Great Northern & Cascade Railway — Attraction in Skykomish

My toddler loved riding the mini trains. They had all three types of engine (steam, diesel, and electric) running for the railway festival and had just opened their extended tracks. So if you've been here before, come back for a longer ride. If you haven't, come early to enjoy as many free rides as you can.

The mini rail is run entirely by volunteers so it's open only on weekends from 10am to 4pm in the summer (until October - check their website for updates).

Note that the town (Skykomish) where the railway is is still relatively sleepy, so plan to spend an hour or two riding the mini train, and the rest of the day somewhere else (hiking, swimming in the river - trailheads and access can be found along the highway nearby) like Leavenworth or at Wallace Falls park in Goldbar.

Bring your own food for a picnic (tables are available along the green space beside the big railroad tracks), or go in for fish and chips at the Whistle Stop bar.

Don't forget to drop a donation before you leave! The mini railway is a nonprofit and need the funds to maintain the wonderful tracks.

All aboard!

P.S. The museum is regularly updated with new tracks and features being added and improved. There's a dirt bike track, and a children's nature park now under construction. Season is almost over and looking forward to next year...

Nestled in a quaint small town lies a hidden gem for kids: a charming destination offering free rides on a meticulously crafted train track route. Operated entirely by volunteers, this place provides joyous experiences for children, urging visitors to donate in support of these free rides. Surrounded by local coffee shops serving delightful brews, and situated alongside a picturesque river with mountains on both sides, it's a perfect spot to unwind and recharge.

With ample parking and a kid-friendly atmosphere, it's a must-add to your travel itinerary, whether you're headed towards Stevens Pass or Leavenworth. Discover this oasis of fun and relaxation, where every ride is a journey filled with excitement and wonder for the...

What a great time! The volunteers had provided the engines for the rides and you could tell their dedication and attention to detail. One of the engines was a real coal-fired steam engine (complete with coal dust in your eyes and hair), an electric steam style engine, and a real diesel engine. The gift shop was nice and warm with a good collection of toys for the kids to both play with and purchase, with a clean bathroom and a selection of refreshments. There were several nice items on display as well as a collection of historic photos. The volunteers were wonderful. They were patient and friendly. They were great at explaining almost everything about the train sets to toddlers, demonstrating the engines, switch...