Christmas Tree Farm’s Exquisite Steam Trains Catch the Eye of Disneyland

The railroad began as a 1,200-foot loop on 5 acres. Today, the farm has expanded to 45 acres, and the track has grown to nearly 3 miles.

Visitors enjoy a train ride during blossom season at Hillcrest Farm in Reedley, Calif. Courtesy of Sean and Melissa Bautista

In the early fall months of September and October, the sound of a train whistle can be heard echoing through the countryside of Reedley, California, reminding locals that the Hillcrest & Wahtoke Railroad and Christmas tree farm is open for business.

Hillcrest—about 30 minutes southeast of Fresno—is a valley attraction dating to the 1960s, when it was owned by Ed and Bonnie Toews, who originally operated the Christmas tree farm on the small property.