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    Big South Fork Scenic Railway

    3.2 (25 reviews)
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    Updated 2 months ago

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    Polar Express in Stern, Kentucky

    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.

    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.

    Lunch

    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.

    Stearns Historic train Depot. Sights one will see from the train.(nothin special)
    Barbara M.

    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!

    Amanda G.

    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!

    Callie G.

    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.

    Kara Z.

    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.

    Anthony L.

    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.

    Scenic spot

    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.

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    Ask the Community - Big South Fork Scenic Railway

    Review Highlights - Big South Fork Scenic Railway

    It will take you through the mountains and river passes and roads that the old coal miners in this area had to take themselves.

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    Sweet Kreations Gift Shoppe Fudgery & Christmas Landing - We're located in the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot building in downtown Historic Stearns, Kentucky.

    Sweet Kreations Gift Shoppe Fudgery & Christmas Landing

    5.0(2 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    This is one of the coolest shops I've been in! There is definitely something for everyone here and…read moreif you are looking for a gift for someone I'm sure you will find it. Take some time to walk around and explore. They have a large Christmas section upstairs that is fantastic- tons of unique ornaments and decorations. There are awesome and beautiful candles. There are cat items and dog items and Willow Tree angels (one of the biggest selections I've seen) and tons of super cute home decor items. There are cooking items, cookbooks, dip mixes, toys, jewelry, purses, scarves, tea cups, and also local and KY items. They have a lot of collectible items. They even have items for Wizard of Oz, Beatles, and Elvis fans. The fudge is SO good. My very favorite is the chocolate peanut butter but they also have plain peanut butter and plain chocolate. We also tried the Snickers which is very good, and the cookies and cream kind was unique and very tasty. The workers are friendly and helpful. They do take credit cards. The aisles are tight and there is a lot of stuff in a small area so I try to be careful I don't hit anything with my purse since I can be a little clumsy. :) This is a really cute and clever shop with so much to look at and choose from, and the prices seemed reasonable. Check it out!

    Visited here yesterday while waiting for the train to the Coal Mine and gorge. This shop is full…read moreof great gifts! Loved it soooo much. I found the mailbox magnet cover that I have wanted and it had a beautiful peacock design. We had just visited TN Safari Park and saw a many peacocks, so what a great memory of our summer trip. I also found a table top tree with mini Easter eggs! Love it!!! Very unique store. Wish we were not watching our waistline, the fudge looked great. Many flavors were offered! Must find their website so I can order some Christmas gifts!

    FairBridge Inn Express - Whitley City

    FairBridge Inn Express - Whitley City

    1.0(1 review)
    2.7 mi

    DO NOT BOOK A RESERVATION! The FairBridge Inn Express in Whitley City, KY is no no longer a hotel…read more It has been turned into a rehab center. We made a reservation a month of so after it had been converted to a rehab center. I have no idea why they are continuing to take reservations.

    From the owner: FairBridge Inn Express Whitley City is a family-friendly hotel offering free WiFi and in-room…read morecoffee in all guestrooms. Located in Whitley City, KY, the hotel offers comfortable accommodations for a modest price. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway and Cumberland Falls are nearby. Also within a short drive are Daniel Boone National Forest, General Burnside State Park, and many golf courses. Come see all the hospitality FairBridge Inn Whitely City has to offer. The FairBridge Inn Whitley City offers comfortable accommodations that are family-friendly and budget-friendly. All guestrooms include free WiFi and in-room coffee. Hairdryers, iron & ironing boards are available for guest use at the front desk, as well as a business center, coin laundry and fitness room to enjoy during your stay. Relax in the seasonal outdoor pool (open Memorial Day through Labor Day). A meeting room is available (inquire with the hotel front desk). We take service animals. If you pay the reservation with a Credit card there is a $50.00 deposit held for incidentals and If you pay for stay with Cash there is a $100.00 deposit held for incidentals which will be returned once room is checked at the time of checkout. As a precautionary measure against COVID-19, property management is implementing additional disinfection practices throughout the property.

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    FairBridge Inn Express - Whitley City
    FairBridge Inn Express - Whitley City
    FairBridge Inn Express - Whitley City

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    Big South Fork Scenic Railway - trains - Updated May 2026

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