The railway stretches 3.5 miles across 18 acres of Wasilla woodland, winding through tunnels, bridges, and model towns that mimic historic Alaskan settlements.
The line’s origins trace back to a 1969 Anchorage workshop where Klingbeil and his wife built the first locomotive for their children. After brief stops at the Palmer Fairgrounds, the family relocated the track to Wasilla, where it has remained for the past 14 years and celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2024.
Each train, weighing roughly 1,000 pounds, pulls 10 passengers on a 55‑minute circuit that includes scenic stops for photographs. The operation is entirely volunteer‑run; no staff receives salaries, and all proceeds fund track maintenance and expansion.
Alpine enthusiasts and families alike frequent the ride, while the nonprofit also offers a chair car for passengers with special needs. The group’s Facebook page and website list volunteer opportunities for the upcoming summer, calling on locals to help keep the rails humming.