By Todd Schacherl
There’s a railroad in Boulder City that is open for rides, and there is a railroad museum and two steam locomotives on display, as well. The railroad is called the Nevada Southern Railway and runs along a portion of the tracks that went from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam during the construction of the dam.
This rail line brought in the heavy equipment, machinery and supplies to build the dam. Recently the bridge over US I-11 was completed and now instead of stopping at Railroad Pass, the railroad crosses the freeway and stops at Paradise Hills before heading back to Boulder City. The ride is about 45 minutes out and back.
The train consists of a converted boxcar that is open to the elements, two refurbished passenger cars and a dining car used for storytelling. The work done to refurbish the passenger cars is impeccable and makes one feel like they are stepping into a time machine.
The velvet seats that used to allow the seat backs to be adjusted depending on which direction the car was traveling now sit static, creating two seats facing each other. This is great when it’s not very crowded because when the train gets to the end of the line, it doesn’t “turn around” but rather just goes in reverse.
Switching to the other side allows one to face forward on the outbound and inbound trips. The conductors are dressed in period accurate uniforms, which only makes the experience more enjoyable. The conductors are super nice and more than willing to take group photos so don’t hesitate to ask if they don’t ask you first.
If you have any questions about what rail travel was like, the conductors are a great source of information. The train runs most Saturdays and Sundays between January and November, as well as select holidays. Trains leave the station at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. (not offered June-September due to the heat).
Prices are $12 each for adults and children ages 4-11 are $6 each. Children younger than 4 are free. Admission to the museum is just $2, and it is open 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. It’s closed on state holidays. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the railroad runs “The Santa Train,” and ticket prices are $12 per person for all ages.
Getting there is easy: Take US I-11 toward Boulder City and take the Boulder City exit. Turn left at Yucca Street (look for the Taco Bell on the left), and the parking lot is just up the hill to the right. Free parking is available at the station. The address is 601 Yucca St., Boulder City, NV 89005.
