Posted in Kansas Day Trips, Explore July 04, 2021 by

4 Incredible Kansas Day Trips You Can Take By Train

Have you ever found yourself searching the internet for “day trips near me in Kansas?” We’ve certainly got plenty of great options here in the Sunflower State. One unique day trip in Kansas is to take a train excursion. Whether you hop on the famous Thomas the Tank Engine or simply take a quiet dinner ride, these trips are sure to take you back in time to the days when trains were the only way to get around.

1. Heart of the Heartlands Railroad Club
Heart of the Heartlands Facebook
Heart of the Heartlands Facebook
This club was founded in 1991 and is dedicated to preserving train history. All rides for the public help to fund their museum in Carona, Kansas. The rides are very reasonably priced and are one hour round trips, so they won't take up your whole day. More information and a schedule of upcoming rides can be found on the Heart of the Heartlands Train Club website.
2. Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Jim Maurer/Flickr
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Facebook
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad offers plenty of ride options for passengers. There are dinner trips, steam trains, and regular passenger rides. They also have a Silver Flyer Railbus ride package: sounds exciting! You can even charter your own train for a party or special event. More information on tickets and pricing can be found here.
3. Midland Railway of Baldwin
Chris Murphy/Flickr
Midland Railway/Facebook
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, The Day Out With Thomas program has temporarily stopped at Midland Railway. They are hoping to start it up again soon!

The ever famous Thomas the Tank Engine can be found here at this one of a kind railroad! In the winter, there's even a Santa train where kids can meet Santa and see him off to the North Pole. But don't worry, they've got plenty of year-round trips available as well. You can take a 20-mile round trip on a line originally constructed in 1867: how's that for historic? More information on tickets and pricing can be found here.
4. Kansas Belle Dinner Train
Kansas Belle Dinner Train Facebook
Kansas Belle Dinner Train Facebook
Editor's Note: The Kansas Belle train is currently on hiatus, but hopes to restart in 2021.

Also coming out of the Baldwin Station is the Kansas Belle Dinner Train. Saturday night rides have a romantic feel to them, while Sunday afternoon dinners are geared more towards families. You can even book the train for a wedding. There's an optional murder mystery, melodrama, or World War II U.S.O. Show as well! More info can be found here.

Well, there you have it folks. Plenty of options for both you and the family, and what a selection! Could you imagine riding a Silver Flyer bus on a railway? Share your pick for best train excursions in Kansas in the comments.

For more train-themed things to suit your fancy, check out This Train Themed Restaurant In Kansas That Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again.

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Address: 6769 NW 20th St, Scammon, KS 66773, USA
Address: Baldwin, Miami St, Baldwin City, KS 66006, USA
Address: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, 200 SE 5th St, Abilene, KS 67410, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Day Trips Near Me In Kansas

July 09, 2021
Lisa Sammons

What are a few good day trips near me in Kansas?

Kansas has so many small towns that are great for a day or weekend excursion. We absolutely love Abilene, and you can even take a ride on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad that we mentioned above. For more great examples of amazing day trips in Kansas, check out this list of five small towns we picked out.

Are there any great museums in Kansas?

Any trip down a Kansas highway will show you tons of billboards for nearby museums. It's a virtual cornucopia of bizarre tourist traps, from our little barbed wire museum to the greyhound racing hall of fame. And of course, we can't forget The World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things! For more information on some wacky Kansas museums, click here.

What are some of the best restaurants in Kansas?

You wouldn't think we'd have many great dining options in the Sunflower State, but you'd be wrong! If you like pizza, how about eating one that's bigger than the table? And if you're in the mood for Mexican, you can't go wrong with Lupita's (seriously, it's really good).