All aboard for this family-friendly train-themed road trip in Texas! This entirely train-themed adventure takes you from a railroad museum to a train car restaurant, and it’s tons of fun for all ages. There’s even an option to extend the trip into an overnight getaway by staying in a vintage 1920s caboose!

You’ll find the customizable itinerary for the trip on Google Maps.

Google Maps

1. TrainTopia and Museum of the American Railroad (Frisco)

Facebook/Museum of the American Railroad
Our journey along this Texas road trip begins in Frisco, home to the Museum of the American Railroad. Located in the Frisco Discovery Center, the museum boasts a sprawling outdoor collection of steam, diesel, passenger, and freight trains, plus other railroad equipment. Take a guided tour and get up close and personal with 100 years of American railroad history!
Also at the Museum of the American Railroad is TrainTopia, an indoor model train exhibit that features topography from Arizona to Texas.
TrainTopia, 8004 N Dallas Pkwy #400, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
Jeff Chang/Google Reviews
You'll see everything from bustling city streets to a drive-in movie theater (complete with a real movie playing!) Learn more on the Museum of The American Railroad's website.

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2. Grapevine Vintage Railroad (Grapevine)

Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 707 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051, USA
Mike Green/Google Reviews
After marveling at trains big and small, it's time to actually ride one. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad takes passengers on an exhilarating journey back to the height of the railroad era with its authentic Victorian coaches. There are several different excursions to choose from - the most popular follows the historic Cotton Belt Route to the Fort Worth Stockyards, and seasonal events are held throughout the year. Learn more on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad website.

3. Runaway Train Cafe (Brownwood)

Facebook/Runaway Train Cafe
Our day trip concludes with a delicious meal at the Runaway Train Cafe, a - you guessed it - train-themed restaurant in Brownwood.
Housed in a real train car, this homestyle eatery serves up mouthwatering burgers, shakes, and other hearty fare in a retro diner setting.
Runaway Train Cafe, 3600 Stephen F Austin Dr, Brownwood, TX 76801, USA
Facebook/Runaway Train Cafe
Everything is made to order - the burgers are shaped by hand each day, and you can really taste the difference. So not only is the food delicious, but the experience is one the whole family will enjoy. Learn more by visiting the Runaway Train Cafe's Facebook page.

4. Optional - 1920's Vintage Caboose on Lake Limestone (Jewett)

Jewett, TX 75846, USA
Airbnb
If you'd like to turn your day trip into an overnight getaway, this vintage 1920s caboose in nearby Jewett keeps the train theme going. Beautifully restored, the car sleeps up to five guests on three separate beds and boasts a full kitchen, outdoor patio with a fire pit, free internet, a TV, and plenty of other modern amenities (without sacrificing the historic charm, of course.) Spending the night here would be a great end to one of the best road trips in Texas! Visit the Airbnb listing for more information.

Would you take this train-themed road trip in Texas? Do you agree that these are some of the best train-themed attractions in Texas? If you’ve visited any of these places or have other stops you would include, be sure to share with us in the comments below! We would love to hear from you.

Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more of the best day trips in Texas.

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More to Explore

Family-Friendly Day Trips In Texas

Katie Feldkamp | May 05, 2023

What are some other family-friendly day trips in Texas?

If you and your family are not train enthusiasts, don’t worry, we have day trips for you, too! There is quite a variety of family-friendly day trips in Texas to be taken. A few of those trips include:

  • Indulge your sweet tooth as you follow the donut trail on that leads you to no less than 10 stop on this donut day trip in Texas.
  • More of a weekend trip than a day trip, travel around and take in the beauty of nature on this waterfall road trip in Texas.
  • Go wild when you visit Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose. You can take a safari tour, photography tour, and if you want you can turn your day trip into an overnight trip.

 

What are some of the best railroad museums in Texas?

Throughout the great state of Texas, homage is paid to trains and their history. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out these railroad museums. Some even include train rides!

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