-School Information-
A visit to the Sumpter Valley Railroad is a must when your class visits historic Baker County. Consider including a train trip and yard tour of the Sumpter Valley Railroad on your itinerary for your visit to historic Baker County this coming spring. Along with the gold dredge and railroad, you may wish to include a tour of the Regional Museum in Baker City and the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (just 5 miles east of Baker City). Read more information about the Gold Dredge.
We provide a basic explanation of the steam powered locomotive, how the steam is created, and how it is converted to motion. Our conductors explain the importance of the railroad to the development of Eastern Oregon and Baker County. Coupled with a visit to the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area at Sumpter, your students will come away from this visit with a new appreciation of the men and machines that built this country.
Make arrangements now for your class field trips and experience the rich history of railroading from the past to the present. To book your train trip and yard tour during our special spring school runs contact the School Train Coordinator June thru September, by calling (541) 894-2268 or Toll Free (866) 894-2268. October thru May you may leave a message at the phone number above or E-mail info@svry.com with "School Information" in the subject line.
For more information, write to:
SVRR School Trains
P.O. Box 389
Baker City, OR 97814
In order to better accommodate youth tours in the spring, we have set aside one week at the end of May for school tours. We are steamed up each day there is a scheduled trip. Please book your visit in advance as our crews are all volunteers and have taken time off from their jobs to be there for you. Scheduling your visit will assure that your class has a safe and fun time at the railroad. The train does not operate without a full crew and unscheduled visits may not be accommodated. Please make arrangements as far in advance as you can.
You may select the departure times that best suit your planned outing from the following schedule.
| Train Departure Times | |
|---|---|
| Trains depart McEwen Station | 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:00 PM |
| Trains depart Sumpter Station | 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:30* PM |
*Please note that the 4:30pm train from Sumpter is one-way only.
Fares for 2011
| Round Trip | One Way | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $9.50 | $7.00 |
| Child | $6.00 | $4.50 |
We try to back fill the weeks scheduled trains Friday to Monday. Please note that pricing and scheduling is subject to change without notice. Scheduling your group early will lock in the current fares and schedule. Payments are required in advance for the upcoming season and can not be refunded after one week prior to departure date (arrangements will be made for trips scheduled for next year's season). Confirmation of your trip will be made when payment is received.
If the timing just isn't right for your school this year, please consider a trip next year. For your convenience you can book ahead for next season. This will help to assure you the best day and time to visit and allow more activities from your students.
Other information
- We ask that your group arrive half an hour early to pick up tickets, use the rest rooms, receive safety instructions, and time permitting an opportunity to get close and personal with a steam locomotive. Also it is advisable to bring coats. The spring weather is unpredictable in the Sumpter Valley and can change dramatically in a very short time span. Please note that there are no restroom facilities on the train.
- We make every effort to maintain our scheduled departure times. There may be other groups scheduled at the same time as your group or waiting at the other end of the line. We may have scheduled trips from both McEwen and Sumpter. We ask that your group be prepared to board the train ten minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
- We suggest that there be one chaperone/teacher to every ten students. Our train crew is there to operate the train and answer your questions. Safety is first for our passengers, crew, and equipment. That is why we ask that at least one chaperone/teacher from your group ride in each car that your students are on with the exception of those in the caboose (a special privilege when available).
- The cupola may be available to ride in if there are enough crew on duty when the caboose in the train. Ask the conductor or rear brakeman for availability. Please select the student riding the caboose before you arrive. If your group is the only one scheduled that trip as many as four may ride in the caboose cupola. If more groups are scheduled the same trip, we may only have room for one or two from your group. We will make every effort to get at least one of your group into the cupola (historically this is where train crew sometimes rode). This car is the only one that does not require one of your chaperones to be present, unless other students in your group will be riding in the lower seats.
- If you are interested, we also offer yard tours at no additional price for those riding the train. However, we do need to know in advance so we can give our Yard Tour Guide notice. There is an abundance of information on the "back stage" workings of a railroad. It is an experience of a life time no matter how young you are.