South Cle Elum Rail Yard National Historic District, Washington, United States
4.5 (9 reviews) Monday: Spent Ranking #1 in South Cle Elum Historic Walking Areas
Great place to learn and imagine
I was staying nearby and walked along the rails to trails trail to this historical site. I really enjoyed learning the history of South Cle Elum and this rail yard. It was pleasant to walk around, read the signs, and picture all the busy and important railroading activities that went in here. I’m very interested in the history of everyday people, and have always been fascinated by trains. I loved the chance to walk around and learn.
Address
801 MIlwaukee Rd, South Cle Elum, WA 98943
Mobile
Website
http://kittitashistory.com/sites/depot/
Working hours
Monday :
Tuesday :
Wednesday :
Thursday :
Friday :
Saturday : 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday :
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 13, 2024, 5:24
User Ratings
4.5 based on (9 reviews)
Reviews
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4Railhistoryfan 5:00 PM Jul 5, 2017
Hidden Gem in South Elum - Railroad History and More
Starting in 1906, the Milwaukee Road RR started construction of a rail line from the midwest to the Pacific Coast. This audacious project was completed in three years. The railroad picked South Cle Elum as the site for a station, yard, offices, locomotive shops and more. A few years later they added electrification to the line and a substation was built. Alas, the railroad line has been abandoned and the track pulled up. The substation has been saved, the station is now a museum and restaurant and the former bunkhouse is now an inn. Most of the rest of the buildings have been demolished. The state and a foundation restored the yard area, preserving the foundations and created an educational trail. You could spend up to two hours here studying the signs and walking around. The museum is only open on select Saturdays. The station restaurant is open most days and you can stay at the former bunk house which is now a B&B. The park/ trail is well marked and very enjoyable. Highly recommend to history fans, railroad buffs and those looking for a leisurely walk.
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4Katie and Phil H 5:00 PM Jun 12, 2019
Nicely laid out historical park
We enjoyed learning about the interesting history of the South Cle Elum depot. Not much infrastructure remains, and the rail lines are long gone, but the signs are very informative at each point of interest in the historical park, and the walking tour is flat and accessible. The old depot building is mostly taken over by a barbecue restaurant, and the small railroad museum in one section of the building only has limited opening hours. It was not open when we were there, but we enjoyed lunch at the restaurant.
