Why This Montana Train Adventure Should Be On Your Bucket List

We’ve all seen the old western movies of train robbers with bandits riding alongside the train, firing their six-shooters, with lawmen hot on their tails. Fun stuff, right? Well, what if you could witness this yourself? What if you could see it all play out from a safe perspective while eating a prime rib dinner? Ummm yes, sign me up. Turns out, your cowboy daydream can actually come true thanks to the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, located in Lewiston, MT.

@montuckymary Charlie Russell Chew Choo was a lovely and charming experience. #montana #charlierussellchewchoo #406living #dinnertrain #bigskycountry ♬ Over the Hills and Far Away - Acoustic Guitar Revival

This isn’t just any train ride. It’s a full-on western experience. Picture yourself winding through the heart of Big Sky Country, watching wildlife, catching those jaw-dropping views, and rolling past ranchlands that Charlie Russell once drew his inspiration from. The 56-mile round trip has been entertaining passengers for over 25 years, taking you over trestles, through the historic Hoosac Tunnel, and across some of the prettiest country Central Montana has to offer.

And the food? Let’s just say this isn’t a sad little snack cart situation. The Montana Dinner Train serves up a full-course prime rib dinner, paired with live music and western-style entertainment to keep the vibes rolling right along with the tracks. It’s a four-and-a-half-hour ride that take you back in time.

Here’s the only catch. Tickets are sold out for the rest of this year. BUT don’t hang up your spurs just yet. You can plan ahead for next season or snag a spot on the North Pole Adventure Train, which HAS NOT sold out. That ride swaps out bandits for cocoa and cookies.