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HEBER VALLEY
RR
In the fall of 1899 the first train made its way up the canyon from Provo, Utah to a little settlement called Heber. For decades the railroad served the people of this tiny community hauling freight into the valley and livestock out. In the late 1930s and early 1940s more sheep were transported out of the Heber Valley than anywhere in the nation. Naturally they traveled by rail.
When the new highway was completed, rail traffic gave way to trucks and in 1967 the rails fell silent. The line was abandoned by the Denver & Rio Grande Western because of declining business. In 1970 the train became a recreational railroad and except for a brief pause between 1990 and 1993 trains have operated continuously along the scenic rail line.
The Heber Valley Railroad, AKA Heber Creeper, is Utah's magnificent steam passenger railroad. It's an historic tourist attraction based in Heber City, Utah. Trains cross the farmlands of the Heber Valley, follow the shore of Deer Creek Lake and descends into a majestic and breathtaking canyon. The track follows the Provo River to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon.
Vintage coaches are pulled over this beautiful vista by two 1907 Baldwin steam locomotives and three vintage diesel electric locomotives. Over 60,000 passengers ride the train each year and that number is steadily growing.
The railroad has been used in a number of motion pictures and was featured on TV episodes of "Touched by an Angel" and "Promised Land". Most recently the "Movie train" has been acquired. The Steam engine and ten railroad cars have been in 31 motion pictures over the past 20 years. The "Movie Train" is now in operation and you're welcome to come visit and ride where movie stars once worked.
Special events include Murder Mysteries, Blue Grass Music, Raft the River, Dances and our famous Vivian Park Dinner Train. Amenities onboard include rest rooms, a snack bar and gift shop.
Last Update 01/30/01
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