Aurora Express

It all started with a dream of a previous owner Susan Wilson who owned and ran a daycare and decided to have Former Alaska Railroad #3021, four pieces of beautiful passenger equipment from the Denali Park Hotel, a tank car, and a caboose. Each piece cost $20,000 due to the requirements of shutting down roads and the equipment needed to get the rail equipment safely to Chena Ridge which was a challenge. Fortunately, Mrs. Wilson's husband Michael worked in construction and was able to make her dream come true. The business opened in 1993 with the caboose and tanker put in the backyard first, the passenger equipment, and former Alaska Railroad #3021. The rooms were restored to the best of Wilson's ability to their original interiors. The caboose was nicknamed “Golden Elly” after Susan's mother who told her to find the caboose. This involved a lot of luxury such as gold, a private bath, a king bed, drapes, and all kinds of decorations. Arlene served as a hospital railcar during WWII Bordello represented the unclean or bar themed. Can Can themed car represented Can Can dancing. The National Emblem was built in 1946 by Pullman Car Works and could sleep four. In addition, there was seating at the other end of the car. What makes this an antique is how only eleven of these were manufactured by Pullman. After WWII, the Alaska Railroad put this car in service between Seward and Fairbanks but in times of war was stationed in Denali National Park. There were shoe lockers to allow porters to come down the hall and polish your shoes. The Diner is 85ft long and can dine 25. There is an eagle that was painted on the ceiling and would watch you walk underneath it. Unfortunately, in 2021, Michael was becoming ill and incapable of being able to run the bed and breakfast. The children seemed to lose interest in assisting and Susan didn't have the energy to keep the business going so sadly they shut down Aurora Express Bed and Breakfast. The owner of Chena Hot Springs Resort decided to purchase the bed and breakfast and had everything moved just outside the entrance to the resort.