We're newly relocated to the Pacific Northwest and decided to make this holiday about experiences--not gifts. With our college kid home for three weeks, we searched for something fun and different and found Santiam Excursions in Lebanon, Oregon. We chose the Brunch Train and had an absolute blast. From the moment we arrived, the staff was genuinely warm and professional (even on the phone when we called with questions). That kind of thoughtful hospitality feels rare these days, and it set the tone immediately. We were seated in a vintage parlor car at an assigned table with sweet holiday décor, a table number, and a quick orientation from the team. There were also a couple of simple activity sheets at the table--an easy, surprisingly fun way to get us talking and laughing together. The 2.5-hour ride was scenic, mellow, and wonderfully unique, with vintage holiday music in the background. The owner even visited every table to check in--an old-school personal touch that made the experience feel extra special. We'll definitely be back to try their other excursions (especially the Portland/Columbia River options). Helpful hints for first-timers (based on our experience) ...GPS may take you to the wrong side of the tracks. We couldn't cross because the train was blocking access, so we had to drive several blocks to cross over and double back. ...No confirmation email with arrival tips. It would be helpful if they emailed GPS/parking guidance, but don't stress--parking is plentiful near the tracks and station. ...The office opens 30 minutes before departure. When doors open, it's a bit of a rush and not very organized. ...Seating seems to vary by group size. Larger groups (especially with kids) may be placed in a charming car with folding tables/chairs. Smaller adult groups seemed more likely to be seated in the quieter parlor-style cars. ...Bar service comes to you first. After you're seated, a staff member offers drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) before dismissing tables to the buffet. My Bloody Mary was great; my daughter loved her holiday mocktail. Beverages are additional to buffet/train ticket price and staff have mobile devices for your bar tabs (and tips) ...The buffet is a walk through multiple cars. Food is simple--eggs, sausage, pancakes, and basics. More "breakfast" than "brunch," but served hot and the catering staff was friendly. ...Explore the train. You can wander through the cars, including an outdoor car (brisk and fabulous). The bar car was crowded and very warm, so we skipped it, but plenty of guests loved it. A lovely final touch: after breakfast was cleared, staff invited everyone for complimentary hot chocolate back in the meal car. If you're looking for a meaningful, memorable way to connect with the people you love--this is worth it. Highly recommended, and we're rooting for their continued success. read more

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My new husband and I really enjoyed the Father's Day BBQ train ride. The food was plentiful and delicious! The train ride itself wasn't very scenic, but that is beyond the control of the train management. Seating was very limited for the amount of tickets sold. Fortunately, we brought our own folding chairs and just set them up on the train. Otherwise, we would have ended up sitting on very uncomfortable cheap folding chairs in a boxy metal old cattle car with no windows. For something out of the ordinary to do, I would recommend this train ride. Just bring your own folding chairs. read more

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I booked the Sunday Brunch Train for 4 of us 70+ year olds. We arrive at 9:10 AM for a 10:00 AM departure. Parking was easy; we parked across the street from the station. I did not pay much attention to the Station; but, it appears to be one of the standard station designs from the early part of the 20th Century. The check-in process began about 9:30 and was slow because there was only one person doing the check-in. I had purchased dedicated seating for the four of us that turned out to be two tables for two in the Bar Car with an aisle between the tables. Fortunately, we were able to carry on conversations with interruptions by passengers entering and leaving the Bar Car. We started off with reasonably priced mimosas. Brunch was served table by table starting at the front of the train. Of course, the Bar Car was at the far end of the train. We were the last called for brunch. Brunch quality was less than the complimentary breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express where we had spent the previous night. The food was: scrambled eggs, turkey sausage patties, greasy bacon, oven cooked potatoes, banana-nut bread, and fruit. There was enough food for everyone and some leftovers. We spent most of the second half of the ride from Sweet Home back to Lebanon outside in an open-air car. This part of Oregon is not particularly scenic, especially in the fall. There are a few interesting industries; but, mostly what you see is people's backyards. The equipment on the train was the typical tourist railroad equipment. Everything that I saw appeared to be clean and well maintained. The staff was friendly and helpful; but, seemed to be uninformed about the train and the equipment. Summary, for railfans riding Santiam Excursion Trains is a must one time trip; however, Santiam Excursion Trains must do more to make these trains more interesting for the non-railfan. We will go back probably next spring to enjoy the renewal of life that spring brings. read more

The map on the website looks like the train goes to SweetHome. Wrong Barely leaves Lebanon. ONLY brunch goes to Lebanon I told them it was misleading. They assured me they would update. It was nice to see so many families enjoying the train. It was post holiday trip. read more

If you like to peer into people's backyards, like to see the backlogs lots of businesses and industry, enjoy eating a meager lunch on card tables and folding chairs between a busy highway and blackberry bushes, than the lunch excursion is for you. However, if you're more inclined to scenic landscapes and well maintained trains, I recommend the Sumpter, Hood River, or Garibaldi trains. A bit more of a drive, but well worth the trip. Especially Hood River in Autumn. read more

You've got to be kidding me. We walked away completely baffled and the whole thing was less than enjoyable. First, it's in Lebanon, and if your not familiar with Lebanon, the place is run down and depressing. Not a good way to start. The entire train ride is a complete joke and disaster. The ride takes you through developed land with no real scenery and all you see are massive industrial scale clear-cuts, people's back yards, industrial yards, run down equipment, and more. It stops at a an abandoned factory that is in a state of ruin and then it turns back so you can see all this wreckage one more time! And the best part is that they have posters in the cars promoting the companies that specialize in the exact wreckage that assaulted your senses to begin with (gravel, timber, development, etc) We walked away baffled and in hysterics over the absurdity of it all. Stay away. Trust me. read more

We tried out the Sunday Brunch Train excursion. Love the concept but overall the trip was okay. The train itself was really cool, fun old school train and you can walk between cars to to different open air cars. The morning we went it was a bit foggy and chilly so we didn't spend too much time outside but it was really fun and you get the best views from the open air cars. The food - meh. Don't get too excited about the food. It was really basic and very limited options. We had breakfast burritos during our trip, you got to pick your fillings. And then there was fresh fruit and coffee/tea. Very limited. With the foggy morning we didn't get to many views at the start but about half way it cleared up beautifully in time to see the river. Overall the views were not ver impressive. Most of the time you are riding along the highway and not too much noteworthy to see. Overall it was okay and I'm glad we did it, the train was cool and it was a different experience but just didn't have much of a WOW factor like we expected. The cost was reasonable but probably would not do it again. read more

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I attended their Holiday Sip & Shop Bazaar and it was wonderful! Everyone was so kind and the vendors were great! The tickets to enter were reasonably priced. I hope they bring it back next Christmas! read more

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What an amazing way to celebrate the 4th!!! Stellar view of the fireworks! The staff were so friendly and fun! Excellent customer service. What else goes with 4th of July but hot dogs and popcorn?! We can't wait for our next excursion! Fun for the adults and kids!!! read more

Santiam Excursion Trains - Trains Near Me - Lebanon, Oregon

Our family rented the caboose for an anniversary. The staff were very accommodating. The weather was perfect. Plenty of room for 6 of us to enjoy the over 2 hour trip. We took our own food and beverages and the caboose had a very nice space to lay out our spread. A hidden gem in Oregon, and really looking forward to doing it again. read more

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Candy babe express is a must experience for every family. We had so much fun in the hour long ride through Lebanon. There's popcorn, candy canes, hot coca and Santa!! We enjoyed sitting in the warm cars watching the scenery, making crafts and even watching Charlie Brown Christmas on the tv. Our favorite part was standing outside in the open air while the train took us on a majestic journey there a beautiful small town. read more

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Just returned from brunch excursion. The train and station were rustic period pieces, but pretty cool. Bathroom was clean, but second one was a port-a-potty on an open car - wierd. The food was reasonably good, but doesn't match others I have taken. The staff were friendly and helpful. The trip took us past rustic vistas of saw mills, and trailer parks, with farms sprinkled in. And our travel companions were equally rustic, complete with a 50 something woman who did not seem to know what an indoor voice or laugh were. After getting back to the station, we considered a stop at our winery for a couple of flights to decompress. Instead, we went home, where I immediately opened a good bottle of wine, which I am sipping slowly now after a front load of half a glass. Rest of bottle to be consumed over the course of the afternoon. Do not recommend. read more

I loved the idea of a brunch train ride. We went with our walking group who were great to spend 2 1/2 hours with. That and the sunny weather were the best parts. Don't believe the pictures on the web site. The set up was card tables and uncomfortable folding chairs. The food was mediocre at best. Basically, it was low grade, cheap slop, and it was even served onto my paper plate like slop, falling off the edge of the plate. Plastic utensils are standard. There was no water available unless you purchased it. The ride itself follows the highway for about half the trip. You do see glimpses of the river on your way to Sweet Home (the turnaround point). The staff were friendly. I would give this a miss. They could do so much better, but don't. read more

Purchased four tickets for the Santa Maria ride. The ride was cancelled due to weather. They sent an email that stated refunds would be coming soon. Two months later with no answering of phones and no replies to emails or Facebook messenger I am disputing it with my credit card and even they can't get ahold of them. Hopefully credit card company will refund me. read more

I would not recommend the holiday "Candy Cane Express." It was a cramped, uncomfortable, overall miserable experience that we paid way too much for. Beware that they sell enough tickets to completely fill the train - including the open top flat-car. This would be fine in the summer, but with no inclement weather plan, it simply doesn't work in Oregon in rainy, cold December. The staff were unhelpful and even had the audacity to complain that the train was crowded because people didn't want to sit outside...in the pouring rain. Seating consists of folding card tables and folding chairs - there is little authentic feel to your train experience. We ended up in what felt like a converted cattle car on hay bales because there were no seats. You're better off spending your money and time elsewhere. read more

Took the Sunday brunch trip on 7/14/2019 with my wife and had a very good time. The food was ok, a egg, cheese bake and oven baked potato chunks, with fresh fruit, water, coffee and tea. The weather was fantastic and after eating we went to the open air car with our drinks. My wife enjoyed the Mango mimosa. I had a Bloody Mary which they are very proud of but was not that great to my tastes, lots of olives. Had a great time waving at all folks along the way. THANK YOU for the great Military discount. I would for sure do this again. read more

I highly recommend Santiam Excursion Train trips. My siblings and I are all celebrating milestone birthdays this year so we took the Sunday brunch train on August 25, 2019 to celebrate together. The staff was phenomenal and very accommodating. The food was delicious and the weather cooperated as well. It was such a nice way to celebrate together. Book your trip now, you will not be disappointed. read more

First of all, this is not a scenic ride. But if you want to take a train ride on a lazy afternoon this can be fun. However, unless you get one of the tufted lounge seats (of which there are few) it is an uncomfortable experience. You can, if need be, get up and walk out onto the open air car and sit at a "picnic" table. The chairs they furnished the bar car with are the cheapest folding chairs with the little tiny back rest that hits just below the shoulder blades and the plastic seat cuts the circulation off in your legs. We took the "lunch" ride and they served tossed salad, fruit chunks, warm pasta salad (it was delish) a roll and one cookie with water or coffee and chips. You ride from Lebanon to Sweethome and back through neighborhoods, mills, and city streets. So not much to look at. Like I said, something different to do. No entertainment, no games for distraction, no historical hand outs or fun facts to read. No, we would not go again, sorry SET! read more

My husband and I decided to buy tickets for the Valentines event.. We had very high hopes.. but unfortunately this was very poorly managed. For over $70 per person, we were very disappointed. They did not have enough food or seating. We found ourselves sitting in front of the porta pots, on a bench.. They ran out of appetizers right off the bat, then we lined up for over 20 minutes, by the time we got up there the salad was out, and they were scraping the bottoms to serve scraps.. We are what little we received, then they started serving dessert.. and guess what, they ran out.. We went home hungry. We could have spent almost 150 anywhere and had a table to sit at and a nice meal on Valentines.. read more