The following is a press release issued by Mendocino Railway. For full disclosure, Mendocino Railway is a paid advertiser on our website:
The Skunk Train is delighted to announce that we have been named a winner in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Scenic Train Ride! Coming in at number five on the 10Best list, this prestigious ranking reflects the votes of travel enthusiasts across the nation, highlighting the Skunk Train’s exceptional Northern California scenery and guest experience.
These nominations were carefully selected by a panel of experts from the hundreds of heritage railroads in the United States. We are immensely proud to be recognized among such an esteemed company and grateful to our dedicated riders and fans for their support.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Efstathios Pappas, General Manager of the Skunk Train. “This recognition from USA TODAY 10Best is a testament to the breathtaking beauty of our scenic routes and the unique, memorable experiences we strive to provide every day.”
This award follows our recent achievement in March, where we received the Poppy Award for “Best Influencer Campaign.” These competitive awards are selected by Visit California to showcase the tourism industry’s best work.
Further reflecting the popularity of the Skunk Train in Mendocino, a record number of guests traveled to both the Fort Bragg and Willits depots over Memorial Day weekend. This success is attributed to our innovative combination of trips, which includes excursion trains, guided hiking and train packages, evening Glen Blair Bar trips, daytime and evening railbikes, and the new Whiskey Train.
We are profoundly thankful to our guests and fans for their support in this nationwide competition. While being recognized as a local treasure in the Bay Area is an honor, achieving a top-five ranking across the entire United States is truly amazing.
For a full list of winners, please visit: 10best.usatoday.com
For more information about Mendocino Railway – The Skunk Train and its unforgettable rail adventures, visit www.skunktrain.com or call (707) 964-6371.
California Western Railroad / Skunk Train located in the redwood forests of Northern California’s Mendocino County, is a heritage railroad that has been operating both freight and passenger service since 1885. Initially used to move redwood logs to the Mendocino Coast sawmills from the rugged back country, the Skunk Train has become a beloved institution touted as one of the “10 Best Rail Tours in the Country” (USA Today), and a “Top 10 Family Activity in California” (National Geographic Traveler). The Skunk Train journey covers 40 miles of scenic delights and 30 bridges, all while retaining its original charm—minus the historic pungent aroma that once preceded its arrival. Operating year-round, this multi-generational experience welcomes passengers to bring along their families and even their dog, ensuring a memorable and inclusive adventure.
Yet a radical faction in Fort Bragg wants it shut down and employees fired.
Expand it, make jobs available throughout Fort Bragg in a ripple effect,
Fix the tunnel!