I knew I’d get along with Mark Nelson when he laughed out loud at my first question: “What’s your favorite dinosaur?” The 13-year Executive Director of the Heber Valley Railroad lit up with boyish enthusiasm, reminiscing about Kid’s Train Days. One themed car features a real paleontologist teaching kids about Utah’s fossil record while they ride around Deer Creek Reservoir. “I loved the T-Rex as a kid,” he said, “but as I got older and less violent, I started liking the plant-eaters. So I’d say the Stegosaurus.”
With his shock of white hair and Dick Van Dyke charm, Mark has helped turn the railroad into a gateway to magic for hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists. Alongside the North Pole Express, you’ll find a Chocolate Lovers Train, Jane Austen Train, Pie Day Train, Taylor Swift Train, and more. “We want there to be something for everyone,” Mark told me.
One of the railroad’s guiding goals is affordability. “There are lots of attractions in the area that are price insensitive,” he said. “We serve a population of over two million people within an hour’s drive—many are families with young children.” Themed trains often include discounts for kids, helping make the experience more accessible. But the real focus is on creating lasting experiences: “We hope people want to ride more than once a year.”
The Heber Valley Railroad is one of only a few remaining “Heritage Railroads” in the U.S. Its growing fleet includes vintage locomotives and passenger cars. Mark’s eyes lit up when he shared news of their newest acquisitions—glass-domed dining cars from the 1940s, being refurbished in the Midwest. “Railroads were competing with airlines back then, so they focused on luxury,” he explained. “We plan to start a regular dinner train once they arrive.”
We had 15 miles of rickety track, an engine in pieces, and a few cars with holes in the floor.
Restoration, however, is an uphill battle. “Because these trains are in active use, a lot of our time goes to maintenance,” he said. That leaves little room for larger projects—like the beloved 1907 steam engine, Number 618. “Everyone wants to know when it’ll be back in service,” he laughed. His team is hard at work sourcing parts, and the engine’s return remains a top priority.
When asked about the challenges he faced early on, Mark recalled the railroad’s rough shape. “I felt like Wesley from The Princess Bride—you know, ‘What are our assets?’” he joked. “We had 15 miles of rickety track, an engine in pieces, and a few cars with holes in the floor.” His solution? Focus on the experience. By collaborating with actors, educators, and local talent, the railroad began offering themed events that drew in small crowds—and then loyal ones. Last year alone, they offered more than 500 train rides to over 100,000 guests.
The future is looking bright. With Salt Lake City set to host the Winter Olympics in 2034, Heber Valley Railroad may play a part in transporting guests to the Wasatch Back. Though historic trains likely won’t serve as Olympic shuttles, the railroad could help move people closer to the action.
In the nearer term, the railroad is partnering with UDOT on a new initiative in Provo Canyon. Plans include rebuilding the lower section of track alongside a paved trail network, allowing bikers and walkers to travel safely between the Utah and Heber valleys. “Imagine taking the train from Vivian Park up the canyon, then coasting down the trail on an e-bike to Riverwoods,” Mark said. “It could be amazing.”
Before we wrapped up, I asked Mark if he’d ever dreamed of completing the original route the railroad was intended to follow—through the Duchesne River valley and into Colorado. He laughed. “Either you did your homework, or you’re a rail enthusiast.” Built by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, the line was originally planned to go much farther, but that dream faded by 1899. While a Provo-to-Denver ride seems unlikely now, the current transformation of the Heber Valley line is no less impressive.
From a collection of antiques in disrepair to a cherished tradition for tens of thousands, the railroad has been reborn under Mark’s leadership. It’s a place where vintage charm meets imaginative storytelling—and where every ride feels like a journey through time.
One thing is certain: I’ll be getting my North Pole Express tickets early this year.
