It's was a long drive but hey it's the Polar Express... lots of flare plus a huge train ride for Christmas!!! We got to meet Santa. Had coco and cookie super gift of an awesome bell. This is all for kids and there are lots of them. If you want snacks or treats. This is a Military friendly train. read more

Big South Fork Scenic Railway - Trains Near Me - Stearns, Kentucky

Great excursion through the historic and picturesque Cumberland coal mine region. Great views. It was pretty crowded with children when we went on a midday Friday. The train ride itself seems reasonably priced. Takes a lot of diesel to run a train. The prepurchased bag lunch was pretty lame for the price. Looks like people in the know all bring their own picnic basket. Easy to prepurchase a ticket online for will call. read more

Fun diversion in the the KY coal mining town of Stearns that came with a easy ride up along the water and and unexpected backwards ride down. The speakers were loud. the train was low capacity so we swapped sides coming down. There is a local artesian gift shop and a Whistle Stop Cafe for a early bite. Friendly staff at depot, on train and in museum on the hill. Nothing fancy, just a fun inexpensive ride on the rails to nowdays is nowhere but history. read more

My husband and I are new to Kentucky. We were not expecting a Disneyland ride. We loved the shops, and we loved everyone wearing their pijamas. We loved the staff, and we can see how hard they want this to work. I loved how hard the teenage staff danced and tried to get the kids involved. You lost the little kids after the hot chocolate and cookies. Then you brought the balloons, which were not in the book. They were too little to understand the train ride, what it meant. Suggestion: lose the stupid balloons, use one of the walls as a screen, and play the movie. Have your teenagers keep doing what they do. The scenery is awesome. The town wants this to succeed; we will be back next year. read more

Big South Fork Scenic Railway - Polar Express in Stern, Kentucky - Trains Near Me - Stearns, Kentucky

Very disappointed with them. I understand I purchased tickets that could not be refunded however we had a 3 hour drive and got lost in the mountains. I have three kids one 8 year old and 2 5 year olds. unfortunately they got car sick and two of them were projectile vomiting and then I lost cell service. I told my cousin to let them know we wouldn't make it and to go on. at no point did they tell her that if they didn't break up the tickets that we would lose any chance of rescheduling. They knew we were not going to make it and told them. as soon as I got cell service I called and explained. was told a manager would call me. Then I talked to her and said I could schedule another date this season for the same class. I told her I wasn't sure just yet and needed to talk to my husband because we live 3 hours away. then the director called me and basically said I didn't call in time and there was nothing she can do. as well as said the tickets are lost and I would not be able to do any ride this season at all. my kids were literally vomiting all over the car. this was not a situation I could have ever imagined would happen. I have a call record of 3 different times bc she said I should have called earlier. also said my cousin should have done something different when they checked in. no one told my cousin anything other than we could take a different time. the director kept stating I should have called sooner. I called as soon as I has cell service what was I supposed to do. My kids were so looking forward to this and I just believe that in situation such as this and after spending $500 dollars you would think there would be some decency in helping us some how. I'm so disappointed. terrible policy. this is what I was dealing with in the car. sorry for thr graphic photo but no one can say this was a situation where I could have done anything differently. read more

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We paid $102 for 3 adults ( 2 adults& a 14yr old) and 1 child ..it was the most boring ride of our lives due to the tracks being damaged. So basically we rode for 15minutes and then stopped at a boring town that had zero entertainment except for a tour guy that went on and on and on about coal. It didnt have and food except for chips and crackers. We had to wait 2 hrs before we could leave. We literally sat there doing nothing. Then it was a 15 minute ride back. I have no idea how they charge over $5 for that. Watching grass grow is more exciting but that my opinion. Side note...The staff was really nice but probobly wished they had different jobs because they were sitting around bored as hell too read more

Scenic train ride down the mountain to historic mining town. Beautiful views in Daniel Boone National Forest. Not air conditioned so warm ride in summer. Sack lunch with drink in a small souvenir insulated bag was good. Sandwich chips and a Moon Pie. read more

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THE PLUSES -The Nature is glorious. Ride this train if you want to see beautiful Kentucky mountain forests, with cute little bubbling streams running through them. The trees are big and lush, things like sweetgum and tulip poplar. -The company was very kind to us when I called with questions about my traveling companion who had some special needs (basically, if there are people of size in your party, she advised to pick car #3 which had regular seats around tables. -the combination church/school was pretty cool; I'd never seen anything like it, because the entire right half was the school -- with desks and a school "front" -- and the entire left half was church -- with pews and a pulpit / organ up front. THE MINUSES -Because of train noise we usually couldn't hear anything the guide was saying while the train was in motion -The marketing materials say that the time spent at the destination is in a "town". We were expecting, you know, a cute little tourist town. Nope, it's basically a couple of replica buildings set up to show where the doctor's office, church/school, etc. were a hundred years ago in mining times. And by a couple I really do mean like, 2-3 small buildings. So, way more like a little museum than a "town." I would have found the word 'museum' way less misleading. -Some people paid extra for the mine tour as well, so the guide of the town tour rushed through the "town" tour so that the mine tour people (who were advised not to go on the town tour because of exactly this reason, the time constraint) could go on the mine tour. So those of us who did not pay extra for the mine tour felt like we were getting the short end of the stick. -there really isn't a lot of "there" there. That being said, I am a nature lover and got enough out of it just being in nature and enjoying the sounds of the creek and the overwhelming greenery of the trees. I just think it would be a good idea for people to understand what they're getting into with this. We did not see ANY concessions as far as food, on the train itself. Food is available as a separate package but we brought our own and nobody had a problem with that. There are public bathroom facilities both at the start/depot and in the museum at the destination. read more

This train ride/visit to a mining "town" is very misleading. $28 for a 30 minute train ride to an abandoned town with absolutely zero, zip, zilch, nothing to do was very disappointing. 30 minutes would've been plenty to see the attractions that were there. You can buy a hotdog, a bag of chips, and a Coke (cash only) ....and that's about it. They've got a few old cars, couple of buildings and I do mean a couple, and some vintage artifacts to look at other than that you're stranded for two hours with no way back, except for the loud screeching train. After you return, I do recommend eating at the Whistle Stop Café- that is the only thing that salvaged this long boring Saturday. read more

It was a disappointment because I expected it to go all the way to Barthell, which is the end of the line and very scenic there. I ended up driving in my car to see what what it was like down there. It's very nice; there's some trails and you can take a kayak on the river. But this was a shortened train ride they said because there was a section of tracks that was washed out or damaged because of the rain. I should've asked for my money back and went back another time when the problem was fixed. Like the previous reviewer said it's just not worth it to go on the $18 train ride. I posted a lot of pics. SEE PICS! read more

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Disappointed! Train only goes to Coal Mine. Takes 30 minutes. 2 hour layover with a 15 minute train ride back to the station. Tracks to the gorge are washed out. Present website still lists travel time as 3 hours with a 1 1/2 hour layover. Should be a $5 ticket attraction. Ripoff for what you get! read more

I have rode this train several times since I was a kid. We decided to ride this date as a break during our traveling to TN. It had been cold and rainy so the plastic windows were down and several cars had heat. I had never rode when the windows were down and was concerned this might interfere with the experience but was happy it did not. The train is dog friendly which is one reason we utilized this as our break point from our traveling since we had our two dogs with us. They appeared to enjoy seeing all the new sights and smelling the new smells. We had purchased lunches at the Whistle Stop cafe and brought something for the fur babies too knowing we would be hungry when we arrived at the 1.5 hr stop the train makes in the old coal mining town of Blue Heron. I recommend buying or bringing your lunch and drinks, you will wish you had. There are several places/areas to explore when you get to the stop so wear your athletic shoes! The experience has always been an enjoyable one, I've returned several times so I'm certain we will be back! read more

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This is a nature-lover's dream. This authentic scenic train trip took about a full day, and made a stop in a historical mining town, with beautiful views along the way. The town had interactive outpost areas where you could listen to the townsfolk history. The town itself as well as the train depot offered a variety of eating options, gift shops, and local artist storefronts. The grounds, stations, and train cars were all clean and the staff was attentive and helpful. We chose to pack a picnic lunch, so we could explore and hike rather than wait in the long concessions line. read more

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This is a really neat experience. It's relaxing, educational, interesting and a beautiful trip. You get on the train and it's about a 45 minute trip to Blue Heron (and a little quicker on the way back). Along the way you slow down and stop and hear some history about the Stearns family and the coal mining town. Make sure to bring your camera! The seats on the train turn in different directions which is pretty convenient (though some of the seats seem in need of some repair). When you get to Blue Heron you will have about an hour to explore. There are neat exhibits that give you a oral history from people that actually lived and worked there which is super cool. The bridge lends itself to beautiful photo opportunities. You can see into a real coal mine by walking about 25 feet into it where there is a display. There is a book store, gift shop and a concession area there too. When we were there there was a banjo player, guitar player who played and sang, and it was fun to see one of the park rangers join in with her kazoo and voice. That was very enjoyable and added a lot to the experience. Some people added a meal option to their trip which looked like it was packed in a souvenir bandana which was clever. We hear that there are special tours over the holidays- our friends particularly enjoyed the Halloween trip. There was a museum to visit too. I think if you live in the area you get a discount on the tickets. This was a very nice experience and we highly recommend it. read more

Big South Fork Scenic Railway - Trains Near Me - Stearns, Kentucky

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The Stearns Polar Express experience was nice. When I booked the tickets, the descriptions of First Class and Coach are the same except First class mentions a souvenior mug for all passengers. I booked Coach since we wouldn't need the mugs. There are differences. The 1st class cars have windows and plush individual seats. Coach cars are open cars with thick plastic velcroed to the car to cover the window openings, but they are heated. The seats in Coach are benches. The upside to bench seating is it accommodates a larger group; the seat backs can be flipped in order for your group to sit facing one another. All passengers have their tickets punched by the conductor as the conductor does in the movie - you have to have at least one punch in yoir ticket. Passengers are offered hot chocolate and a cookie and receive the First Gift of Christmas during the train ride. The book, The Polar Express, is read while traveling. There is a small cave the train enters twice since the train travel forward and backward and doesn't turn around. The depot offers a gift shop and dining as well as photo ops through the train and depot. read more

This is a great family activity. Our girls loved the train ride. We only wish it had been longer. Every person we met working here was very friendly and helpful. There was live banjo music at the train depot and at the mining town. We thought the tickets were priced fairly. Our only issue was the prices at the concession stand at the stop in the mining town... $5 for a small cup of soda that probably held less than a can of coke. Luckily there is free water fountain around on the side. read more

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We took the scenic train ride with family over thanksgiving weekend. Since it was cold, everyone crammed into the closed cars. We got on the train a bit too late and had to sit 4 wide on seats that essentially fit 2 people. This is definitely a family attraction. Very old train with some history lessons along the way. It's in the middle of nowhere. Not sure it was worth the drive. There is a neat general store next to the train station with lots of fun items you can buy. read more

Worst disappointment after my divorce. We have been to several Murder Mysteries at different venues so I am familiar with what they are supposed to be. I don't think these folks have ever been to one or know the concept of what it is supposed to be as evidenced by our terrible experience tonight. First no where online or when I bought tickets did it give the plot of the supposed Murder mystery. The day of, I called and asked and it was an 80s summer camp. I noticed only maybe 4 people in costume other than the cast. I've been to venues where you are encouraged to dress like the actors. The train looks like a train on the outside but the inside looks like a remodeled school bus. It was comfortable and the rain stayed mostly outside. The actors were energetic and there was liberal use of adult language and some sexual content. The actors acted on the train on the way there to the depot where our cold servings of pulled pork and Mac n cheese and canned pudding were dished out. The actors ate their meal then meandered around. Not sure if they were acting or not. Then a brief fight scene then back on the train to be pushed backwards to where we started. They played 80s music. The only redeeming thing about the night. The actors acted again. Then 3 min before we stopped they shouted did you hear that shot. Uh nope. Then they drug a girl through the car saying she shot another girl and why. The End. WTH???!!! No Murder, no mystery. I said we were the ones murdered for eating that cold pulled pork. I really hated that we paid $70 each for lethal pulled pork and a lousy train ride on top of a Not Murder Mystery. Other MM let the audience get involved and actually try to figure it out. I am so disappointed. A 3 hour trip from our home just to see this. Save your money and do something fun. This is definitely not it. read more

I can't even believe this place is for real. We spent $78 to take our family on this "scenic" railroad. The train cars look like they were homemade and the seats are repurposed old plane or bus seats nailed to wooden blocks. The first 30 minutes are spent driving through plain old woods. He points out boring "landmarks" such as Milky's house (?) which is a random plain old house up a hill, a sign, a wooden Bigfoot cutout that they placed in the woods, some water dripping off of a rock, and the miners campsite which is old junked trucks with weeds growing on them. Eventually we did see some scenic river views but that was maybe a total of 3 minutes of the entire ride. Because some rocks fell on the tracks, the train ride was shorter than usual (thank goodness because it was blazing hot and my family couldn't wait to get off the train) and after an hour of ear piercing screeching of the train cars, they threw the entire thing in reverse and went backwards all the way back to the station. There is literally nothing to do anywhere close to the train except for a junky gift shop, a pottery studio and the "museum" up the hill which looks like it's in a creepy old haunted house. The exhibits are a bunch of random antique items from life in the first half of the 20th century. This was the biggest waste of time and money. Gus the guide was very nice and did a good job but that was the only - and I mean ONLY - good part about it. read more

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Took a trip through Kentucky and this stop did not disappoint. Enjoyed this quaint train that lead to a historic point and a high bridge worth seeing. Only problem is I went through KY and didn't see one Wildcat. Bummer. But this was relaxing so that's good. read more

Kara's review gives you the rundown of what to expect from the train ride. It is a nice relaxing train ride. However we expected much better scenery. It is pretty as the tracks are lined with trees and locks of patches of rock but I expected more vistas and sights you can not see from a car. I thought the regular price was steep. As I live in the region I received a two for one deal from AAA. I would not pay full price and would have felt a little ripped off if I had. Some of the history is interesting but to do the mine camp justice you really need probably an hour and a half. We were there for one hour. I would recommend eating before or after your train experience if you want to fully do the camp. You can also drive to the camp if you do not finish it....... Riding through the tunnel was neat though brief. Unless you just really want to ride on a train I would suggest driving to Cumberland Falls State Park. It is 30 minutes away. The scenery on the way is beautiful as is the waterfall. It is also free. The train is $18 each. read more

If you like an authentic train ride this is definitely it. It will take you through the mountains and river passes and roads that the old coal miners in this area had to take themselves. The trains little loud so expect that you know old tracks and old wheels. but the ride is actually pretty beautiful. You go by a bunch of cliffs and see how they had to do it back in the day. They bring you to one of the old camps that the campers and miners had to live at. The only downside I will say to this place was the gift shop at the mining camp and the little café. The café was kind of far from the train stop so if you want food you kind of had a rush to go get it before you can go hiking which was all the way back by the train. I was suggest if you want to go hiking where the old miners campus after the train drive out that way and hit up the spot because it is a beautiful area by the river. The little town outside of the railroad tracks was kinda eh. Not much to see in that town sadly you think with how many visitors they have it would be more of a I guess visitors kind of center. But overall this experience was a lot of fun and something different for me. read more

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This railway takes you from the depot in Stearns to the abandoned coal mining town of Blue Heron. The ride is about 45 minutes each way. You are only given about an hour once you get there to look around. Our family of four was really excited to do this. We enjoyed the scenery on the way there and back. However, the extremely ear piercing screeching and squealing of the train as it winded its way around the mountain was a major hindrance to the enjoyment of the ride. Secondly, there wasn't much of a script from the intercom on the way. Example: "Here's a farm where the Wright family lived. (You couldn't really see the farm as it was over the hill.) Some of their descendants still live here." And??? The trip could have been much better scripted if they told more information about the town we were approaching, such as pieces of the oral history. Once you get there, there is an outdoor museum, little gift shop, and areas to walk around and explore. It is very interesting. However, you are given such a short time there, it is really difficult to read it all and have time to walk and hike around the trails there. I would recommend skipping the train and driving yourself there so you can have time to read all the information they have on display and to explore some of the trails from there. I would only recommend riding the train if you are going to spend more than about 3 days in the area, as there isn't much else to do. read more

We rode the rails yesterday! The summer leaves on the trees obscure the view of the gorge, but the weather in open air cars are much more pleasant! We did get good photo shots in some areas. It's a great idea for kids of young or old kids. I like the way that between the ride out and the ride back you have an hour to walk around and see things at the coal mine, where real Rangers maintain and explain the past. It was a hoot when the Engineer met us in the Depot prior to the departure to pick his banjo for a few minutes. We are seniors and this was a fun time! read more

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Trying to find helpful information on their website prior to your trip is useless. It's like it's written for people who have already been there and are informed. In the quest to see some fall color (although we knew we were a couple of weeks early), we purchased tickets. We get there after driving 3 hours from our vacation in Louisville, KY to pick up the will call tickets. Surprise! You get to wait in a long line along with everyone else that is buying tickets. Not to mention the dirty looks from the woman behind my sister & brother-in-law who were already in line when we walked up - lady, our tickets were pre-purchased, the fact that we walked up to people already in line isn't going to affect your ability to buy tickets. So, we get up to the counter only to be informed that the train trip that we were expecting to be 1 - 1.25 hours was a 3 hour trip. There's a 2 hour stop at a mining camp. Surprise! No refunds! Yep, you pull up the website and NOW it tells you that it's a 3 hour trip - that info was no where to be found when we looked earlier. It just mentioned the places that it was not stopping at due to damage (like we had any idea what/where these places are and/or their relationship to the train trip). Ok, so we got on the train, traveled 30 minutes (saw the same "landmarks" as mentioned in another review - & yes, they were bad), then stopped at this pretty lame mining camp, where Surprise! the only thing to do is buy cheese crackers and cheetos for $1 apiece, go on two additional tours to the tune of an extra $15 each (thanks, but no thanks - we already spent $84 on this little venture), walk around, or sit on the train. I risked the ire of the guide by asking if there was a walking path back to the starting point. Seriously, we could have walked the 3 miles back in 45 minutes and been happy. Nope, you're stuck. I noticed that we didn't see the guide anymore after that, I'm guessing someone's on the main road in a car waiting to pick him up and take him back to the starting point so he doesn't have to be stuck there for the entire 2 hours like us lucky folks. I really wish I didn't have to give them a low star rating since they are small town operation and I like to support these kinds of things. But, that's dirty pool to strand people for 2 hours in order to try and force them to shell out more money for lame tours of the mining camp to pass time. Oh, and no fall colors to be found on this trip - why the heck are you calling it the Fall Colors tour? Surprise! read more