes you to an assigned seat on sticky back. A few minutes later, we're off! Since the seats are assigned I don't know how to request this but the best view by far is the side of the car opposite the station platform. After a few minutes the platform side gets to look at the cut while the opposite has views of the valley. The train crawls along slowly. Like 5-10 mph slow. Some cars have a toilet but not a nice one. No food or drink sold on the train so bring your own. The station has a gift shop that is limited on food, drinks and souvenirs. For those looking for a small run and your in the area then this is fine. As far as being a tourist coming from a great distance it was not as exciting as other trains. As for the enclosed car on a Friday morning, upgrade! This became the field trip express. Loud!!! read more

Fun experience. We took the Hogwarts Express. The crew was fantastic and funny. The tide was nice with some great moonlight views. A bit disappointed in treats, but understand that the focus is the train and keeping it going. read more

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Wow! What a fun little adventure, for the fambam! $30 gets you a 3 hour train ride, up and down Heber City and next to Deer Creek, some live classic country, and some cheeky poetry. Lol I almost forgot about the "train robbers," because you end up forgiving their criminal behaviors, since they end up repenting, by playing such great music, on the way back. ;) They have other themed train rides too, not just "The Heber Creeper," was what we rode. I definitely wanna check out the CHOCOLATE Ride, the Dinosaurs ride and the Star Wars ride too! So much fun!!! read more

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Marty said made his trip. Preservation of 1899 Trains Entertainment, snacks, scenery. Who doesn't like a choo choo train. Met engineer and conductor. Terrific. Valley lovely dairies and horses. Went to next town Midway for lunch. Dairy, art gallery. Worth it. read more

Not too much to see unless you take their train. A gift shop and a few trains/engines.We could not take the train ride as not pet-friendly.