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Nevada Halloween Train Rides

Published: August 29, 2025

By: Adam Burns

When the desert air turns crisp and the days get shorter, Nevada’s heritage railroads roll out some of the state’s most charming Halloween traditions. These aren’t theme-park thrill rides.

They’re living-history excursions aboard vintage trains—dolled up with cobwebs, pumpkins, and playful frights—that let families, couples, and railfans soak in the season with just the right blend of nostalgia and spooky fun.

If you’re planning an autumn getaway or looking for October weekend ideas, here’s what to know about Halloween train rides in Nevada, plus practical tips to make the most of your trip.

Locations

Nevada Northern Railway

If you can only do one Halloween train in Nevada, make it this one. The Nevada Northern Railway (NNRY) in Ely is a National Historic Landmark railroad, and its Haunted Ghost Train has become a bucket-list fall experience. Running after dark on select October dates, the Ghost Train heads out from the 1907 depot and winds into the high desert night while costumed volunteers stage eerie tableaus and jump-scare surprises along the right-of-way. Think flickering lanterns, apparitions in the sagebrush, and whimsical encounters that play to the railroad’s century-plus of lore.

A few things to expect:

- Family-friendly frights. The goal is spine-tingling fun, not gore. That said, there are loud noises and sudden scares; very young or sensitive kids may prefer a daytime alternative.

- Cool weather. Ely sits at higher elevation, and evenings can be cold. Many trains include open-air cars, so bring layers, hats, and blankets.

- High demand. Tickets for October weekends typically sell out well in advance. Booking early is essential.

NNRY sometimes also offers daytime, fall-themed departures in October that dial down the scares and turn up the harvest vibe. If your group includes little ones, ask about gentler options when you book. Plan extra time to explore the rail yard, machine shop, and museum exhibits—some of the best-preserved railroad facilities in the country.

Virginia & Truckee Railway

On the western side of the state, the Virginia & Truckee Railway (V&T) often celebrates the season with Pumpkin Patch Trains departing from the Eastgate Depot in Carson City. These family-friendly excursions head into the Carson River Canyon for a charming ride with fall color dappling the cottonwoods. The highlight is a stop where kids can pick a pumpkin (sometimes included with child tickets) and enjoy simple activities like photo ops and yard games.

What to expect:

- Daytime rides, typically about an hour or a little more. It’s a sweet spot for younger riders who love trains but don’t need a late night.

- Costumes encouraged. Kids show up in everything from tiny conductors to superheroes; adults often get in on the fun, too.

- Pairable with “Hauntober” in Virginia City. After your ride, it’s a short, scenic drive up the hill to Virginia City’s autumn festivities—cemetery tours, spooky history walks, and haunted attractions—making for a full fall day.

Schedules and inclusions (like whether a pumpkin is included or sold on site) can vary year to year, so check the current details before you go. If you’re after a longer rail experience, keep an eye out for special seasonal runs into the canyon that add a hint of autumn atmosphere even if they’re not Halloween-branded.

Nevada Southern Railway

Just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, the Nevada Southern Railway in Boulder City is a go-to for families seeking an easy, festive outing without a long drive. In recent years, the railroad has offered Halloween-themed excursions—often billed around costumes, decorated cars, and treats for kids. Expect a relaxed ride through the Mojave with volunteers adding seasonal flair on board and at the depot.

Good to know:

- It’s an easy add-on to a Hoover Dam or Boulder City day trip.

- Daytime temperatures can be warm, but desert evenings cool quickly. Layers are your friend.

- These events tend to be very popular with locals; weekend trains can fill quickly.

Exact event names, dates, and features can change from one season to the next. Check the railroad’s current calendar for Halloween-specific runs and whether they’re daytime or evening departures.

Why Halloween on a train just works

Heritage railroads are immersive by nature. The clack of steel wheels, the smell of creosote, the glow of lanterns—these sensory layers amplify Halloween’s mood in a way a static attraction can’t match. Add Nevada’s stark landscapes, deep railroad history, and clear autumn skies, and you get a seasonal experience that’s equal parts cozy, creepy, and uniquely Nevadan.

Final planning notes

Event names, schedules, and inclusions change year to year, and some trains run only on select October weekends. For the most accurate details on dates, departure times, ticket options, age recommendations, and whether pumpkins or treats are included, check each railroad’s official site or call the ticket office before you go. If you’re flexible, sign up for email lists or follow their social feeds—extra departures sometimes pop up when demand is high.

Whether you’re corralling tiny pumpkins in costumes or chasing that perfect-night spooky vibe, Nevada’s Halloween trains deliver a memorable ride. Grab your tickets early, pack your layers, and step aboard—October on the rails is waiting.