Heber Valley Historic Railroad - UT
The Heber Valley Historic Railroad’s history began in 1899, when trains served the pioneers who first settled the valley. In the early 1970’s, the railroad became the “Heber Creeper,” a tourist passenger train operating on a seasonal basis. We now operate as a non-profit organization focused on tourism, education and the restoration of historical railroad equipment. The Heber Valley Railroad is reminiscent of the typical short-line railway that could be seen in many parts of Utah and throughout rural America during the “Golden Years” of U.S. railroading. Our goal is to help you enjoy a slice of Americana which has otherwise disappeared. The train ride, depot and atmosphere around the rail equipment, yards and buildings have been designed to be educational to young and old.
The Heber Valley Railroad has appeared in a number of motion pictures and was featured on television episodes of “Touched by an Angel” and “Promised Land.” In 1999, the Heber Valley Railroad purchased the “Movie Train.” Our steam engine and ten of our railroad cars have been featured in more than 35 motion pictures over the past 20 years. The “Movie Train” is a part of our regular operations, and you’re welcome to come visit and ride where movie stars once worked.
Today, vintage and restored coaches are pulled through the beautiful Heber Valley by a variety of locomotives, including two 1907 Baldwin steam locomotives and three vintage diesel electric locomotives. Our track runs the original Denver & Rio Grande Western rail line along US Highway 189, across the valley floor, alongside the renowned Provo River to Vivian Park. Utah’s 100-year-old Heber Valley Railroad is a tourist passenger railroad that runs through a beautiful, lush valley, along the shore of a year-round recreational lake and through a steep, forested canyon. Amenities on-board include heated coaches in the winter, restrooms, a snack coach and gift shop.
The Heber Valley Railroad has created several specialty excursions, seasonal special events and activity trains. Scenic trains include the Provo Canyon Limited, the Lakeside Limited and the Deer Creek Express. Evening dinner excursions include our Comedy Murder Mystery and the Sunset BBQ Special, which run on alternating Saturday nights throughout the summer season. Activity trains include the Wilderness Zip Line, Raft ‘n Rails, Reins ‘n Trains and the new Raft ‘n Rails Sunset BBQ in the summer, and the Tube ‘n Train ride during the winter. A Day Out With Thomas is featured every Memorial Day Weekend; ghosts, goblins and pumpkins abound during the month of October aboard the popular Haunted Canyon andPumpkin Patch trains. Remember too, during December, we offer our popular North Pole Express Christmas train.
Your ticket helps ensure that this priceless piece of Utah history will be here for future generations to enjoy. Whether you are planning to ride a train for the first time, or this is one of many trains you’ve enjoyed, we thank you for choosing to ride the Heber Valley Historic Railroad and hope that your experience aboard the train is a great one