thunder mountain line

I had a four year-old with me on the Santa Express last weekend (12/14) and we had a great time. Santa was super accessible to the kids from the time we reached the depot, on the train, and while at Santa's Village. I love the stories told by the elves on our way to the village. The four year-old loved his milk and cookies, kept an eye out for reindeer, visited with Santa at our table and sang Christmas songs. This was a great experience for us all! Santa's Village is super fun. We were there on a beautiful day and Idaho has never looked better. Everyone had time to sit on Santa's lap and get their photo taken. Leaving the carrot on a tree for the reindeer was super fun! I would highly recommend this experience to families with children - it was just perfect. I was also impressed that we weren't charged for parking or a photo with Santa - absolutely unheard of these days. We'll be doing it again and again!

From the time we arrived, when felt very welcome. All the staff were helpful and friendly. The food was great as was the show. We were asked to participate in the show and totallyenjiyed ourselves. The complete staff thanked us as we left.

We been out with the Thunder Mountain Line and had the best time. it started with the greeting to the seating and the ride.We where treated like special geust aboard the Train and had all the luxurys to make the ride extra special. Flash, our personal wagon steward had story's and interpretation to share while traveling along the rails. The view of wildlife was amazing as we calmly moved through the countryside. We recommend a trip with Thunder Mountain Railroad, we just wish we would off booked a much longer trip. Thanks Thunder Mountain Railroad!

Experienced the "Haunted" Train in September, and it was very good. The train is very clean and the people are very nice. Because it was the haunted train (for Halloween), the story that was told was not scary but interesting, fun and funny. Everyone on the train was involved in the story. Dinner was simple, nothing fancy. The train moved slow, so you could enjoy the beautiful scenery and take pictures. You can roam about the train including the outside train, again perfect place for pictures. It's a fun adventure for family and friends.Enjoy!

Yep, we drove 1,200 miles to eat spaghetti and it was good. This was the first "spaghetti western" trip for the TML. Great stories from Flash. A perfect evening traveling the Payette River Canyon. Okay, the staff needs to polish their serving routine; and how about some coffee with the meal. The train ride is a must adventure, well worth the cost. If you are into trains, ride the TML.

What a wonderful afternoon spent riding the train along the Payette River. We rode in the Executive car which included drinks, snacks and separate outdoor viewing car. The ride with our porter Flash Gordon was exciting with his stories of the train and history of the surrounding area. Flash was the only employee in period dress as a train porter. Flash assisted with panning for gold at Banks and was there for all of our needs. The car is nicely furnished but lacked the character of the first class car.

We chose the Executive car and it was very comfortable, clean & modern and did not allow children. Restroom was exceptionally clean and updated. Separate outdoor viewing car. Service was good. We were given hors d'oeuvres and champagne when we arrived. Finger food & beer, wine & drinks were available for sale. Service was attentive. The scenery was good & the ride was nice. The time spent at Banks was too long. They need to have a real store and things to do beside panning for gold. Very relaxing & enjoyable trip.

We rode on the Santa Express and the staff was very kind and helpful. Seeing Santa was a big hit and Mrs. Claus was pleasant and funny. We rode in first class and there were cookies provided and you also have the options of ordering other foods and drinks including adult beverages. The trip was 1.5 hours including a 30 min stop at Santa's village where the kids can sit with Santa and take all the pics you want. It was a fun time and our family truly enjoyed it.

Great relaxing trip along the river, with a really good dinner and a "who dunit" live theater. The service was excellent and the staff were ther for what ever we needed.

We had a adult group birthday party on board the train and while the trip wasn't perfect it came together as one of the best events were have ever had. We had some air conditioner problems but the gentleman who took care of our car did everything he could to fix the problem as quickly as he could. Everyone did everything they could to make us comfortable. The trip far exceeded the expectations I had after reading other reviews. This is something I would definitely do again and would recommend to anyone who who wants to do something refreshing and different.

WONDERFUL!! The skit was well done. Fun for all ages. They would repeat the lines for the other half of the open car passengers. (We could not hear the story due to the wind and train noise since we were in the open, covered car.) When it became to warm, we could go inside an air-conditioned car. The actors spent time with all children including them in the action...junior sheriffs, play money to help the "in distress" heroine, "boos"/"hurrahs" for the action of the skit, and explanations for the plot. I RECOMMEND this for families.

The Thunder Mountain Line provides a leisurely ride in vintage railcars or open cars of seats with a cover over your head, facing the river as you make your way for about an hour to the end of the line. Our ride included a Chuck Wagon feast of hamburgers and/or hot dogs, salad beverages and chips. It was topped off with ice cream hand scooped and served in a bowel. After the meal there were a couple of things to do, like pan for gold and visit the gift shop. The ride back down was equally pleasant as we watched kayakers and jet ski riders shoot the rapids and get appropriately drenched. We arrived at the station about an hour after we left the food and beverages. The employees were pleasant and knowledgeable, answering many questions from the guests. A very fun way to enjoy a day in the heat.

Well trained staff, great care taken to preserve and maintain the rolling stock and rail bed. Dinner was satisfactory and great for kids. Bags of "pay dirt " for sluicing is great fun for the kids. Each bag contains a large number of "gems". Only downside was the number of yellow jackets at the dinner tables, however this is well beyond the control of the train company.

We did the Murder on the Iron Horse mystery show and dinner on a Sat. at 5pm. Afterwards we felt like we had a mini vacation. The tri tip steak dinner was fantastic! Excellent salad with huckberry dressing! Fresh cut green beans, homemade mash potatoes, bread, artichoke dip and to die for blueberry cobbler! The show was wonderful and exciting. The actors were great and got the audience involved! All of the Thunder Mountain Line staff went out of their way to make sure they met all of our needs all evening. When we arrived at Banks we got off the train, walked around, took pictures and tried to solve the murder mystery by interacting with the actors! You can also pan for gold for an extra $7.00. We've also taken the Pumpkin Liner and the Wild West train. All are fantastic! Now we want to ride the Northern Express in Dec. I no suggestions for improvement. Every year we try a new train ride and the Thunder mountain continues to add new things! Remember...Make sure to reserve your tickets EARLY on line and arrive 1/2 hr. before the train departs. All of your drinks will cost extra (alcoholic and non).

We read about the train ride in a local paper and did some research on their website the day before our journey on Thunder Mountain. We signed up for Chuck Wagon Lunch ride at 1pm on a Sunday. It was a hot day and we were envious of the many rafters on the Payette River. We picked 1st class and it was not packed at all. My husband bought a beer and bottle of water and it was very reasonable. We didn't get much info on the lunch ahead of time and wish we did. The offerings were very limited for those with food sensitivities but completely understandable. The weather was hot! The cars kept us cool and were comfortable. The open air cars that you are free to explore weren't too bad with a little wind and great spots for pictures of the river and rafters. The train runs from Horseshoe Bend to Banks - not a far trip but definitely gives you a feel of the outskirts of Boise. The staff was incredibly friendly and mentioned the line was expanding. We would love to take the day long up to the Cascades to see more of the wilderness of Idaho.