The Prairie Dog Central Railway is a short line railway owned and managed by The Vintage Locomotive Society Inc. and is one of the oldest regularly scheduled vintage operating trains in North America. The Vintage Locomotive Society Incorporated is a non-profit organization whose primary objective is to maintain and operate the Prairie Dog Central Railway vintage steam train. It takes many volunteer members both on the train and at the station to run the Prairie Dog Central Railway every operating day.
Why not also consider
making a donation?
While we are a registered non-profit organization, and the majority of our
activities are provided by ticket sales, a donation is also
sincerely welcomed.
The Railway began operations in regular public service on July 11, 1970. From 1970 – 1974, the train operated out of Charleswood along Wilkes Boulevard on the former Canadian National Cabot Subdivision. From 1975 to 1996 the train then operated out of St. James and the old St James Station, immediately west of Polo Park on the Canadian National Oak Point Subdivision.
In 1996 the Society was advised by CN that the Oak Point Subdivision was to be sold, and that the Transcona shops (where the train was stored and maintained) could no longer support the Prairie Dog Central Railway operations. Consequently, soon after 1996 the Prairie Dog Central Railway ceased its train operations for two seasons while the Society embarked on a major fundraising campaign to raise $1.3 million dollars.
Testimonials
On 18 August my husband, two young sons and myself took a trip on your railway and it was a most delightful experience. Thank you for a very enjoyable day! Karen S
The Conference was a huge success and that was due to the great, courteous and informative staff that made our 350 US and Canadian guests welcome!
Thank you to everyone at the Prairie Dog Central for making our train ride so enjoyable! Our group had a lot of fun! Jan and Sheri
We took my mother on your railway trip and were really pleased. An accolade to your volunteers -- they were super! Roberta S
Our students had the pleasure of riding on the Prairie Dog Central Railway. Thank you for the positive experience! Elaine G
Congratulations on being the Winner for Marketing Excellence for this year's Manitoba Tourism Awards! Government of Manitoba
The Vintage
Locomotive
Society Inc.
Historical Website
Since the late 1960’s the Society has focused on the restoration of vintage locomotives and coaches and is responsible for operating
the Prairie Dog Central Railway.
