Riding the rails in Flagstaff County is a very special experience for those lucky enough to obtain tickets on the Friends of the Battle River Rail excursions.

Travelling to Heisler by rail provided an opportunity to be a tourist in Flagstaff County, and a chance to look at familiar views with new eyes.

It is hard to remember that this venture is operated solely by volunteers, as one steps into the train to be greeted by hostesses in costume, and a sharply dressed pair of conductors.

Alvin Meyer and his drivers picked up visitors at the train tracks in one of four classic cars, providing them with a tour of the village before dropping them off at the historic Heisler Hotel.

The train’s interior is decorated to match the hostesses outfits, all bunting, balloons, and streamers for an extremely festive atmosphere.

The excursion took passengers from the end of the BRR line, near Highway 56, to the historic Heisler Hotel, for a steak and shrimp feast, on Saturday, June 11.

The continuous-welded steel rails on the BRR line provide a smooth and quiet ride, perfect for listening to the on-board entertainment