Scheduled trains are also available out of Anchorage bound for Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park. In the past, the train that traveled in the morning from Anchorage to Seward sat idle for several hours before making the return trip in the evening. This year, the train will instead take an afternoon detour, heading north to Moose Pass and Portage, passing three glaciers on the way. This trip is through some of the prettiest country in the state. It's just a gorgeous day trip.
Children ride for half price.
Over the years, Gray Line of Alaska has been importing vintage dome cars from the Santa Fe and other historic rail lines. Built in the 1950s, these plush Budd and Pullman domed rail cars are now used in Gray Line's McKinley Explorer service, where they package the views of the passing countryside with a ride softened by special three-axle trucks. Each summer day Gray Line offers northbound and southbound McKinley Explorer cars. The cars are each named for Alaska rivers, including Chena, Tanana and Kobuk. Each of the 13 rail cars is self-contained and has a capacity of 70 passengers, with seating on the upper level and dining facilities on the lower level.