Portland Spoke – The Official Blog of Travel Portland

Photo by Noel Zia Lee via Flickr

The stretch of days from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve can be a roller coaster of activity, but the holidays don’t have to be so hectic. Ditch the Thunder Mountain mentality and enjoy a ride on Portland’s Holiday Express (weekends, Nov. 30-Dec. 16), a leisurely way to ease into the season.

Departing from the Oaks Station, adjacent to Oaks Park in Sellwood,  this family-friendly train ride cruises between the Willamette River and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, with Santa taking the helm and his elves spreading their cheer all along the way. This seasonal adventure comes courtesy of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, whose brand-new Oregon Rail Heritage Center in the Eastside Industrial district is now accessible via Portland Streetcar. (more…)

Rendering courtesy of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation.

Out of the six largest operating steam locomotives in the world, Portland owns two — more than any other American city. These engines and more Oregon rail transport history (which predates the transcontinental railroad), will be showcased at the new Oregon Enginehouse and Rail Heritage Center set to open later this year in Portland’s Central Eastside. You may even catch traveling exhibits such as the luxurious New York Central-3 passenger car, originally owned by Harold Vanderbilt.

The fall opening of the new eastside Portland Streetcar line will complement the center. Whether you’re looking for an activity with dinner or enjoying spare time before a Blazers game, the streetcar can get you to and from the center and plenty of nearby attractions.

Dozens of volunteers worked three decades to preserve this slice of rail history, restoring the SP& S 700 and the better-known SP #4449, which pulled the 1975-76 American Freedom Train in celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial. For the full story, check out this video from the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation: