Trains Still Pass Right Through These 8 Kentucky Towns And You'll Love The Nostalgia
By Andrea Limke|Published February 11, 2018
×
Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Trains are universally interesting, thanks to their history, power and ability to transport us back in time. We’ve shared many places throughout Kentucky where you can ride a train or even learn about the history of the railroad in our state, but now we are going to go right to the spots where you can see trains in action on a regular basis. There are trains running all over Kentucky, through towns, countryside and mountains, but if you pay a visit to these 7 towns, you’ll find that trains still pass right through them and you’ll love the nostalgia.
LaGrange may be the best known train town in Kentucky, as it's hard to miss the tracks and roaring locomotives that frequently pass through the main part of town. Right along these tracks, you'll find charming shops and delicious restaurants, so it's the perfect place to settle in for a bite to eat and take in the nostalgia of the passing trains.
MIdway is a small town just outside of Lexington that is abundantly filled with charm. When you reach the train tracks, you know you've reached the center of town and a variety of shops and restaurants. You'll definitely want to park around here and walk through town and you may even get a glimpse of the train, passing through this historic town. Make sure to save time to drive the country roads that surround Midway and the heart of horse country.
This tiny train town is located in Oldham County and was once a bustling area for the railroad. It's history is deep and the town is filled with character, despite its small size. Trains continue to run along the tracks today, making it a timeless city in the Bluegrass State.
The small city of Erlanger also has strong ties to the history of the railroad and they celebrate that at the Erlanger Depot and Museum. Adjacent to the museum is an adorable, train-themed park and just behind that are several train tracks, which are very active today. It's a nice little spot to take a picnic and watch the trains pass by as they head into the neighborhoods of Erlanger.
The Ashland Train Station is an interesting mix of old and new, as you can find several modes of transportation at this hub along the river. You can catch a bus or a train from this historic station and the property is also a venue for events that celebrates the history of the railway in a rustic way, but also with many modern touches.
Bowling Green not only has an active railway that runs just blocks from downtown, but it also has a great attraction in the Historic Railpark and Train Museum. During your visit, you can learn about the history of the railroad, board vintage train cars, and still witness modern locomotives pass by, as they head to their destination.
Just blocks from the excitement and history of downtown Bardstown is the legendary My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. You'll board the train near the heart of the city and experience the beauty of its surroundings during your ride. A nostalgic train is the perfect inclusion to one of the most charming cities in Kentucky.
Glendale is a small town in Hardin County that is known for its popular train-themed restaurant, The Whistle Stop, and of course the bustle of the trains themselves, which pass right through town. This corner in Glendale is a train-lover's dream, as you can enjoy a wonderful home cooked meal and feel the rumble of the trains as they pass by. The area is filled with that nostalgia that makes all of these train towns in Kentucky extra special.
If you love experiencing Kentucky history firsthand, then these 7 towns are a great place to start! What is your favorite train town in Kentucky? Which ones did we miss? We’d love to compile more, so let us know in the comments!
And for a chance to ride a train through Kentucky, check out some of our favorite opportunities here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
