Mendocino County, Sacramento County, and Ventura County California – August 30, 2024 – Prepare for a fall adventure that’s more enchanting than a wizard’s spell! The Skunk Train, River Fox Train, and The Sunburst are opening the gates to a pumpkin patch wonderland, where the magic of fall meets locomotive and railbike charm. Get ready for a journey filled with family fun, seasonal treats, and unforgettable memories that take families on a delightful journey to choose the perfect Jack-O’-Lantern.

Skunk Train Pumpkin Express: Climb aboard the Pumpkin Express and embark on a 2-hour adventure departing from Willits, just north of Santa Rosa on Hwy 101. This magical journey will transport you to a redwood glade, where children (and even dogs!) can explore and select their very own pumpkin to bring home.

Upon arrival at the pumpkin patch wonderland, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the redwoods, capturing Instagram-worthy photos to treasure among the fall hues. The highlight of the adventure is choosing a pumpkin to bring back on the train with you, making this a journey to remember. Trains run on select days throughout October, offering a 45-minute ride each way with a 30-minute stop at the pumpkin patch. Adult beverages are available!

Picking the perfect pumpkin has never been more fun! Secure your spot now for the best family fall adventure. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.skunktrain.com/pumpkin-express/.

River Fox Train Pumpkin Patch Express: Calling all little goblins! Join the River Fox Pumpkin Patch Express for a harvest ride through the picturesque Sacramento countryside complete with trick-or-treating and a pumpkin patch extravaganza. We’re talking games, bouncy houses, sack races, costume contests, and a chance to pick your pumpkin partner-in-crime.

This is an experience like no other on this side of Sac town, offering a fantastic opportunity to create cherished family memories. Trains depart on select days in October, with three departures at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM.

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase during the train ride and at the pumpkin patch. The entire experience is approximately two hours long. This includes a 1-hour train ride, and a 1-hour fall festival. Find us just west of Sacramento International Airport off I-5.

Book your tickets now at https://www.riverfoxtrain.com/experiences/pumpkin-patch-express/.

Sunburst Railbikes to the Pumpkin Patch: Celebrate the Fall Harvest in Ventura County with a Sunburst Railbike adventure to the Pumpkin Patch! With departures at 10 AM and 2 PM starting this October, expect a serene 2.5-hour Railbike ride through 10-miles of citrus and avocado groves with a stop at Prancer’s Farm’s Pumpkin Patch to pick out your perfect Jack-O’-Lantern!

While at the farm experience their winding corn maze, spooky hayride, seasonal food, a friendly petting zoo and more! Picnic Lunches are available for purchase with Vegetarian and Gluten Free options available. Your Railbike ticket includes entrance to the Patch!

Book your spot now at https://www.sunbursttrain.com/ for an adventure full of fun!

With three locations, departures two to four days a week, and morning and afternoon trains available, there’s no excuse to miss out on these incredible fall adventures. Book your tickets now for the best family fun!

California Western Railroad / Skunk Train located in the redwood forests of Northern California’s Mendocino County, is a heritage railroad that has been operating both freight and passenger service since 1885. Initially used to move redwood logs to the Mendocino Coast sawmills from the rugged back country, the Skunk Train has become a beloved institution touted as one of the “10 Best Rail Tours in the Country” (USA Today), and a “Top 10 Family Activity in California” (National Geographic Traveler). The Skunk Train journey covers 40 miles of scenic delights and 30 bridges, all while retaining its original charm-minus the historic pungent aroma that once preceded its arrival. Operating year-round, this multi-generational experience welcomes passengers to bring along their families and even their dog, ensuring a memorable and inclusive adventure.

River Fox Train Built in 1911 by the Northern Electric Company, the River Fox Train’s 10-mile track originally transported passengers in the Sacramento area. Electric passenger travel ended in 1941, but the line remained active with diesel freight, creating a link between the fertile farmlands of the Sacramento Valley and the rest of California. In 2003, Sierra Railroad merged with the Yolo Shortline, continuing freight and reviving passenger trains under the name of Sacramento River Train. Today, the line is known as the River Fox Train, a sister of the world-famous Skunk Train built in 1885. From events like our Railbike rides; relaxing beer and wine trains; and holiday-themed outings, passengers can enjoy activities while reveling in nostalgic railroad charm.

Sunburst Sierra Northern Railway was formed in 2003 through the merger of two Northern California shortline railroads: the Sierra Railroad Company and the Yolo Shortline Railroad. The company became the contract operator of the Santa Paula Branch Line in 2022. The Santa Paula Branch Line was originally constructed as a standard-gauge railroad by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1887. The track was used extensively by Southern Pacific as late as the 1950s to haul citrus from packing houses to communities along the Santa Clara River. The line was purchased from Southern Pacific Railroad by the Ventura County Transportation Commission in 1995 and rented for many years to the Fillmore and Western Railway, which hosted excursion trains and film shoots. Today, Sierra Northern Railway’s sister company, Mendocino Railway, is running the Sunburst Railbike operation.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Kimberly Preciado Public Relations Manager Mendocino Railway [email protected]

Images available upon request.