NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mendocino Railway
09/16/2026
SKUNK TRAIN DEBUTS THE NOYO, BRINGING PRESIDENTIAL CLASS RAIL TRAVEL TO WILLITS
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA — (September 16, 2026) — The world-famous Skunk Train is officially introducing the Noyo, its newest Presidential Class experience and a new way to travel through the redwoods from Willits. Designed as an intimate cocktail lounge on rails, the Noyo combines mid-century modern design, elevated onboard service and the romance of classic rail travel.
With the arrival of the Noyo, the Skunk Train expands its premier Presidential Class offering to Willits, joining the Redwood Presidential Class car based in Fort Bragg. While the Redwood draws inspiration from the elegance of 1920s rail travel, the Noyo embraces the streamlined sophistication of the mid-20th century, creating two distinct interpretations of luxury rail travel across the Skunk Train system.
Inspired by famed industrial designers Otto Kuhler and Henry Dreyfuss, the Noyo captures the style of the mid-1940s through mid-1950s, an era known for elevated passenger rail travel and sophisticated onboard hospitality.
“The Noyo was an opportunity for our team to take a completely different era of rail travel and bring it to life,” said Stathi Pappas, general manager of the Skunk Train. “Everything about the car, from the mid-century design to the cocktails and service, was thoughtfully developed to create an experience that feels special from the moment guests step aboard. What makes it even more meaningful is that this transformation happened right here in our Fort Bragg Roundhouse, with our own team bringing the vision to life.”
Before its transformation, the railcar served as a U.S. Army car under the Department of Transportation. Like the Redwood, the Noyo was entirely envisioned, designed and rebuilt by Skunk Train team members in the railroad’s historic Roundhouse in Fort Bragg.
Following its restoration, the Noyo was relocated from Fort Bragg to Willits in August 2026 in preparation for passenger service.
“Bringing Presidential Class service to Willits represents an exciting next step for the Skunk Train,” said Robert Jason Pinoli, president and CEO of Mendocino Railway. “The Noyo allows us to build on more than a century of rail history while continuing to create new ways for guests to experience Mendocino County. It is both a celebration of where rail travel has been and an example of where we’re taking it next.”
Departing from Willits, the Noyo carries guests through Mendocino County’s redwood landscape to Crowley, the summit of the rail line. The journey pairs the scenery of the historic railroad with the elevated hospitality of Presidential Class.
The adults-only experience accommodates approximately 22 guests and includes two handcrafted cocktails, light bites and noshes, first-class onboard service, priority boarding and deboarding, and a commemorative glass keepsake. Tickets are $203.50 per person, and guests must be 21 or older.
Select departures are available year-round from Willits. The Noyo is also available for private buyouts, offering an intimate setting for celebrations, group gatherings and special events.
With Presidential Class experiences now available from both Fort Bragg and Willits, the Skunk Train continues to pair its historic railroad legacy with new ways to experience Mendocino County’s redwoods.
For tickets and additional information, visit SkunkTrain.com.
California Western Railroad / Skunk Train is a Class III common carrier public utility railroad located in the redwood forests of Northern California’s Mendocino County. This heritage freight railroad, which has been operating since 1885, added passenger service after its founding, initially moved redwood logs from the rugged back country to Mendocino Coast sawmills, later transporting finished lumber out to the national railroad network. In 1925, the railroad became known as the “Skunk Train” and, since that time, has become a beloved institution touted as one of the “10 Best Rail Tours in the Country” (USA Today) and a “Top 10 Family Activity in California” (National Geographic Traveler). The Skunk Train’s journey covers the same 40-mile route that its freight trains use, crossing over some 30 bridges, all while retaining its original charm—minus the historic pungent aroma that once preceded the train’s arrival. Freight, passenger, and excursion trains operate year-round. For tickets and more information, visit www.skunktrain.com or call (707) 964-6371.
Media Contact:
Kimberly Preciado
Public Relations Manager, Mendocino Railway
kpreciado@sierrarailroad.com
