RAILROAD CARS MANHANDLED UP A MOUNTAIN FOR A BETTER VIEW The Aurora-Express not only offers lodging in historic railroad cars: they have additionally been transported halfway up a mountain to give a better view of Fairbanks and the Tanana valley far below. Susan Wilson originally purchased the caboose as a present for husband Mike, who refused to let the challenge of moving a 41 feet long, 52,000 pound caboose halfway up a mountain defeat him. After the caboose, two 1956 Pullman Company railcars, originally used on the Alaska Railroad were purchased and again Mike would not let the challenges of their relocation defeat his ingenuity. 85 ft long, 10 ft wide and each weighing 90 tons, these Pullman railcars provided an engineering challenge to deliver through the hairpin curves and narrow passes of Fairbanks. Now fully restored, the Aurora Express consists of seven authentic Alaska Railroad car suites, resting on winding track, and far below, a panoramic view of the Tanana River, the Alaska Mountain Range and the City of Fairbanks.
If you visited the Aurora Express as a train fan you’ll perhaps want to visit President Harding's Railroad Car, "Denali" at Pioneer Park. Admission is free. You might also want to see the historic log cabins brought together from all over Alaska to create a historic gold rush town, with information on each of the dwellings. If you’re in Fairbanks you should check out the Aurora Ice museum entry too. Seven suites are available with double rooms from US$135 per night to family rooms at US$225 including breakfast plus tax. The Aurora Express is 20 minutes from Fairbanks International airport. “Best views from impossible railroad in the sky”
Some of the suites are for couples, such as the "Golden Nellie" private car with its queen size bed, private bath, and most enjoyable of all, lounge chairs where you can sit in comfort in the covered observation deck. Other suites offer multiple occupancy, such as the 1956 Pullman private sleeper car that has two baths and can accommodate from one to four people. The ‘Arlene’ has been renovated into a private 85-foot car with 2 bedrooms including a smaller Thomas the Tank Engine themed children’s bedroom, (complete with toys, books, and puzzles). Not all of the cars are available for family bookings however, please check for group and family reservations.
The Aurora Express P.O. Box 80128 Fairbanks, AK 99708 United States of America www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com/AuroraExpress
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