Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, Washington

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Chehalis, Washington · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesWeekend excursions May to early October; Polar Express in November and December

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum is a volunteer-founded nonprofit that runs vintage train excursions over about ten miles of former Milwaukee Road track in Lewis County and cares for the 1916 Baldwin steam locomotive No. 15.

  • Founded by local citizens in 1986
  • 1916 Baldwin Mikado No. 15
  • Rides over former Milwaukee Road track
  • 1920s coaches and an open-air car
  • Polar Express since 2012
  • 2 miles off I-5 at exit 77

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum at a glance

Hours
Depot Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm; regular trains depart weekends at 11 am and 2 pm in season
Admission
Ticket prices are listed when you book; check steamtrainride.com
Train rides
Chehalis Valley Train on select weekends May to early October; Countryside Ride to Milburn is 18 miles round trip
Seasonal events
The Polar Express, Pumpkin Train, Easter Eggspress, Wizard Express, Valentine's Sweetheart Dinner Train, Murder Mystery Adventure, Roaring 20s Dinner Train
Plan for
About 2 hours including boarding
Best for
Families and anyone who wants a relaxed vintage train ride
Best ages
Ages 2 to 10
Parking
Ample parking at the depot
Accessibility
Ramp to the platform with no steps onto the train; small wheelchairs only, transfer chair available. Holiday trains are not wheelchair or walker accessible.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Chehalis.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

How a parked logging engine started a railroad

Locomotive No. 15 was built by Baldwin in Philadelphia in 1916, a 2-8-2 Mikado of the type often called the classic American steam engine. It came to Washington to haul timber, and the Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade Railway put it to work in the lumber trade for about 30 years. When the industry's needs changed, the engine was retired and set on display in Chehalis Recreation Park, where it stayed for more than three decades.

In 1986 a group of local citizens formed the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Association, a nonprofit, with one goal: bring No. 15 back to life. Harold Borovec, who first worked on the Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade as a 16-year-old in the 1940s, pushed the idea forward. The City of Chehalis released the engine, and restoration began in Mineral in 1987. Volunteers spent two years and five months on it, even making by hand parts that could no longer be bought. Scheduled passenger trips began in 1989 over former Milwaukee Road track, and Borovec went on to serve as an engineer for nearly three decades.

The association took its current name in 2006 to reflect its wider mission of preserving the region's railroad heritage. Volunteers and the Port of Chehalis helped bring the line back after the December 2007 floods, and the railroad weathered a pause in 2022 before trains returned in April 2024. Today diesel No. 6 pulls the excursions while No. 15 awaits specialized repairs, and a three-year contract to resume restoring the steam engine is now under way.

A depot, a river valley and cars from the 1920s

Start at the Chehalis Depot on Sylvenus Street, where you can learn the steam train's history, look at artifacts and pick up snacks, drinks and train gifts before boarding. Trains head west through the Chehalis River Valley past farmland, forest and rolling hills, crossing wooden trestles over the river. The Countryside Ride runs about 9 miles to the former stop at Milburn and back, while dinner trains go 12 miles out to Ruth along the riverbank. Nobody gets off along the way; the train simply returns on the same line.

Passengers ride in restored 1920s coaches, and in good weather they can sit in the open-air car. Groups can book the climate-controlled SP&S 99 Business Car, with a dining room, parlor and two staterooms. The museum also cares for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard locomotives No. 6 and No. 9 and other historic equipment, and a 1950s Pullman coach built for the Santa Fe arrived in August 2026.

Don’t miss

  1. Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade No. 15The 1916 Baldwin Mikado that started it all, known locally as Ol' 15, now being cared for while funds are raised for its return to steam.
  2. Diesel No. 6The locomotive pulling today's excursions, cosmetically restored during the 2023 rebuild of the line.
  3. SP&S 99 Business CarA private car with a dining room, parlor and staterooms that groups of up to 20 can reserve.
  4. The Chehalis River trestlesWooden trestles over the river and its tributaries are the scenic high points of the ride.
  5. The Chehalis DepotArtifacts, steam train history and a gift counter, open on weekends.

Pumpkins, egg hunts and a train to the North Pole

The calendar is full of kid-friendly rides: the Easter Eggspress in April, a BINGO train in June, the Wild West Adventure in August, the Wizard Express in September, Pumpkin Trains in October and the Polar Express in November and December. On a regular Chehalis Valley Train, kids can ride in the open-air car when the weather is good and watch the river and farms roll by.

There is no food service on board, so pack a box lunch and buy snacks at the depot before you go. The depot restrooms have baby changing stations, while the toilet on the train is a small portable unit. School-day trips for classes run on select weekdays in late May and early June.

Plan your visit: tips for Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum

  • Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure, and trains leave no later than 5 minutes after.
  • Allow for traffic on I-5; the depot is 2 miles off exit 77.
  • Bring a box lunch; there are no concessions on the train.
  • Use the depot restrooms first; the onboard toilet is small and not ADA equipped.
  • Coming by Amtrak, Centralia station is about 6 miles from the depot.

The railroad has run a Polar Express ride since 2012, and it tends to sell out quickly. In 2026 it runs on weekends from November 14 to December 20, with holiday treats and activities on board. In October, the Pumpkin Train runs on October 10 and 11. Book early, and see our roundups of Christmas train rides in Washington and Halloween and pumpkin trains in Washington for more options.

Volunteers are the backbone

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and it says its volunteers are its backbone, from the crew that restored No. 15 in the 1980s to those who run trains today. Families can help by riding, becoming a railroad sponsor, volunteering, or giving to the No. 15 restoration fund. A monthly newsletter shares upcoming events and railroad history.

Keep the rail day going

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe is about 38 miles away and runs steam excursions toward the mountain. In Tacoma, about 46 miles away, the Tacoma Rail historic collection adds more Northwest railroading, and the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt is about 61 miles away. Find more on our page of Washington train museums.

Every train museum in Washington

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi dreaming about his toy turtle, green bone and yellow ball
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

There is no snack car on this train, so families are invited to bring a box lunch aboard. That made me smile, because packing is Rally's favorite part of our story. Into his little suitcase go his turtle toy, his green bone and his yellow ball, the things he cannot travel without. I hope your kids pack something special for the ride along the Chehalis River too.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum: 20 questions answered

Where is the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum?

The depot is at 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, Washington 98532, about 2 miles off I-5. Take exit 77 west to Riverside Drive, head south about 1 mile to Sylvenus Street, and you will find the depot. Chehalis is roughly a 2 hour drive from both Seattle and Portland, and the depot has ample parking.

When does the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad run?

As of October 2026, the regular Chehalis Valley Train runs on select weekends from May through early October, with the last 2026 regular ride on October 3. Themed trains run from February through December. Regular weekend trains leave at 11 am and 2 pm. See the planning calendar on steamtrainride.com for every date.

How much does the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad train ride cost?

The railroad lists current fares on its ticketing pages rather than in a single price chart, and prices vary by ride and class, with First Class and bike options on some trips. Check steamtrainride.com when you book, or call the depot at (360) 748-9593. Groups of 20 to 100 get 20 percent off regular season rides.

Is the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad still a steam train?

Not right now. Diesel No. 6 currently pulls the excursions. The 1916 Baldwin steam engine No. 15 needs specialized repairs, and the museum is housing, maintaining and raising money for it. A three-year contract is under way to resume its restoration, and donations go directly toward getting it back on the rails.

Where does the Chehalis-Centralia train go?

Trains travel west from Chehalis through the Chehalis River Valley and return on the same line. The Countryside Ride goes to Milburn, a former rail stop, about 9 miles each way. Dinner trains run 12 miles out to Ruth along the river. There is no stop to get off during the trip.

How long is the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad ride?

The museum's FAQ lists the Countryside Ride to Milburn at about 1 hour 10 minutes, though other pages describe regular rides as about 2 hours with boarding. Dinner trains to Ruth run about 1 hour 45 minutes. Plan for around two hours in all, and arrive early because boarding starts 15 minutes before departure.

Does the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad run the Polar Express?

Yes. The museum has hosted The Polar Express since 2012, and it usually sells out quickly. As of October 2026, the 2026 dates are November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29, and December 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20. Tickets are on sale now at steamtrainride.com.

Is there a Chehalis-Centralia pumpkin train?

Yes. The Pumpkin Train is the railroad's October family event, scheduled for October 10 and 11 in 2026. Details on what is included are posted on the Pumpkin Trains page of steamtrainride.com. Because family events fill up, book as early as you can and call (360) 748-9593 with questions.

What themed trains does the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad run?

The 2026 calendar includes a Valentine's Sweetheart Dinner Train, St. Patrick's Day Dinner, Easter Eggspress, Mother's Day Brunch, BINGO Train, Father's Day BBQ, Roaring 20s Dinner Train, Wild West Adventure, Murder Mystery Adventures, the Wizard Express, Pumpkin Train and Polar Express. The schedule is updated each year.

What is the history of the No. 15 steam engine?

No. 15 is a Baldwin 2-8-2 Mikado built in Philadelphia in 1916. The Cowlitz, Chehalis and Cascade Railway used it to haul timber for about 30 years. It then sat on display in Chehalis Recreation Park for over three decades until volunteers restored it, starting in 1987, and it began pulling passenger trains in 1989.

When was the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum founded?

It began in 1986 as the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Association, a nonprofit formed by local citizens to restore locomotive No. 15. Passenger service started in 1989 over former Milwaukee Road track in Lewis County. The group changed its name to the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum in 2006 to reflect its broader preservation mission.

Is the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad wheelchair accessible?

Partly. A ramp leads to the platform and there are no steps onto the train, but aisles and corners are tight, so only small wheelchairs fit. The railroad has a narrower chair guests can transfer to, and it accommodates rolling walkers. Holiday trains are not wheelchair or walker accessible. Call (360) 748-9593 if unsure.

Are there restrooms at the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad?

Yes. The depot has ADA approved restrooms near the boarding platform, with baby changing stations in both the men's and women's rooms. On the train, the facilities are limited to a small portable toilet and sink that are not ADA equipped, so most families stop at the depot restrooms before boarding.

Can you bring food on the Chehalis-Centralia train?

Yes. There are no concessions on board, so you are welcome to bring a box lunch and eat inside or out on the open-air car. The depot gift shop sells a limited supply of snacks and drinks, and water is available on the train on an honor system. Tables are not available on regular rides.

What happens if we arrive late for the Chehalis-Centralia train?

Trains leave no later than 5 minutes after the scheduled time, and boarding starts 15 minutes before. If you are running late but think you can make the 5 minute window, call (360) 748-9593 and staff will let seated passengers know. Seats are not guaranteed after that, so plan for I-5 traffic.

Can I book a group or charter at the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad?

Yes. Groups of 20 to 100 get 20 percent off regular weekend rides if booked 14 days ahead. The SP&S 99 Business Car holds up to 20 for $800. Full charters cost $2,000 for up to 50 people or $2,500 for 50 to 100, booked 30 days ahead, as of October 2026. Call (360) 748-9593.

Does the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad offer school trips?

Yes. School Days trains run Monday to Friday on select dates in late May and early June, departing at 10 am and 12:30 pm, with rides of about 1.5 hours. Wikipedia also notes special rides for local school district students and Boys and Girls Clubs members. Call (360) 748-9593 to book a class.

Can I get to the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad by Amtrak?

Yes, with a short drive. The museum suggests taking Amtrak to Centralia and renting a car for the roughly 6 mile drive to the Chehalis depot. It is a fun way to make a full train day out of the trip, especially for families coming from Seattle or Portland.

How can I support the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the railroad relies on its community. You can volunteer with the crew, become a railroad sponsor, or donate, including gifts earmarked for restoring steam engine No. 15. Subscribing to the monthly newsletter keeps you up to date on events and railroad history. Details are on steamtrainride.com.

What train museums are near the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad?

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe is about 38 miles away. The Tacoma Rail historic collection and the Washington State History Museum railroad exhibits are about 46 to 49 miles away in Tacoma, and the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt is about 61 miles away. The Astoria Riverfront Trolley in Oregon is about 52 miles away.

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