American Heritage Railways CEO - Al Harper

In a special in-person episode of Sagely Speaking ®, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Al Harper in Durango, Colorado, for a captivating conversation about the intersection of film production, historic railroads, and storytelling.

As the visionary behind American Heritage Railways, Al—alongside his wife and co-owner, Carol—has built the country’s foremost tourist railroad organization. They own and operate the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina, and Rail Events, Inc., which brings licensed entertainment experiences to railroads and museums across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Their passion for preservation also led them to restore and reopen the historic Grand Imperial Hotel in Silverton, originally built in 1882.

During our discussion, we also explored the exciting world of film production, including Kevin Costner’s ambitious Horizon films. Costner, known for his deep connection to the American West, has integrated historic trains into his cinematic storytelling, enhancing authenticity in his productions. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, Durango has played a key role in bringing these Western stories to life, with American Heritage Railways providing period-accurate locomotives and settings.

This episode was truly a special one—recorded in person, surrounded by the history and energy of Durango’s railroads. Tune in to hear firsthand from Al Harper about his journey, the future of heritage railways, and their unique connection to the film industry!