All aboard! Feel the Halloween spirit with a journey to the Pumpkin Patch or Haunted Canyon
Greg [left], one of the conductors, greets passengers on the Heber Valley Railroad. Photo by Jessic Eyre/Utah Adventurer
Caleb looks out over Deer Creek Reservoir from the train car window on the Pumpkin Patch excursion by the Heber Valley Railroad. Photo by Jessica Eyre/Utah Adventurer
Grace and Caleb Eyre stand in front of a train car at the Heber Valley Railroad prior to riding on the train for Pumpkin Patch excursion. Photo by Jessica Eyre/Utah Adventurer
Grace and Caleb Eyre pick out pumpkins from the pumpkin patch on the Heber Valley Railroad excursion. Photo by Jessica Eyre/Utah Adventurer
Caleb Eyre finds his pumpkin, wedged between two larger ones. With a little effort, he eventually wiggled it free and took it back with him on the train. Photo by Jessica Eyre/Utah Adventurer
Children look over the pumpkins to find the one right for them at the pumpkin patch, part of the Pumpkin Patch excursion with the Heber Valley Railroad. Photo by Jessica Eyre/Utah Adventurer
Attention pumpkin patchers! The Heber Valley Railroad wraps up many elements of fall into one 90-minute train ride perfect for the whole family with its Pumpkin Patch excursion. There’s fall scenery, hot chocolate, pumpkins. What’s not to love?
We boarded the train at the depot in Heber City, greeted by Greg, a very friendly conductor. The trains are a sight to see themselves, particularly if you have a train buff in your group. We settled down in our seats, grateful for the warmth of the heaters, which took the edge off the bitter cold that came through the state last weekend.
The train whistle blew and we started down the track. As we made our way through neighborhoods and around the shore of Deer Creek, we watched the scenery go by, and made our way to the concession car, two cars back, for our cookies and hot chocolate.
About 20 minutes or so after departure, we arrived at the pumpkin patch. We all got off the train and each picked out a pumpkin from the piles of orange gourds atop bales of hay. Back on the train, train attendants passed out stickers with which to make jack-o-lantern faces.
A second round of cookies kept the small ones full and satisfied on the way back to the depot.
Other offerings on the ride are photos of your party — a photographer comes around at the beginning of the journey and takes a picture of your group. On the second leg of the trip, the printed photos are made available for purchase. It’s a nice way for moms to get in a photo.
The Pumpkin Patch excursion is a great way to celebrate the season, encompassing the harvest, the changing weather and Halloween.
Heber Valley Historic Railroad also has a Haunted Canyon ride that features spooks, ghosts and ghouls on a 35-minute ride through Provo Canyon. Patrons are invited to come in costume (but dress for the outdoors) and experience the haunting legends of the canyon. The train departs Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. Glow sticks, snacks and hot drinks will be available for purchase at Vivian Park. This ride is suitable for all ages.
Pumpkin Patch
When: Fridays and Saturdays: Oct. 14, 15, 21,22, 28, 29
Departure: 3 p.m., returning at 4:30 p.m.
Fares: $21 children 3-12; $24 seniors 60+; $29adults
Purchase: Tickets can be purchased in advanceby contacting the Heber Valley Historic Railroad at (435) 654-5601or SmithsTix at 1-800-888-8499, or by visitingwww.hebervalleyrailroad.org
Where: Heber Valley Depot, 450 S. 600 West,Heber City
Note: Plan to arrive 15 minutes early
Haunted Canyon
When: Thursdays and Fridays: Oct. 14, 20, 21,27, 28 with departures at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays: Oct. 15,22, 29 with departures at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Fares: Adults/Seniors, $16; Children 3-12,$8
Where: Vivian Park, Provo Canyon
