There is incredible magic and beauty when you travel in an old-fashioned, vintage train that takes you back in those times where technology was not born, so you could enjoy the vistas undisturbed. Texas has a very long history in this particular transportation system creating its first railroad back in 1853, while it was the first nation’s region to boast so many railway miles. In order to get a glimpse on how riders would enjoy a train ride a century ago, but also to explore the impeccable beauties of Texan nature, the state allows visitors to hop aboard scenic train rides in Texas that will take your breath away. Book a resort stay or a beach house in Texas today and explore this amazing state!
Good to know:
- Texas offers diverse experiences throughout the year. You can check the seasonal highlights before your trip to know which activities or events you can enjoy during your stay. For instance, if you're visiting in the fall, you can enjoy fall annual events like Wurstfest in New Braunfels and The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in Harlingen. Racing fans will be excited to know that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of Americas in Austin also takes place in the fall.
Travel advisory:
- According to AirlineGeeks, American and Allegiant Airlines have cut back several routes from the central Texas airport. Service to Austin will be significantly reduced because of these cutbacks. The cutbacks were initially announced in 2023, with plans for 21 routes. More routes were added to be cut back in late 2024.
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1. Texas State Railroad Rusk Depot
Book this train ride to jump on a fascinating four-hour trip that takes you through the thrilling Piney Woods of the Texas State. Enjoy this adventure together with your family and let yourself travel back to another era. On this train ride, there is food and adult beverage service, comfortable seating (you may choose among six different accommodations), and a historical narration along the way, all included. I’m sure you’ll be excited right from the moment you enter this 1920s vintage car. There will be a pleasant one-hour stop either at Palestine or Rusk depot.
Texas State Railroad
Website: Texas State Railroad
2. Grapevine Vintage Railroad Texas
A perfect, short getaway option with your family, I think this retro-style train ride offers a unique experience. The Victorian-style locomotives will take you along the legendary Cotton Belt Route (originally the St. Louis Southwestern Railway), which starts its journey from downtown Grapevine and finishes at the historic district of Fort Worth Stockyards. The train operates usually during the weekends, but changes may occur depending on the season. The ride lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with a two-hour layover at Stockyards.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad Texas
Website: Grapevine Vintage Railroad Texas
3. Hill Country Flyer
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Another family-friendly train ride, Hill Country Flyer, begins its exciting trip from Cedar Park in Texas and travels through the Texas Country Hill. The round-trip journey lasts about six hours and includes a two-hour layover at the popular tourist town Brunet. The 106 km (66 mi) ride goes through the wooden trestle bridge, continues on to South San Gabriel River and also the Short Creek Canyon, that form a part of the stunning Highland Lakes. At Burnet, you can have lunch and take a stroll around the historic city center. Tickets vary according to the class you choose.
Austin Steam Train Association
Website: Austin Steam Train Association
4. San Antonio Zoo Eagle
An undoubtedly scenic train ride, in its very own way, the San Antonio Zoo Eagle is one of the features of San Antonio Zoo, and I’d recommend it to families with kids. This epic train ride follows a brilliant route along the San Antonio River and goes through the most exciting parks. Among its various stops, are the spectacular Japanese Tea Gardens, the Witte Museum, and the Kiddie Park as well. Trains run daily during zoo hours unless the weather doesn’t permit, while the miniature railway travels about 4 km (2.5 mi). If you’re exploring Texas, San Antonio is one of the best places to visit. Be sure to take your kids to San Antonio Zoo Eagle for a fun train ride!
San Antonio Zoo Eagle
Website: San Antonio Zoo Eagle
5. Texas Eagle
If you were wondering how to see more of Texas, then I’d suggest taking this chance to delve into the real Texas and fall in love with it. The adventurous Texas Eagle runs daily from Chicago to San Antonio (and vice versa) and the journey takes about 32 hours. Step into an unforgettable experience where you get to see the land of Lincoln, Illinois, travel across the Mississippi River, the Ozarks, and the trilling Piney Woods of East Texas. Along the way, you will pass through big cities, like the cosmopolitan Dallas, Austin, and finally the popular San Antonio.
Texas Eagle
Website: Texas Eagle
6. Heartland Flyer
Heartland Flyer is a captivating Amtrak route that starts from Oklahoma City and ends in the city of Fort Worth, Texas. The trip lasts a bit over four hours. The best of these two states are chosen for you to experience. In Oklahoma, watch cowboy history come alive, catch a horse show, or visit the pools of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. When you reach Texas, be prepared to see real-life cowboys - I’d even love to dress up like one! You can also bike your way around (yes, you may carry your bike), and watch a stunning concert at Bass Performance Hall. There is a cafe aboard, and you can bring along your small pet.
Heartland Flyer
Website: Heartland Flyer
7. Texas Transportation Museum
Based in San Antonio, the Texas Transportation Museum came to life over 50 years ago by a caring team of volunteers who had the idea to collect and preserve transportation-related items. Part of their displays is old road vehicles and model train layouts, while there are also train rides operating usually during weekend afternoons. The train ride lasts about an hour and together with the museum’s tour, it’s a rather fun day out. Several events take place in the museum’s premises depending on the season, such as the Easter egg hunt.
Texas Transportation Museum
Website: Texas Transportation Museum
8. TEXRail
This brand new rail line began its journeys just a couple of months ago and covers a 43.4 km (27 mi) distance, from downtown Fort Worth to the DFW International Airport’s Terminal B. This commuter rail travels across the charming Tarrant County, through the beautiful wealthy suburb of North Richland Hills, and also the city of Grapevine, with the tastefully restored 19th and 20th-century buildings. The rail is pretty modern and features quite comfortable seats, so I’m sure you’ll have a smooth ride.
TEXRail
Website: TEXRail
Travel back in time in a vintage train
There are so many cities worth visiting in Texas, especially if you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway or looking forward to a wine tour. These scenic train rides offer breathtaking scenery, old-fashioned trains, and comfortable travel. If you feel like having an adventure, then these rides will do just right.
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LADY .about 5 years ago
where is good overnight location going and coming as a WHO DUN IT?
0 . ReplyLADY .about 5 years ago
0 . Reply