article and photos by Jamie Blotske

All aboard! You’ve heard the phrase, “dinner with a show!” Well, this is more than that. It’s an experience, to say least. This unique dinner train, which makes a 56-mile round-trip journey, is located in central Montana, just 10 miles from Main Street in Lewistown. During the four-and-a-half-hour trip, you’ll “travel through vast ranchlands, cross three historic trestles and pass through a half-mile-long tunnel, all while surrounded by beautiful Central Montana mountains and sunsets.” Tickets include a full-course prime rib dinner followed by dessert. There is a no-host cash bar, music provided by local entertainers, and a live show. There is an option for a VIP ticket, which includes a T-shirt, priority boarding, and a complimentary drink with dinner.

The dinner train operates from May through October. Speaking from experience, a fall trip is highly recommended. The colors of the Judith River Valley are bold and vibrant. The panoramic windows give each passenger a front-row seat to the seasonal landscape. It’s all the comforts of fall, sitting in a train car while enjoying a fantastic Montana-made meal. Fun for the whole family, the live entertainment will captivate your young children as they imagine themselves as Montana’s next cowboy or cowgirl, embracing the wonder of the West. While that was our dinner entertainment, there were various themes to join in. As Halloween approaches, the train becomes the Wandering Wizard Express, a “journey filled with whimsical charm and delightful surprises.” Earlier in the year, there was also a Chokecherry festival and a Cinco de Mayo dinner train. During the Holidays, you can ride the North Pole Adventure Train. There are countless wonderful options to choose from!

Tickets sell fast! They are available for purchase online; however, if the website shows no availability, please call them at (406) 535-5436 or send an email to crcc@midrivers.com. There may be a waiting list for any last-minute cancellations. Better yet, plan ahead for next year and be the first to snag those fall trip tickets!

LODGING IN LEWISTOWN

Planning to make a weekend of it? The Yogo Inn has been a Central Montana staple since 1962! Enjoy its history and charm, dine at Stetson’s Restaurant, grab a drink at the Golden Spike Lounge, or take a swim in the year-round heated indoor pool and spa. A stay at the Yogo Inn pairs perfectly with the dinner train experience!

Looking for something a bit more elegant? You’ll enjoy the vintage charm, luxury, and character of The Calvert Hotel. What was once a dormitory for high school students in the 1900s is now a boutique hotel, conveniently located off Main Street and within walking distance of downtown Lewistown.

If you're looking for a more rustic experience, check out the Cottonwood Log Cabins, located 10 miles from Lewistown. The simplicity of a log cabin welcomes you into a peaceful environment, perfect for some true R&R, away from the distractions of city life. “Private settings, meandering creeks and trails, wide open spaces, and beautiful mountain views ensure a vacation you'll always remember.”

Book today! Call (574) 229-4415 mail or email rentals@cottonwoodlogcabins.com

Originally printed in the October 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Never miss an issue, check out SLM's digital editions here!  

related articles: