Labor Day Train Rides in Ely

The final steam whistle of summer blows at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum on Labor Day Weekend with train rides and special events.

The Nevada Northern Railway Museum brings history to life as a working railway dating back to the early Wild West days. For Labor Day, visitors can ride historic trains, watch other rare, restored equipment at work, view the heavens with the Dark Rangers from Great Basin National Park and even send a letter through the Nevada Northern Railway Post Office Car.

The last Night Sky Star Train of the season departs from the depot at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, with the fascinating Dark Rangers from Great Basin National Park along for the ride. The train will stop at their portable observatory and riders will be able to view an amazing display of stars, planets, constellations and satellites above.

Historic Nevada Northern Railway Post Office Car 20 will be open for business from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, accepting mail for the first time since July 31, 1941. The railroad’s history with postal delivery dates back to a time when almost all mail was delivered by rail – bags dropped and grabbed as trains passed through towns. A 1928 Ford Model A USPS truck will also be on display.

A ride on the original 1910 Steptoe Valley Flyer takes off at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 3, pulled by steam locomotive 40, which is recognized as the official locomotive of the State of Nevada, and a National Historic Landmark.

On Sunday, Sept. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Nevada Northern Railway Wrecking Crane will swing into life, designed to clear wrecks and aid in construction in the early 1900s. This is the last operating steam-powered crane in operation in the U.S.

For those arriving via America’s Loneliest Road on US Highway 50, in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of when Life magazine dubbed this term to describe this lonely route, Northern Nevada Railway Museum offers a stamp to the trip’s Survival Guide and a commemorative pin. A prize will also be awarded to the oldest vehicle or those who traveled the furthest each day.

Admission to the museum is $6 for adults, $3 for children. Admission is free with the purchase of a train ride ticket. Ticket prices are $31 for adults, $15 for children 4-12 and toddlers under 4 years of age are free. Prices on the Steptoe Valley Flyer are slightly higher. Go towww.nnry.com to find out more.