The Grand Canyon Railway, based in the Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona, will bring back a 1923 steam locomotive and Pullman cars for special displays and excursions on Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15.
It’s part of the railroad’s first Williams Train Days festival, which, according to the news release, will have other goodies that many Route 66 fans will like:
This historic operating railroad is firing up its 1923 steam engine for the occasion and pulling out rarely seen equipment, rolling-stock and memorabilia. To complement the glory days of rail travel, vintage and classic automobile exhibits take center stage at the GCR depot and in Williams on iconic Route 66. Vintage tractor and farm equipment will also be on display.
On Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 the GCR will operate the Cataract Creek Rambler—a special, one-hour roundtrip excursion from Williams, AZ through the Arizona pine forest in vintage Pullman cars pulled by steam locomotive No. 4960. While the Grand Canyon Railway operates 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day) and is normally powered with diesel engines, the Cataract Creek Rambler will make special trips Father’s Day weekend that depart at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., with a special sunset departure Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. Tickets to this unforgettable experience are value-priced at $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 2-15 and free for children ages 2 and under. Tickets will be available at the Williams Depot ticket counter on the day of travel. No advance reservations available.
Here’s a video about the Cataract Creek Rambler from two years ago:
The event promises a lot of neat stuff, and the price of the train trips themselves that day are a good value. I wouldn’t show up at the last minute for one of those excursions.