You’ve probably already started buying plane tickets for your summer vacations and getting the car ready for long road trips….but there’s one form of transportation you’re missing, and that’s the train. Texas is home to some pretty epic trains that prove that sometimes the ride is just as great as the final destination!
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
For all you city-slickers, see the Metroplex in style with a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Choose between a one-hour ride around town or go on an excursion to the Fort Worth Stockyards — and if you’re really looking for something fun to do, check out their calendar of special events. They host all sorts of fun train rides including the Polar Express during Christmas, a Witches Brew Train for adults at Halloween and even a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine!
Austin Steam Train
Austin Steam Train Association
Take in the Hill Country aboard the Austin Steam Train, which rides the historic 1882 rail line from Austin to Burnet. It has just about every type of train ride you could imagine. Each weekend, they offer scenic rides through the Hill Country with stops in Burnet or Bertram, but they also offer special events for little trippers like Princess and Superhero-themed rides — where costumes are encouraged. But the fun’s not only for the kids — they also host beer-flight rides and murder mysteries for adults!
Texas State Railroad
Texas State Railroad
If you’re a tried-and-true train lover, then the Texas State Railroad is perfect for you! The vintage 1920’s train chugs its way across the East Texas pines, with a mixture of beautiful Piney Woods scenery and historic sites along the 4-hour round trip. And for those that really want to learn the rails, the train offers a Locomotive Ride-Along where you’ll be seated right in the middle of the action, assisting the engineer and conductor with the ride!
Historic Jefferson Railway
Jefferson Historic Railway Facebook
History buffs need to hop aboard the Jefferson Historic Railway for an experience unlike any other. During special events, passengers are whisked away to the year 1862 as the Andrews Raid of the Civil War is reenacted right outside the train. Be a part of the action as cannons roar and soldiers from the North and South fight for control of the train. And if somehow being in the middle of a gunfight isn’t extreme enough for you, the railroad also hosts Gator Feeding rides!
