Celebrate the season on the Cass Scenic Railroad

By Star Buckner, RealWV

When one thinks of Christmas, many memories and people come to mind. The nostalgia that is created around a holiday like Christmas is often rooted deep within the core of a person. More than ever, the importance of family and togetherness is something many are turning to.  

When your children are young, they get so excited about Santa, snow, and gifts; it’s easy to find joy. Parents know that teenagers can be more challenging when it comes to the season. They’re wants and needs may vary, but if you play your cards right, you can extract the same fun and excitement! 

How might you ask? Simple….make reservations for a Christmas Train ride!  Cass Scenic Railroad, a name soooo many of us recognize, has a great opportunity so close by. Offered throughout December this special train has elves, a conductor dressed in a fancy blue suit with conductor hat and even Santa himself makes an appearance! It’s something that the entire family can enjoy and create memories – together! 

What an incredible experience it is to travel back in time – even just for a few hours to a slower pace. Getting your ticket from the depot, watching the hustle that surrounds the station and then – you hear it! WHOOOO-wooo! The unmistakable whistle!  That sound can turn even the grumpiest grump into excitement that is giddy with curiosity and anticipation! All aboard!!! You see this remarkable steam engine with its smoke rolling from the stack, and you hear the clang of the bells! How amazing that this machine is STILL in operation!  This locomotive named Shay No. 5 is the oldest and longest operating Shay at Cass, at an impressive 121 years old!  This magnificent locomotive was delivered in November of 1905 for the original railroad WV Spruce Lumber Company.

Quick facts about Shay No. 5 – Holds 5 Ton of Coal, 3,500 gallons of water and can push cars up mountain grades from 4% to 10%! This monster of a locomotive weighs in at 141,300lbs EMPTY!  

Shay No. 5 is truly a beautiful glimpse into the past however; Cass State Park is not nor will be a forgettable trip! The Mountain Rail West Virginia and Cass State Park are one of many treasures to find in West Virigina.  They host numerous trips, events, and opportunities to ride a train from Cass.  Our family thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas train ride, and I am confident yours will too! They are offering this unique trip throughout December with the last ride on December 19^th. 

If you want to slow down, laugh, and create wonderful lifelong memories, I think you’d love this Christmas Train! The elves keep you laughing and the sights keep you amazed! It’s a win for everyone! Watch out though…. there are a few surprises along the way too! 

While there you must pop into the Cass General Store for some keepsakes! Eat at Shay’s restaurant or just sit and watch the trains from the front porch area! Look for Superintendent Frank Witsberger – He will share the exciting news regarding Cass. Mr. Witsberger is a fantastic asset to the park but also to the community he serves! There are many outstanding personnel at Cass. Matt Brown was a fountain of knowledge about trains and the history of the railway. John Smith will direct you with all things Mountain Rail related.  If you really want to get the full experience, you have plenty of lodging available. Cass State Park has 25 company houses to rent.  We stayed one night and, in all honesty, could have stayed several! What a neat treat to stay in a turn-of-the-century two story company house — complete with all the modern conveniences!  The park is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights and trees. Check out the schedule online – they are offering several fun festive events this winter.  But – ONE WARNING be on the lookout for that naughty elf Snowball! She is always acting mischievously! 

Calendar | Mountain Rail West Virginia https://mountainrailwv.com/calendar/

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All photos by Star Buckner, RealWV