The Sumpter Valley Railroad is a great experience, but it's about 4 hours away--almost to Baker City.They have a couple of historic locomotives and they run a full schedule in the summer and special occasion trains during other seasons. Many of the volunteers drive all the way from Boise to help out with the excursions.
Tickets are free for those under 6. Other fare and schedule information are available from the Sumpter Valley Railroad's Website. This was a four hour stop for us, but well worth it. There is a small playground at the McEwen Station, and the shop and yards are surprisingly welcoming of visitors. We just walked over and the workers started showing us the railcars they were restoring.
The dredge itself is a state park, and you can actually go inside the thing for free
The ride itself was less than luxurious. The cars jostle around alot which put my 3 year old right to sleep. We rode one way in a coach and the other way in an open top car (bring your sunscreen. It's high elevation).
There are regular train robberies, but don't worry. You can check the schedule if you'd rather avoid the action. They always steal the same strong box stored in conductor's booth in the front coach. That's where you'll want to sit if you want to get the best views of the action.
The station at Sumpter has a rather large gift shop. The layover is about an hour, which is hardly enough time to see the dredge and get an ice cream cone if you're walking around with pokey pre-schoolers.
The map below locates the McEwen station. The Sumpter station is easily located on the railroad's website.
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