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 offers an incredibly unique and exciting experience for the local community” said Public Relations Manager for Mendocino Railway Kimberly Preciado. “Many people are surprised to discover something so special right in their backyard. While we’re located in West Sacramento, only 15 minutes from downtown, once people experience our rides, they can’t stop recommending it to others. Word of mouth has truly been a powerful force for us in this area.”

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 500-watt 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 2024 holiday ride season with its famous festive Magical Christmas Train ride.

“The Christmas season was so great for us,” Preciado said. “We had another year breaking number of people come out for our Magical Christmas Train. When you think of Christmas, you imagine an enchanting experience that captures the wonder of the holiday season, and the Magical Christmas Train is just that.”

For the Christmas ride, families get assigned seating throughout the train. Hot chocolate and cookies are served by elves for the one-hour 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 Train ride.

Preciado says three days are available and three packages will be offered. The rides take place Feb. 13 through the 15th, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Packages include:

Copper Fox: Dessert & Bubbles

Celebrate with a chilled bottle of bubbly and a decadent chocolate brownie ganache cheesecake to end the evening on a sweet note.

Silver Fox: Charcuterie & Dessert

Enjoy a bottle of bubbly, a charcuterie board for two, and a rich chocolate brownie ganache cheesecake to complete your night.

Golden Fox: Full Meal & Bubbles

Indulge in a full-course meal with bubbly, featuring tri-tip, salmon, or a vegetarian option, plus grilled veggies, sides, and tiramisu for dessert. Upgrade to VIP for premium champagne.

“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 and unique, there aren’t as many open seats available last-minute.”

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 kid-friendly, everyone on the ride is encouraged to be aged 13 or over.

“We highly encourage you come on board and solve the mystery yourself” Preciado stated. “It’s definitely a must to do when you come to the River Fox Train, a unique and interactive Saturday activity.”

The Murder Mystery Train is contracted out to a local acting company and is longer than the regular rides, lasting about two and a half hours.

“Each month is a different theme,” Preciado stated. “You get the entire storyline with someone being murdered, getting a chance to use your sleuthing skills and try to solve the case along with the actors. You will, of course, also get dinner and dessert to go with the shows.”

The formerly offered wine train has been rebranded to what is now called “The Old Vine Express.”

“It’s more of an elevated experience and is meant to be a little bit more luxurious,” Preciado said. “You get a real winery experience on the trip, paired with a nice view and ride.”

The Old Vine Express is offered during select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month.

The River Fox Refresher, which includes beer and canned cocktails in an open bar-type setting, is also offered every week when holiday rides aren’t happening. Alongside our Boba Train, available every third Saturday of the month where guests can enjoy a scenic ride while sampling a variety of boba flavors, we’re excited to introduce a VIP option! This exclusive experience offers the added luxury of sampling flavors with personalized table service.

We also have our Family Fun Day now avaialble select Satrudays and Sundays throughout the month where kids ride free! Families are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in our private park before or after the train. On the train families can enjoy board games and exploring the train. The bars, concessions car and our On-Board Cafe are open for families to partake in a libation or snack.”

So, whether you want to go with your family or friends, ride a train, ride the Railbikes, or even go during a holiday or maybe a regular day, River Fox Train staff are always thinking of different ways to dress up their rides.

“If you haven’t tried us out yet, I highly encourage you to try one of our train rides or the Railbikes,” Preciado said. “It’s definitely something worth coming to check out at least once in your lifetime.”

A full schedule of rides and booking information can easily be found on their website at https://www.riverfoxtrain.com/calendar/.