Train lovers should get a kick out of Ogema-based Southern Prairie Railway’s tours, which take travellers on a ride using a General Electric 44-ton switcher locomotive pulling a 1925 passenger car.
Southern Prairie Railway (SPR) is Saskatchewan’s first full-sized tourist railway. Formed in 2010, SPR’s goal is to provide an authentic prairie pioneer experience. SPR travels east and west to the towns of Pangman and Horizon, respectively, taking passengers through picturesque fields of the prairies and past an abundance of wildlife.
Ogema Heritage Railway Association — a registered charity that oversees SPR — began offering heritage train tours in 2012 with one excursion a month but increased that to 10 trips a month because seats sold out quickly. The kids’ tours proved to be a big hit, while food-focused excursions were equally popular.
There are 10 trips passengers can take with Southern Prairie Railway. Some trips include:
- Heritage train ride: Travellers can discover heritage as they ride through the prairies with a guide who shares historical facts. The tour leaves Ogema Train Station and goes to Horizon, Sask, where passengers receive an exclusive tour of a 1922 Federal Grain Elevator
- Kids’ fun train: The train departs Ogema for a few hours of fun. Balloon animals, face painting, lunch, cake, and plenty of festivities, as well as the train tour to Pangman, ensure the kids have a day full of memories
- Morning or afternoon robbery train rides: Take the train to Pangman if you dare! Local outlaws will rob the train during the trip. When you arrive, there will be a farmer’s market with goods such as fresh vegetables, baked goods, homemade crafts, and more. All money stolen will go to STARS Air Ambulance and the Saskatchewan Cancer Society
- Prairie pitchfork fondue train ride: This is a Western steak oil fry where pitchforks are used. This tour includes a pitchfork fondue supper featuring a fondue-cooked 10 oz. ribeye Canadian AAA steak, roasted potatoes, creamy Caesar salad, pasta salad, veggies, assorted desserts, a non-alcoholic beverage, museum entry, and the train trip to Horizon and back
- Settlers’ supper train ride: Experience the yesteryear of pioneer travel and way of life. Step back in time on a beautiful train ride across the prairies to Horizon
- Texas-style BBQ and train ride: Enjoy an old-school Texas-style barbecue meal during a 3.5-hour trip. Bud’s BBQ in Ogema will cater this trip
- Craft beer train trip (new): Enjoy a sampling of some of southern Saskatchewan’s finest locally brewed beer from companies like Rebellion Brewing and District Brewing while admiring the beauty of the open prairie. Trip includes a ride to Horizon with a tour of a 1922 grain elevator
- Enchanted 9 3/4 (new): This Harry Potter-themed trip will surely delight all fans of the boy wizard. Travellers are encouraged to wear their best costumes and bring their favourite wands as they travel to Horizon as they watch for dragons or flying cars
There are also many heritage locations in Ogema to visit, such as a walking tour of Main Street and two museums with a combined one million artifacts. The well-known Deep South Pioneer Museum — celebrating 46 years this year — has 33 heritage buildings on its property, along with over 150 pieces of antique farm machinery.
For more information and prices, call Southern Prairie Railway at 306-459-7808 or visit www.southernprairierailway.ca.
