I hopped aboard the Santiam Excursion Trains in Lebanon, Oregon, and immediately knew this wasn’t your average train ride. Imagine gliding through the stunning Santiam Canyon while enjoying gourmet meals that could rival any high-end restaurant – all from the comfort of a vintage train car.
It’s the perfect mix of old-school railroad charm and modern culinary magic.
Every bend in the track reveals another postcard-worthy view. Rolling hills, dense forests, and glimpses of the Cascade foothills make every bite taste even better.
The crew treats you like family, and the gentle clack of the rails quickly becomes your favorite soundtrack.
If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping your dinner table for a dining car, this ride delivers on romance, nostalgia, and pure fun. Pack your appetite and your camera – this journey serves up Oregon scenery and meals you’ll remember long after the ride ends.
Multi-Course Gourmet Meals That Rival Fine Dining
Forget everything you thought you knew about train food. I’m talking about carefully crafted, multi-course meals that would make any chef proud.
The culinary team prepares fresh, high-quality dishes that change with the seasons and special events.
Each course arrives perfectly timed to the journey, so you’re never rushed or waiting too long. The presentation alone makes you want to snap photos before diving in.
From savory appetizers to decadent desserts, every dish showcases local ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
The catering isn’t just good for train food. It’s genuinely impressive cuisine that happens to be served while you’re rolling through Oregon wilderness.
The chefs clearly take pride in their work, and it shows in every carefully plated creation.
I’ve eaten at plenty of stationary restaurants that couldn’t match this quality. The fact that they pull off this level of excellence in a moving kitchen makes it even more remarkable.
You’ll leave wondering why all meals can’t come with such spectacular views.
Address: 750 S 3rd St, Lebanon, OR 97355
Themed Rides for Every Season and Celebration
Throughout the year, Santiam Excursions transforms their trains into rolling celebrations. I’ve heard families rave about the Halloween rides where kids get treats and spooky fun without the scary stuff.
The Christmas trains become winter wonderlands complete with hot chocolate and candy canes that have guests talking all year.
Valentine’s Day brings romantic lunch box rides perfect for couples. The Fourth of July excursion stops at a private meadow for fireworks away from the crowds, which sounds absolutely magical.
Each themed ride features special menus and decorations that match the occasion perfectly.
What impressed me most was how thoughtfully each theme gets executed. The crew doesn’t just slap up a few decorations and call it done.
They create immersive experiences that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.
Families make these rides annual traditions, and I completely understand why. The attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm from the staff make every themed journey feel special.
You’re not just riding a train; you’re creating memories that stick with you.
Sunday Brunch Buffet with Build-Your-Own Options
Brunch enthusiasts, this one’s for you. The Sunday morning rides feature a buffet-style feast that lets you customize your meal exactly how you want it.
The build-your-own breakfast burrito bar has become so popular they brought it back by guest request.
I love that you can help yourself to seconds without feeling awkward. Fresh-baked bread, crispy bacon, Greek yogurt with homemade granola, local honey, and colorful fruit bowls create a spread that covers all the bases.
The coffee flows freely, keeping everyone energized for the scenic journey.
The buffet setup works brilliantly on a train. You can grab what you want, settle into your seat, and watch Oregon roll by while you eat.
No waiters hovering, no rushed service, just relaxed dining at your own pace.
The menu rotates regularly, so repeat visitors always find something new to try. Everything tastes fresh and homemade, not like typical buffet fare.
Plus, the open-air cars let you enjoy your meal with fresh breezes and unobstructed views of the Santiam Canyon.
Vintage Train Cars with Comfortable Seating
Stepping into these train cars feels like time traveling back to when rail travel meant elegance and style. The vintage-style cars have been outfitted with comfortable seating that lets you relax for the entire journey.
Large windows frame the passing scenery like moving paintings.
The cars maintain their historic character without sacrificing modern comfort. You won’t find yourself cramped or uncomfortable, even on longer rides.
The crew keeps everything clean and well-maintained, showing respect for these beautiful pieces of railroad history.
I particularly appreciate how the vintage aesthetic enhances the whole experience. You’re not just eating a meal; you’re doing it surrounded by authentic railroad charm.
The clickety-clack of the rails and the gentle swaying add to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Different cars offer different vibes, from the cozy enclosed spaces to the thrilling open-air options. Families with kids find plenty of room to move around, while couples can snag more intimate seating.
The vintage setting makes every photo opportunity Instagram-worthy without even trying.
Open-Air Cars for Unobstructed Canyon Views
Here’s where the adventure really comes alive. The open-air cars let you experience the journey with wind in your hair and unfiltered views of the Santiam Canyon.
I’ve read countless reviews from guests who spent their entire trip in these cars, rain or shine.
There’s something incredibly freeing about riding the rails without windows between you and nature. The fresh Oregon air, the sounds of the countryside, and the unobstructed panoramas create an immersive experience you can’t get from enclosed cars.
Even on drizzly days, guests bundle up and enjoy the elemental thrill.
Photographers absolutely love these cars because nothing blocks their shots. Every curve in the track reveals new angles and perspectives.
The open design also makes it easier to chat with other passengers and share the excitement.
Kids especially go wild for the open-air experience. The sense of freedom and adventure captures their imagination in ways that regular train cars can’t match.
Just remember to bring a light jacket because the breeze can get cool, even on warm days.
Historic Steam Locomotive Rides Behind Santa Maria
Train enthusiasts absolutely lose their minds over the Santa Maria Valley locomotive, built way back in 1924. This genuine steam engine represents living history, and riding behind it feels like stepping into a different era entirely.
The sight of smoke billowing from the stack and the powerful chuffing sound create pure magic.
I’ve seen reviews from people who flew all the way from Tennessee just to experience this steam train. That’s not an exaggeration or travel writer hyperbole; that’s genuine passion for railroad history.
The locomotive runs on select dates, making those rides extra special.
Watching the steam engine work is mesmerizing. You can see and hear the power that once moved America forward.
The crew clearly takes immense pride in maintaining and operating this piece of history. Every detail gets attention, from the polished brass to the perfectly timed steam releases.
Even if you’re not a train buff, riding behind a real steam locomotive stirs something nostalgic in your soul. The experience connects you to a time when train travel was the height of adventure and romance.
Private Meadow Stops for Fireworks and Special Events
Some rides include stops at exclusive locations that regular folks can’t access any other way. The Fourth of July excursion parks at a private meadow where guests watch fireworks without dealing with traffic or crowds.
Talk about VIP treatment for your Independence Day celebration.
These special stops turn the train ride into more than just transportation. You’re getting exclusive access to beautiful Oregon locations while the train waits for you.
Families can stretch their legs, kids can run around safely, and everyone gets to experience the outdoors in a unique way.
The privacy factor makes these stops incredibly appealing. You’re not jostling with thousands of other people for a good view.
Instead, you’re part of a select group enjoying something special together. The sense of community among passengers grows during these shared moments.
Foster Lake appears on some routes, offering another scenic stopping point. The crew times everything perfectly, so you never feel rushed or like you’re wasting time.
These thoughtful touches show how much care goes into planning each journey.
Family-Friendly Adventures with Activities for All Ages
Parents consistently praise how well Santiam Excursions caters to families with children. The themed rides often include activities and entertainment designed specifically for younger passengers.
One seven-year-old reportedly couldn’t stop talking about his train adventure for weeks afterward.
The crew has a gift for engaging kids without making adults feel like they’re on a kindergarten field trip. Everyone gets to enjoy themselves regardless of age.
Families find the experience educational too, teaching children about railroad history and Oregon geography in the most entertaining way possible.
I love hearing about families making these rides annual traditions. The memories created on these trains become touchstones that kids carry into adulthood.
Grandparents, parents, and children can all find something to enjoy together, which is increasingly rare these days.
The affordability factor matters too. Families can have a genuine adventure without breaking the bank.
That accessibility means more people get to create these special memories. The crew treats every passenger with warmth and attention, making even first-timers feel like regulars.
Scenic Journey Through Santiam Canyon and Cascade Foothills
The route itself deserves recognition as a star attraction. Traveling through the Santiam Canyon and into the Cascade foothills showcases Oregon at its most beautiful.
Dense forests, rolling hills, and glimpses of mountain peaks create constantly changing scenery that keeps your eyes glued to the windows.
The tracks wind through areas you’d never see from a car. This unique perspective reveals hidden corners of Oregon that remain largely unexplored by casual visitors.
Every season brings different colors and moods to the landscape, making repeat rides feel fresh and new.
Local residents wave and honk as the train passes, adding a charming small-town feel to the journey. You become part of the community for a few hours, experiencing Oregon life from a different angle.
The slower pace lets you actually see details instead of blurring past at highway speeds.
Yes, portions of the route pass through residential areas and working rail corridors. That’s authentic railroad travel, showing the real connections between communities.
The natural beauty far outweighs any industrial sections, and even those have their own historic charm.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
