Utilize this Scenic Rail Guide to combine train trips and museums for an itinerary unlike any your group has experienced before
Is your group looking to enjoy a relaxing, scenic ride through the many different landscapes our country has to offer? Or are they looking to be immersed in the history of our railroads? Or do you have a little of both in your group? Either way, with the help of this Scenic Rail Guide there is a sure way to satisfy everyone with a trip to these soulful railways and museums. Each one listed below in our Scenic Rail Guide is unique and will take your group on an unforgettable journey across the diverse landscapes of the United States.
Bluegrass Railroad Museum, Versailles, Kentucky
Bluegrass Railroad Museum
The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum operates a 90-minute train ride on Saturdays through the rolling central Kentucky countryside, past thoroughbred horse farms to the Kentucky river. Air-conditioned first-class cars and exciting open-air cars are available. In addition to train rides every weekend, the museum maintains an outdoor collection of historic railroad locomotives and railcars and an indoor museum of railroad artifacts. The museum, model train layouts, and gift shop are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. (bluegrassrailroad.com)
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Chama, New Mexico & Antonito, Colorado
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec, located in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, is run by coal-fired steam locomotives that worked the original Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Get a glimpse into the past by enjoying the scenery of the authentic West. Trips run from early June to to mid-October. Your group can choose from full-day, half-day, sunset and sunset dinner trips. (cumbrestoltec.com)
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Peninsula, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Climb aboard at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and experience all that Ohio’s only national park has to offer. Located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, the train operates a variety of excursions year-round. Take in views of eagle nests and the Cuyahoga River as you travel through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The all-day pass allows you to hop off at surrounding stations and explore local shops, restaurants and museums or hike the trails. (cvsr.org)
Delaware & Ulster Railroad, Arkville, New York
Delaware & Ulster Railroad East Branch
A trip aboard the Delaware & Ulster Railroad is a scenic train ride in the Western Catskill Mountains that leaves you with lasting memories. The dining cars can be the crowning jewel to your visit, with full course luncheons with all the care of the Golden Age of Railroading. Menu options change with the season and the time of day, and the railroad can accommodate special requests. The trains operate early spring to December. Groups are welcome. (durr.org)
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, Durango, Colorado
Durango Train Cliff Ride
Your adventure begins with a journey back in time to the Wild West, through some of the most breathtaking scenery the Rockies has to offer, the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. You’ll board a coal-fired steam-powered train and travel past cascading creeks and waterfalls through towering virgin pine forests. Bring your camera because the train winds its way onto the “highline,” a famous section along the face of high cliffs. Your destination is the historic mining town of Silverton, nestled amid rugged peaks. (durangotrain.com)
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Elkins, West Virginia
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
Gather in West Virginia’s mountain highlands for an unforgettable journey by rail. Historic trains depart from three depots in West Virginia’s eastern mountains. Experience the world-famous Cass Scenic Railroad in Cass or depart in Elkins for a ride on the popular New Tygart Flyer or Cheat Mountain Salamander trains. The railroad offers more than nine train options during the April to December season. (mountainrail.com)
Galveston Railroad Museum, Galveston, Texas
Galveston Railroad Museum
The Galveston Railroad Museum has an array of unique exhibits showcasing railroad history. The 1932 Peoples Gallery/Depot was an active passenger depot until 1967 and highlights railroad events from the past. An exhibit on the Panama Railway explains how oceans were connected by rail. The museum also has a collection of approximately 40 historic train cars and engines outside, with 10 of the cars being open for the public to climb in and explore. (galvestonrrmuseum.org)
Mid-Continent Railway Museum, North Freedom, Wisconsin
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Mid-Continent Railway Museum takes passengers on a 55-minute, 7-mile round-trip excursion through rural south-central Wisconsin. Uniformed conductors collect tickets and share the history of the railroad and century-old passenger cars during the ride. Onboard dining is also available on select dates. Before or after the ride, visitors can explore the museum filled with dozens of restored locomotives and railcars, most dating to the early 1900s. Bus parking and a free picnic shelter are available. (midcontinent.org)
Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Enjoy scenic train rides to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, on the World’s First Mountain-Climbing Cog Railway train. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is located in scenic Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, in the heart of the Mount Washington area and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. On historic steam engines and modern bio-diesel locomotives, join us for a journey of a lifetime and climb aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway. (thecog.com)
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