Thunder Mountain Line

Thunder Mountain Line Train Station, Restaurant & Scenic Idaho Train Rides The history of the Thunder Mountain Line dates back to more than a century ago.
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The prospects for the railroad were originally to serve the Thunder Mountain Mining District, which was full of gold and ore. The current roads could not handle the incoming freight for these areas. Prospectors were filling the Long Valley area as mining districts and camps were forming. Gold fever soon spread and an entrepreneur named Colonel W. Dewey formed a railroad syndicate due to the suspec

ted wealth in the areas. Railroad tycoons were at war for a route to the Pacific Northwest and West Coast to gain control of the region for their railroads. The three tycoons at war were James Jerome Hill (who just completed the Great Northern, had control of the Northern Pacific, the Chicago and Northwestern, and the Burlington), Edward Harriman (who controlled the Union Pacific), and Jay Gould (who had control of the Rio Grande and Missouri). The Idaho Northern was incorporated on December 18, 1897 by Colonel Dewey and presumed later to be in the camp of the Union Pacific. The chartered railroad was expected to reach as far south as Paradise Valley, Nevada, as far north as Spokane, Washington, as far east as Butte, Montana, and as far west as Williamette Valley in Oregon. The railroad surveyed and completed tracks into Emmett on March 29, 1902. The Idaho Northern's claims north of Emmett had expired in 1906 and the Chicago Northwestern jumped in and filed claims down the Salmon, Boise and South Fork of the Payette Rivers. Control of the Chicago Northwestern had swung from Hill to Harriman and back to Hill. Harriman passed away and when the C&NW's claims ran out in 1910, a new war began between Frederick Weyerhauser (a close friend of Harriman) and Hill. Weyerhauser owned huge tracts of land along the Payette and Boise River and it became obvious railroads were needed due to the costs of driving logs down the river. The Union Pacific counter claimed everything the C&NW had claimed in 1906. Surveying began in 1910 to an area outside of McCall and grading was finished to Banks by April 1912. The railroad had hired 2,500 men to assist in the grading and building of the railroad. The railroad was built to Smiths Ferry on July 10, 1913 and an inaugural run was made in August 1913 and regular service began later that month from Nampa. The railroad was completed on July 1914 with regular service beginning to McCall on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The trains were mixed with freight, mail, and passengers. Many people were excited to have access to the mountain lakes and rivers for their vacations. Small towns and depots were established along the railroad tracks to support the local timber industry. Smaller logging railroads reached into the rich timber valleys and connected with Idaho Northern's main line. The Union Pacific operated this branch line as part of their Oregon Short Line Division until the Idaho Northern and Pacific Railroad purchased the railroad in 1993. Until recently, the railroad had continued to be supported by the timber industry.

Cleaning up the old girl and putting her to bed. So sad, just a few weeks ago she was filled with smiles and laughter!
01/21/2016

Cleaning up the old girl and putting her to bed. So sad, just a few weeks ago she was filled with smiles and laughter!

01/21/2016

Uphill Climb To Regain Ridership Too Steep To Overcome
For Idaho’s Thunder Mountain Line Railroad

FORT WORTH, Texas – (Jan. 20, 2016) The Thunder Mountain Line Excursion Railroad has decided to suspend operation of the Horseshoe Bend, Idaho-based tourist train for 2016 because ridership numbers haven’t risen enough to meet operating costs in recent years.

On Jan. 18, 2016, the company announced its decision to suspend operations to customers and employees and posted the information to the railroad’s Facebook. One of the best-known tourist attractions in the southwest Idaho area, the Thunder Mountain Line started operations in 1998 under the ownership of the nonprofit Idaho Historical Railroads (IHR) organization. IHR sold the attraction to the Idaho Northern and Pacific Railroad in 2001, a privately held company that continues to own and operate the freight railroad. Most tourist railroads in the country are operated by nonprofit entities that can draw on public subsidies or volunteer support to help defray operating costs, Vice President Chris Bertel notes – whereas companies such as his must rely on ticket sales alone to cover expenses.

Wildly popular with those who know it, the railroad struggled to attract new riders in the years since the economic downturn of 2007-2008.

“We never regained our momentum after the recession,” says Bertel, who believes that the slow pace of the economic recovery discouraged many potential customers from making the journey to the railroad’s scenic location in southwestern Idaho. “Our corporate bookings in particular fell off after the recession,” he says. “Companies continue to be reluctant to spend money on corporate outings to off-site locations such as ours.”

The railroad’s ridership declined in 2015, and was below the company’s goal. Nearly 500,000 passengers had enjoyed the attraction throughout the years.

“Hoping to draw in more customers, we continued to invest in the business all along, by improving the rail cars, the train station and the overall infrastructure,” he says. “I think we ran one of the finest tourist train operations in the country, but we just couldn’t win back the business we lost during the recession.”

“People can board the train and travel through some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country – and experience life as it was lived more than 100 years ago. Shutting down operations comes as a loss not just to us but to the entire state of Idaho,” says Bertel.

The company will likely decide later this year whether to permanently shut down the tourist railroad operation. “It’s such a great attraction,” Bertel says. “If someone came in from the outside who wanted to invest in the business or assume the operations, we would be open to discussions,” says Bertel.

“We’d like nothing better than to see the Thunder Mountain Line back on track again,” Bertel asserts. “We are deeply appreciative of the dedicated employees and staff who worked tirelessly to provide a quality experience. In addition, we would like to thank our many patrons over the years for their loyalty and interest.”

Always wished we had a new sign, but the sentiments are heart felt.
01/20/2016

Always wished we had a new sign, but the sentiments are heart felt.

01/18/2016

It's official, TML is closing. This was just posted on our website.
To our valued Customer and Employees:

It is with great sadness and disappointment that the Thunder Mountain Line has suspended its 2016 excursion operations. We began our inaugural operation in 1998 with a modest start up out of Cascade with Idaho Historical Railroads ("IHR"). IHR vision and goal was to help preserve the state's rail transportation history for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. IHR was very successful in marketing and operating the Thunder Mountain Line from 1998 – 2000. When the Idaho Northern and Pacific Railroad took over full control of the operations for the 2001 season, we expanded our operation to Horseshoe Bend along with the number of themed train rides for our customers. During our journey we developed a top notched operation with beauty that would compete with any tourist train in the country. We frequently visited other operations around the country and met many great people within our industry. Many ideas and suggestions were readily shared amongst tourist train operators in the preservation, marketing and public experience of our train operations. We expanded and renovated our facilities and equipment that allowed us to offer our customer a top level experience while celebrating Idaho’s unique history and beauty. Our employees through the years took great pride in our operation and were an integral part for our customers creating memories and reconnecting to the past. Without our employees we would just be a collection of museum railcars with no story.

We offered a piece of history and an amazing product to the state in Southwest Idaho. We were able to provide a unique experience for our younger generation and a glimpse back to the past. We provided an environment for families to reconnect and create lasting memories for years to come. I experienced this first hand with the trips I took with my children on the train. Our customers also celebrated Idaho’s beauty from a different perspective of leisurely traveling along the river and mountains on a train. The sounds and motions of riding on a train are unique in itself and only enhance the experience.

We are very thankful for the many years of support from the communities, State of Idaho, tourist train industry, suppliers, sponsors, employees and general public.

Sincerely,
Chris Bertel
Vice President
Thunder Mountain Line

12/09/2015

ALL ABOARD!!! We are close to selling out of all of our Santa Express trains for the season. We do have our Dinner with Santa still available on Decmeber 18th, 20th, and 22nd (@ 6:30p) if you miss out on the Santa Express. We also offer our Holiday Dinner Train on December 11th and 21st (@ 6:30p) which is a holiday themed dinner train for our guests 13+ only.

Tickets at www.thundermountainline.com or by calling
208-331-1184.

ALL ABOARD!!!

Experience scenic beauty and relive a historic train ride along the Payette River. The Thunder Mountain Line's excursion train ride provides guests with a unique Idaho experience with the mountain views, wildlife and river activities along their trip.

So cute!
12/09/2015

So cute!

Our 2 year old loved meeting Mrs Claus and Santa on the train!

11/26/2015

Thunder Mountain Line would like to extend a very special thanks to you and your family for allowing us to be a part of your lives. We appreciate your patronage and hope to see you again real soon.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

ALL ABOARD!!!This is the last weekend we will be running the Pumpkin Liner for 2015. Thanks to all that have enjoyed ou...
10/23/2015

ALL ABOARD!!!

This is the last weekend we will be running the Pumpkin Liner for 2015. Thanks to all that have enjoyed our wonderful offering. We have space on Sunday only at 10a and 3:30p for our all ages classes of service and they will be going quick!! Get your tickets now by calling 208-331-1184 or visiting www.thundermountainline.com.

ALL ABOARD!!!

ALL ABOARD!!! Tickets for the Pumpkin Liner and Haunted Dinner Trains are going quickly. The reservation desk has been...
10/01/2015

ALL ABOARD!!! Tickets for the Pumpkin Liner and Haunted Dinner Trains are going quickly. The reservation desk has been busy. Also ask about our Octoberfest Dinner train on 10/09 and Costume Contest Dinner Train on 10/16 both at 6:30p. And dont forget about the Murder Mystery Dinner Trains on 10/17 at 10/31 (Yes, on Halloween this year!!)

Get your tickets now before it is too late!!

www.thundermountainline.com

09/20/2015

Reminder: The Thunder Mountain Line will not be offering a public train ride today due to a charter. Thank you for you continued interest in our train..we will see you next weekend!

ALL ABOARD!!! We are sold out for most of our trains on Saturday (Limited seating in First Class only at noon for the W...
09/18/2015

ALL ABOARD!!! We are sold out for most of our trains on Saturday (Limited seating in First Class only at noon for the Wild West Train). We are not running on Sunday due to a charter.

There is still space on our last weekend of the Payette River Flyer leaving out of Cascade at 11am (from behind the Ashley Inn). 3.0 hour round trip train ride down to Smiths Ferry and back for VERY scenic views. Get your tickets by calling 208-331-1184 or clicking the link below!!! ALL ABOARD!!!

09/06/2015

Thanks everyone who rode the first Spaghetti Western Dinner tonight! Heard they're were a few hiccups ( burps) in Cowboy slang! But we appreciate the feedback ! Loved the little Cowboys and train fans who rode The rails with us tonight! Thundermountainline loves you guys!

Wild West and Spaghetti Western trains ride the rails this weekend! Classic family fun! Gem mining sluice will be runnin...
09/03/2015

Wild West and Spaghetti Western trains ride the rails this weekend! Classic family fun! Gem mining sluice will be running too! Come join the fun! Tickets still available! Call for tickets at 208.331.1184, or book on line now!

08/23/2015
Good Morning! The Wild West Train rides out of Horseshoe Bend this weekend still have seats available! Book now on line ...
08/20/2015

Good Morning!
The Wild West Train rides out of Horseshoe Bend this weekend still have seats available! Book now on line or call Alyssa today at 208.331.1184, fun for all ages! Our Sluice box will be open as well to mine for Gemstones, hope to see you there!

Our own Nick Lewis (Reservations Manager) had the pleasant opportunity to showcase the Thunder Mountain Line and the Pay...
08/13/2015

Our own Nick Lewis (Reservations Manager) had the pleasant opportunity to showcase the Thunder Mountain Line and the Payette River Flyer on KBOI Channel 2's Idaho Living show with Mr. Lori Otter. It was a delightful time overall and we want to thank KBOI as well as Mrs. Otter for the great opportunity to showcase our wonderful adventures. Our segment starts at the 6:40 mark!!

Idaho Living Full Episode: Aug. 7 By KBOI Web Staff Published: Aug 7, 2015 at 11:30 AM MDT Last Updated: Aug 7, 2015 at 10:44 AM MDT Share this story print email

Address

120 Mill Road
Horseshoe Bend, ID
83629

Telephone

+12083311184

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Videos

Our Christmas Carolers tonight warming up for the Holiday Party tonight!

A clip from yesterday's North Fork Championship!

Video of the event!

Easter Bunny Rail & Easter Brunch
Easter Bunny Rail & Easter Brunch

EASTER BRUNCH Celebrate Easter with a ride on this fun excursion train. Travel along the Payette River in road less country and enjoy a scrumptious meal while you watch for wildlife. Bring your camera and your appetite! A brief stop in the historic settlement of Banks and snap a picture with Conductor Cottontail! Our famous Easter egg Hunt will accompany the ride! Round trip 3 hours EASTER BUNNY RAIL These Easter holiday decorated train rides are pleasant family fun! Join us on a memorable train ride to the Easter egg meadow and hunt for Easter eggs. These events combine the mystery, history and love of the American railroad and the thrill of "riding the rails" with the magic of celebrating the holidays. Peter Rabbit becomes conductor cottontail and strolls from car to car to the surprise and delight of the children while he visits with them and their families. Round Trip – 3 hours

Wild West Haunted Express
Wild West Haunted Express

Friday, October 30th @ 7:00PM

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