~Coach Class*~
Enjoy a smooth ride in one of the Friends coaches Wenonah or Nokomis. Our former Algoma Central coaches you won’t disappoint you. In these well maintained cars, you will have comfy seats, great views and plenty of space to roam around. Also featured in coach class will be the Friends baggage/concession car. In this car we will be selling snacks and food, along with 261 collectibles and memorabilia.
~Deluxe Coach Class*~
Enjoy a smooth ride in the newly refinished Lake Pepin. This former Pennsylvania Clocker Coach won’t disappoint you. In the Lake Pepin, you will enjoy breath taking scenery through custom made brand new windows trimmed with custom cut Maple. Deluxe Coach Class includes a boxed lunch from the Concessions car. You will have comfy seats and plenty of space to roam around. Also featured in coach class will be the Friends baggage/concession car. In this car we will be selling snacks and food, along with 261 collectibles and memorabilia.
~First Class*~
Upgrade from Coach class and enjoy a ride in one of our classy lounge cars, the Fox River Valley, Wisconsin Valley and Silver Palace. First Class includes complimentary meals, snacks and beverages in one of our deluxe lounge cars.
~Dome Class*~
Upgrade again and receive more for your dollar. Enjoy a ride in the Silver Palace. The newest addition to the Friends of the 261& fleet of historic and restored passenger cars is Vista-Dome lounge Silver Palace. The Silver Palace was built for the Western Pacific Railroad in 1948 as a 46-seat coach, with an additional 24 seats in the dome, for the famed California Zephyr. The car plied the scenic route between Chicago and Oakland, Calif., for over two decades, until the train was discontinued in March 1970. After passing through several owners and being extensively remodeled as a lounge car, the car was acquired by the Friends of the 261 in December 2017 and has been under restoration since its arrival. Silver Palace will continue its role as a first class lounge car with the dome seats sold exclusively as Dome Class.
Teaming up with the Silver Palace is Super Dome No. 53. One of the heaviest railroad passenger cars ever built, Super Dome 53 offers incredible views through 90 feet of glass. Super Dome 53 was one of the first full-length dome cars ever built and offers a superior ride with great views accompanied by plush seats and a full service wet bar in the center of the dome. Dome Class includes complimentary beverage service.
~Premium Class*~
Upgrade your ticket once more and enjoy an even more memorable excursion experience. With a Premium Class ticket you have the opportunity to enjoy a ride in the famous Cedar Rapids. Built in 1948, the Cedar Rapids was Frank Sinatra’s favorite car to ride. It’s easy to see why, with the smooth ride along and some of the most comfortable chairs you will ever sit in. This is topped off by the glass enclosed Skytop solarium at the rear of the car, which offers a great view of the scenic countryside as it passes by. Premium Class Cedar Rapids includes more exclusive atmosphere and priority luggage handling.
*Children 3 to 14 require ticket, children under 3 free if not occupying a seat
*Cars in all classes are a ‘general’ assignment and are subject to change to another class designation without prior notice.
**Not all classes are included in every excursion/charter operated by the Friends of the 261, classes may or may not be assigned to an excursion and may change without notice.