Nevada’s Star Train Takes Passengers

All aboard for a magical evening of stargazing from the comfort of a train car. The Great Basin Star Train is a summertime tradition arranged by the Northern Nevada Railway where the Dark Rangers of Great Basin National Park invite passengers on board to gaze at the summer night sky and learn a thing or two about astronomy.

Passengers depart on select nights at 7:30 p.m. aboard a vintage train once used to transport coal and copper during Nevada’s mining boom. Starting in Ely, Nevada, the train travels across the state’s Steptoe Valley and eventually stops on a mountain ridge where passengers can watch the summer sunset.

At another stop near Great Basin National Park, park rangers provide telescopes for passengers who want a closer look at the stars above.

The train operates between May and September on select Friday nights. Although the 2019 and 2020 seasons sold out, the schedule for 2021 will be released in June 2020. Tickets are $41 for adults and $20 for children between the ages of 4 and 12, while children under age 4 can ride for free. On board, passengers can purchase snacks and drinks, and have use of a restroom.