Thurmond Train Day 2019

Sixth Annual Thurmond Train Day to be held on July 20, 2019

Thurmond, WV – The National Park Service (NPS) at New River Gorge National River, National Coal Heritage Area, the Thurmond Performance Team, and Operation Lifesaver are hosting the sixth annual ?Thurmond Train Day? in the historic railroad town of Thurmond, West Virginia, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 20, 2019. A variety of free activities for all ages will be offered as a way for people to explore the town?s history and to learn safety tips for living and recreating in areas near railroad tracks and crossings. Thurmond?s goats will be around town too, helping with park resource vegetation issues.

Special activities for kids will include stories, activities, and other fun ways to learn about trains. All children attending the event will be able to participate in a junior ranger activity and will have an opportunity to earn a National Park Service Junior Ranger badge. Kids can also get their picture taken on a historic railroad handcart and will receive a framed photo to take home.

Thurmond Train Day will also feature historic walking tours that celebrate the rich stories of this historic boomtown and the railroad that built it. Join a ranger for a tour of Thurmond’s commercial row at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Visitor Center for these half-mile walking tour. A special extended town tour will leave from the depot at 2:45 and will include a stop in the community church.

Operation Lifesaver will provide educational materials, displays, and video presentations that emphasize the value of rail transportation and promote rail safety. Located in all 50 states, Operation Lifesaver raises awareness and improves public safety on and around highway-rail grade crossings and tracks through public awareness and education.

The Thurmond Depot Visitor Center is open daily through Labor Day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Park information and tools to help plan a visit to the National Parks of Southern West Virginia are online at www.nps.gov/neri, www.nps.gov/gari, and www.nps.gov/blue