Ride The Rails Through Kentucky’s Countryside On This Historic Train
Kentucky’s rolling hills and infamous bluegrass are beautiful, no matter how you happen to view them. By car, motorcycle, bicycle or even horseback, the countryside of Kentucky is scenic and peaceful. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy central Kentucky and its horse farms and distilleries, you’ll want to seek out the Bluegrass Railroad Museum in Versailles. From here, you can visit the museum and also take a nostalgic train ride through one of the most beautiful landscapes in Kentucky.
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Operating out of Woodford County Park, the Bluegrass Railroad Museum is both a museum housing artifacts from Kentucky's railway past and a working train depot. It's the perfect day trip to explore the museum and grounds and then hop on a train to ride the rails through Kentucky's picturesque horse country.
The ongoing train rides are held on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. from mid-May through October. There are also special events in the spring and summer. Passengers will board a 1930s-era train car that has been restored to give you an authentic experience. If you purchase a Coach ticket, this is where you'll ride. There is also a First Class section with air-conditioning and reclining, plush seats.
The 90-minute ride takes you west through the countryside, where according to the website, "You will pass cattle and fields of corn, soybean, and tobacco. We also pass through two Thoroughbred horse farms where you may see mares and foals in the fields. The train then descends through deep limestone cuts to the palisades of the Kentucky River."
The train will stop at the historic Young's High bridge built in 1889, where you will be able to disembark and take photos of the bridge and the Wild Turkey Distillery.
The bridge is definitely a scenic stop and a highlight of the trip. The bridge has not been used by trains since 1983 and you'll learn its entire history from the conductors while enjoying your ride.
One of the most popular events at the railroad happens weekends in September this year. Steam Train Weekends provide a chance to experience a coal-fired steam engine up front and even take a ride. Check out their website and order tickets soon - they do sell out, and for good reason. A day spent at this railway in Kentucky will give you a new perspective on our state's countryside and its history of riding the rails.
Have you ridden the rails at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum? What is your favorite train ride in Kentucky? Share your experience with us in the comments! The Bluegrass Railroad Museum is located at 175 Beasley Road Versailles, KY 40383. For more information, including ticket pricing and special events, visit their website here.
And for more exciting day trips by train throughout Kentucky, check out our recent article here.
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.
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