American Heritage Railways (AHR) is a heritage tourism company founded in 1998 that preserves and operates American railroad history. The company runs directly owned railroads, historic attractions and licensed special events, and describes itself as one of the largest heritage tourism operators in the United States. Its properties host more than two million guests a year, with work spanning steam and diesel locomotive excursions, narrow-gauge operations, hospitality and event management.
Among its holdings is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado, an operation established in 1881 that runs on historic narrow-gauge track through the Rocky Mountains. AHR also owns the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina, which offers year-round steam and diesel excursions, the Branson Scenic Railway in Missouri, the Old Tucson historic attraction in Arizona, and the Grand Imperial Hotel. The properties cover rail operations, tourism attractions and historic hospitality, requiring staff across engineering, operations, guest services and site management.
Through its subsidiary Rail Events Inc., AHR licenses special events, notably THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, to third-party properties. Those licences cover more than 50 properties in four countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The company is led by chief executive Allen C. Harper and states a mission dedicated to the preservation of American railroad history and to immersive, experiential travel.
