Washington Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides In Chehalis!

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, based in Chehalis, Washington, is one of those heritage lines that feels tailor-made for an evening of railroading, nostalgia, and a bit of theater. The museum utilizes roughly 10 miles of former Milwaukee Road trackage that once reached as far south as Portland, the railroad offers seasonal excursions that showcase both the scenic upper Chehalis River Valley and a small but evocative collection of historic equipment.

A Short History in the Chehalis Valley

The route itself traces back to the early 20th century, when the Puget Sound & Willapa Harbor Railway pushed rails through the farmland and timber country of Lewis County around 1914. These tracks later formed part of the Milwaukee Road’s network in western Washington, linking small towns and lumber operations to bigger markets.

By the 1980s, mainline railroads were cutting back on marginal branches, and local volunteers saw an opportunity to save at least a portion of the line for excursion use. In the Milwaukee Road's case the company had given up on its western operations entirely by 1980 and the lines that remained were either sold or abandoned.

The Chehalis–Centralia Railroad began operating in 1986, offering short scenic trips out of a modest depot on SW Sylvenus Street. From the start, the excursion’s big star was steam locomotive No. 15, a 2-8-2 “Mikado” built by Baldwin in 1916. Originally a logging engine for the Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade Railroad, No. 15 represented the kind of heavy steam power that once wrestled logs and freight through the Pacific Northwest.

Over time, the organization added vintage 1920s coaches, a classic depot scene, and a small museum presence, gradually building itself into a local attraction that drew families, railfans, and tourists. Excursions typically covered an 18-mile round trip through the Chehalis River valley, crossing wooden trestles and passing pastoral farms—a relaxed, low-key ride that emphasized scenery and the sights and sounds of traditional railroading.

Like many heritage lines, the railroad has weathered its share of setbacks. In recent years, insurance issues and infrastructure concerns forced a temporary suspension of operations, but volunteers and partners rallied to restore the line. By 2024, excursions had resumed under a joint operating agreement with Goose Lake Railway, with diesel locomotive No. 6 handling most trains while work continues on the steam locomotive.

Excursions Through the Chehalis River Valley

The railroad’s bread-and-butter operations are its Chehalis Valley train rides—coach and dinner trains that operate seasonally over the 10-mile line. Trains roll out of Chehalis and follow the meandering Chehalis River, crossing small bridges and trestles and passing fields, forest edges, and glimpses of the surrounding hills.

Standard excursions are relaxed, family-friendly rides lasting around 75 minutes to two hours, depending on the run. On some dates, the railroad offers themed trips such as Easter “Eggspress” trains, fall pumpkin rides, and holiday-season events like THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, which has become a major draw in its own right.

Whether behind steam (when No. 15 is in service again) or the workhorse diesel, the Chehalis-Centralia trains emphasize a sense of stepping back in time. The coaches sway gently, the river and farmland slide by at a leisurely pace, and passengers get a feel for how rail travel once tied together rural communities in the Pacific Northwest.

The Murder Mystery Dinner Train

Among the railroad’s more distinctive offerings is its Murder Mystery Dinner Train, an evening experience that mixes theater, fine dining, and classic rail travel into one package. On select dates, passengers board vintage 1920s dining cars for a special run into the Chehalis River Valley while an interactive “whodunit” plays out in real time.

Typically departing the depot around 5:00 p.m., the Murder Mystery Dinner Train covers the same scenic route as regular excursions, but the emphasis is on atmosphere and storytelling. As the train rumbles out of Chehalis and into the countryside, guests are introduced to a colorful cast of characters—suspects, victims-in-waiting, and perhaps an over-eager detective or two. Passengers are encouraged to listen closely, watch interactions, and pick up clues as the story unfolds between courses.

The onboard meal usually consists of a multi-course dinner—often three or four courses—served at tables in the dining car. While menus can vary by date and caterer, diners can expect a full, sit-down experience rather than a simple boxed supper. The vintage ambience of the car, the gentle motion of the train, and the unfolding mystery create a setting that feels part supper club, part old-fashioned rail journey.

Because the equipment is historic, coaches and diners are generally unheated, and the railroad strongly advises guests to dress warmly, especially on cool Northwest evenings. Passengers are asked to arrive at the depot about half an hour before departure for check-in, and online ticket sales normally close several days in advance, reflecting how quickly these events can sell out.

Audience participation is a big part of the fun. The cast works the aisles, dropping hints, engaging in light-hearted banter, and occasionally recruiting passengers into the action. As the train returns toward Chehalis, guests are invited to submit their guesses as to who committed the crime and why. Often, a brief “reveal” scene wraps things up, with bragging rights going to those who successfully solved the mystery.

Planning a Visit

For visitors planning a trip, the museum offers a mix of regular excursions, dinner trains, themed rides, and special events—many clustered on weekends and holidays. Schedules can vary year to year, especially as the organization continues to rebuild and expand operations following recent interruptions, so it’s wise to consult the railroad’s official website or local tourism listings for current dates and offerings.

The depot is located at 1101 SW Sylvenus Street in Chehalis, easily accessible from Interstate 5 and close to local lodging, dining, and attractions. For those combining the trip with a longer stay in southwest Washington, the railroad pairs nicely with visits to Mount St. Helens, the coastal communities, or nearby museums and parks.

Ultimately, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum’s appeal lies in its combination of authentic equipment, scenic countryside, and creative programming. A daytime Chehalis Valley excursion offers a classic slice of Pacific Northwest railroading; an evening on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train adds drama, laughter, and a good meal to the experience. Together, they showcase how a volunteer-driven heritage railroad can keep local history alive—one train ride, one story, and one solved mystery at a time. To learn more about their murder mystery dinner train please click here to visit the museum's website.