Icicle Station is now open

Daily train service has returned to Leavenworth for the first time in 50 years, as the Icicle Station is now in operation. The community gathered last Friday night to greet the Amtrak Train, which stopped at the Icicle Station.

More than 200 people gathered at the station for performances by the Rail Rockers and Edelweiss Tanz Gruppe, address from Senator Linda Evans Parlette and other officials, the Amtrak arrival, and the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

"I'm really excited about the train coming to Leavenworth," County Commissioner Keith Goehner said. "As a kid, I was able to ride the train in the valley but that was 50 years ago so to be able to see it come again and provide an alternative mode of transportation for people coming to Leavenworth is great for not only Leavenworth, but for Chelan County."

The crowd gathered around 7 p.m. for coffee, cider, crackers with cheese, and German sausage, anxiously awaited the train's arrival.

"This is absolutely one of the highlights of Leavenworth," said Pension Anna Hotel owner Gary Thebault. "It opens us up to the whole world. Chicago, the Eastern seaboard, Spokane, Seattle. It's an alternative, particularly in Seattle. They don't want to fight the roads to get here, so now they have an alternative, and so do we."

A freight train passed around 7:30 p.m. and the crowd burst into cheers and waves knowing their train would be next.

"It's pretty exciting. Ten years ago, we would not have believed this could have happened," said City Councilman Peter DeVries. "And without Rob, who has been working hard for years and years, it wouldn't have happened. So I think we really have to give him credit for pestering Amtrak, Burlington Northern Sante Fe, the whole railroad conglomerate, to make sure this happened. I'm just very thankful that it's here. Look at the people who have turned out in the community. I don't think I have ever lived in a place where there are so many talented and caring people as the city of Leavenworth. I've lived here 22 years now, and I've felt like I've belonged for a long time now. This is a great evening and I can't wait to hear that train whistle."

While the group gathered and waited for the train to come, several folks were updated by their friends or family members, who called with updates from the train.

"I'm delighted that the train is coming to Leavenworth," said resident Marreeth Alford. "I am delighted at the turn out here. Everyone looks wonderful, everybody's happy and everybody on the train is happy, I just talked to them. My kids are on the train and they are having a great time. They said everybody is in a great mood."

The train arrived at 8:12 p.m. with 70 passengers disembarking at Leavenworth. Prior to that, locals celebrated at King Street Station in Seattle before departing for Leavenworth.

"The trip was fantastic. There was a great turn-out at King Street Station. The ride was fantastic. We had our own private car and it was wonderful," Eaton said. "This is amazing to have everyone here and welcoming the trip is mind-blowing. It really is."

When folks departed the train, they were met with hugs, cheers, and the kick-off of the evening, as Parlette took to the microphone to welcome them home.

"The trip in the evening was spectacular," City Councilman Michael Molohon said. "You got to see the sunset in the mountains, the food was amazing. We were really surprised that the food was that good. The wine was good and the service was delightful...we just had a wonderful time."

Amtrak is now taking reservations. The train departs from Leavenworth, eastbound, at 8:12 p.m. and departs westbound at 6:15 a.m. For service to Seattle, tickets are advertised as low as $36 roundtrip or $20 each way.