Posted in Louisville
January 31, 2017
This Epic Train Ride Near Louisville Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience
The natural landscape in Kentucky is stunning, but it can be hard to fully appreciate the scenery if you’re stuck as the driver for a road trip. Luckily, there are other ways to enjoy to lovely views around the Louisville area! Sure, it’s a quick drive down to Bardstown, but once you’re there, step aboard My Old Kentucky Dinner Train; you can enjoy the ride AND dine in style!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The Bardstown railroad branch has been around since 1860, but in 1987, R. J. Corman Railroad Company bought this 20-mile stretch of track to develop the Dinner Train, which opened for business in 1988.
The Dinner Train runs all year long on Friday and Saturdays, but they also offer several special seasonal excursions throughout the year - you can check out the Dinner Train calendar for details.
The Dinner Train route is 37 miles long and travels through the Bernheim Forest to Limestone Springs before returning back to Bardstown.
You’ll ride and dine super cool 1940s-era dining cars and there are both Lunch and Dinner rides offered, as well as special Murder Mystery trains, which add a fun, theatrical performance to your meal. All rides take between 2.5 - 3 hours.
Tickets for Lunch Trains are $69.95 for adults, $44.95 for kids, and Dinner Train tickets are $84.95 for adults, $54.95 for kids. Tickets for the Murder Mystery Excursions cost $109.95 for adults and $69.95 for kids. The ticket price includes the train ride, your meal, and non-alcoholic beverages, but there is a full bar aboard as well if you are interested in purchasing other drinks.
The Dinner Train’s menu changes seasonally, but you can stay up-to-date with the current offerings on their website. When you purchase tickets, you are asked to make a meal selection from the online menu, but you can change your order up to 72 hours before departure.
Boarding takes place at the historic train depot, located at 602 North 3rd Street
Bardstown, KY. The depot was constructed in 1860, but has undergone significant reconstructions and additions since that time. The depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
All aboard! This awesome train ride is a great way to get out and see the beautiful natural scenery around Louisville, but tickets can sell fast, especially for the Murder Mystery Trains. Plan ahead and book a seat to make sure you don’t miss out! Check out the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train website for more information and online ticket purchases.
