River Fox Train offers unique year-round excursions
If you are looking for a departure from the ordinary while going on an extraordinary adventure, then look no further than the train tracks leading to West Sacramento's River Fox Train.
River Fox Train, located at 18095 County Road. 117, offers an experience you can't get anywhere else in the area. River Fox Train genuinely has something for everyone, from exclusive Railbikes to Murder Mystery Trains and holiday events for kids.
“River Fox Train is a super cool and unique opportunity that the local community gets,” said Public Relations Manager for Mendocino Railway Kimberly Preciado. “People don't expect this to be so close to home when they hear about us. We are located in West Sacramento, so it's a little bit out of the main hub of Sacramento, but once people do find out about the rides, they recommend it to everyone. The word of mouth for us is widespread here.”
After a rebrand in the summer of 2020 to avoid confusion with Old Sacramento's train rides, the company landed on a cute fox as the company's mascot. Since then, they have been yearning to get locals or visitors from afar onto their rides.
One of the main attractions for the company are the Railbike rides.
Inside a tandem-seated four-wheel vehicle, two people can either pedal or get some help via the bike's 500watt electric assist motor as they ride along the tracks.
Composite wheels allow the bike to remain on the track for a nice and stable ride through farmland, open fields and anything else one can find along the 10-mile round-trip ride. Nine bikes can head out at a time for a total of 18 people per trip. Each ride takes up about an hour.
The rides take place on the same tracks as the train but are scheduled separately. No trains are on the tracks while the railbikes are out, and vice versa.
“They are unique to the north coast,” Preciado stated. “We also have them up in Fort Bragg and in Ventura. They are so fun. On the ride, there is a moment where you get off and walk around and learn about the history of the tracks. It's a super cool and unique experience.”
The company recently wrapped up the 2023 holiday ride season with its famous festive Christmas ride.
“The Christmas season was so great for us,” Preciado said. “We had a year breaking number of people come out for our Christmas trains. When you think of Christmas, you think of the movie “The Polar Express,” and everyone wants that experience.”
For the Christmas ride, families get assigned seating throughout the train. Hot chocolate and cookies are provided for the onehour ride while live music fills each cabin as a guitarist goes up and down singing carols. Santa Claus and Miss Claus are also on hand to provide each child with a one-on-one experience.
Coming up festivity-wise is the Valentine's Day dinner ride.
Preciado says three days are available for the more intimate sit-down event. The rides take place Feb. 13 through the 15th, starting at 6:30 p.m. Dinners include your choice of beef, chicken, or veggie, with an appetizer, glass of wine (available for purchase) and dessert.
“If interested, I would encourage people to book it early,” Preciado said. “When it's Valentine's Day, places get reserved like crazy. With this ride being more intimate, there aren't as many open seats available.”
In the coming months, River Fox Train will also bring back its Easter rides that are kid-friendly and tailored more toward families. An egg hunt will occur right before the ride on the company's front lawn. Once the hour-long ride begins, children will have an opportunity to meet with the Easter Bunny.
“I think it's special when we go out and hear from people that come up to us mentioning they have heard of us or did the Christmas or Easter rides,” Preciado said. “It makes us feel great, and it's why we try to make our holiday trains so special. People look forward to those every year.”
The Murder Mystery Train also remains a staple for the company, taking place on the first Saturday of every month. While kidfriendly, everyone on the ride is encouraged to be aged 13 or over.
“We have enhanced the product slightly since last year,” Preciado stated. “The food has been enhanced, but you still get everything you'd get from the ride last year.”