State train ride guide
Train Rides Explorer lists 7 train rides in Montana. Compare the practical details families need before planning a visit.
Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in Virginia City, MT. The ride lasts ~20–30 min, costs ~$10–$15 for adults and ~$5–$10 (under 12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Short narrow-gauge train ride in historic Virginia City/Montana ghost town area. Part of the Virginia City Historic District. Steam locomotive. Affordable and kid-friendly. Combines well with historic town visit.
Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad (Virginia City) is a toddler-friendly steam, scenic and museum train ride in Virginia City, MT. The ride lasts ~20 min, costs ~$8–$12 for adults and ~$5–$8 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic narrow-gauge steam train through Alder Gulch, a gold mining area. Departs from Virginia City, a preserved 19th-century mining town. The train rides along the original 1860s route. Combine with Virginia City's historic boardwalk and Nevada City living history museum.
Central Montana Rail, Inc. is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Lewistown / Central Montana, MT. The ride lasts Variable (charter/excursion based), costs Varies by excursion for adults and Varies for children, and children under two ride Check.
Shortline railroad offering occasional excursion trains in central Montana. Limited passenger operations. Primarily a freight railroad. Check schedule far in advance. Not a regular daily tourist operation.
Museum of the Rockies (Living History Farm Train) is a toddler-friendly museum ride in Bozeman, MT. The ride lasts ~10 min ride, costs Included w/ museum (~$15) for adults and Included w/ museum (~$10) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Museum complex with working farm and small train ride for kids. Part of Montana State University. Dinosaur exhibits also on site. Very family-friendly.
Whitefish Depot & Train Watching is a toddler-friendly scenic, unique and amtrak train ride in Whitefish, MT. The ride lasts Self-guided, costs FREE for adults and FREE for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic Amtrak depot in Whitefish with excellent train-watching. The Empire Builder stops here daily. Historic Great Northern Railway depot (1927). Combine with Whitefish Mountain Resort summer activities or City Beach on Whitefish Lake. Free activity for train-obsessed kids.
Yellowstone Gateway Museum Train Exhibit is a toddler-friendly museum ride in Livingston, MT. The ride lasts Museum visit only, costs ~$7 for adults and ~$4 (under 12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Railroad history exhibits including historic locomotives. Northern Pacific history. Near Yellowstone. No operating rides but interesting for train enthusiasts.
Yellowstone Wildlife Express (West Yellowstone) is a toddler-friendly scenic and zoo train ride in West Yellowstone, MT. The ride lasts ~45 min, costs ~$15–$25 for adults and ~$10–$15 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Scenic train ride from West Yellowstone area (limited seasonal). Also the historic Yellowstone Park train depot is worth visiting. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center nearby has train-themed experiences. The Union Pacific Depot in West Yellowstone is a historic landmark with exhibits.
Confirm current schedules, prices, and closures with each operator before traveling.