Making the most of your POLAR EXPRESS^TM experience

Here is some information to make sure your visit to Elbe and Mount Rainier Railroad & Logging Museum for THE POLAR EXPRESS^TM is a fantastic and magical experience for the whole family.

Helpful tips and ideas

Plan ahead and pack accordingly. Don't forget:

pajamas (it's THE POLAR EXPRESS^TM, after all)
waterproof jacket
gloves
umbrella
snacks for the kids
OPTIONAL: canned and shelf-stable food, hygiene and household items that will be collected as donations to the local food pantry

Give yourself plenty of time

The scenic drive to Elbe features some gorgeous scenery, but smaller roads with lots of cars traveling for THE POLAR EXPRESS^TMcan cause delays. Plan to arrive 45 minutes early - or even earlier, if you're planning to dine in Elbe - to play it safe.

Also, please be aware that the Mount Rainier Railroad parking lot does require a $4 parking permit that can be purchased when you arrive.

Places to stay

Check prices and compare rates on hotels, inns, B&Bs, and cabins near Mt. Rainier Railroad:

Places to eat in Elbe

Elbe has several great dining spots, but your options may be limited by operating hours and capacity, so it's important to plan ahead and arrive early if you wish to eat in Elbe before your POLAR EXPRESS^TM experience. Here are some of the choice's you'll have once you're in Elbe.

Elbe Bar & Grill

Local watering hole with good pub food, beer and cocktails

54312 182 Ave Ct E, Elbe, WA 98330

Open Sunday - Thursday 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.; Friday - Saturday 12:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Scaleburgers

Good burgers and milkshakes, with outdoor seating

54109 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA 98330

Open Sunday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7 p.m.

*** CASH ONLY ***

Elbe Mall

A well-stocked convenience store with snacks and sandwiches.

54011 SR7, Elbe, WA 98330

Open daily 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

DeWitt's Elbe Junction

Old-fashioned grocery store and coffee shop

54209 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA 98330

Monday - Tuesday closed; Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Things for families to do in and around Elbe

If you're coming to the area for THE POLAR EXPRESS^TM, consider making a day or a weekend of it, to break up the long drives and create some incredible family memories. Elbe, Ashford and Eatonville are small communities in the shadow of Mount Rainier with activities and attractions to help make the decision an easy one.