The Railroad-Themed Road Trip In Texas That Every Train Lover Should Take
For all you train lovers, allllll aboard for an incredible road trip you won’t soon forget. Railroads are so neat because they’re a history lesson and an exhilarating travel experience all in one. Here in Texas, we’re pretty big on trains. From locomotive museums to depots that put on holiday-themed rides to even hotels with train cars for rooms, there’s no shortage of railroad fun to be had in the Lone Star State. All about for a railroad-themed road trip in Texas that will take you to train rides, historic sites, and much more throughout our great state.
The Google Map with exact addresses and directions can be found here.
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Jefferson Railway features an old-fashioned team train that was built in 1964. Residents of Jefferson and nearby towns look forward to the holiday-themed train rides all year long, including but not limited to a Halloween train, Christmas train, and New Year's train. Be sure to check their website for upcoming events and train schedules.
Families flock to Palestine from all over Texas to hop on a train and explore East Texas. Texas State Railroad hosts many special events throughout the year, including the ever-popular "Polar Express" ride coming up during Christmastime. More information about dates, tickets, and prices can be found here!
You have the unique opportunity to ride on a restored diesel train at the Austin Steam Train Association. The most popular ride is the six-hour Hill Country Flyer, which takes two hours each way and has a two hour lunch break. As soon as you step onto the train, you'll be whisked back into the 1950s and 60s and learn what locomotive travel was like back then. Don't miss this incredible historic event! Be sure to check their website for the current schedule.
Antlers Inn isn't a train ride, but it's something even cooler - a train hotel! It used to be a normal old building, providing lodging for travelers on the Austin and Northwestern Railroad. After a fire destroyed the depot and, consequently, the hotel's business, Antlers Inn was sold to a private individual who lived in it with his family until 1993. Then, it was sold to the current owners, who restored the main house and brought in cabooses as additional sleeping quarters! How's that for INNovative? Be sure to check their website for more information.
Although there's nothing apparently train-related about Old Tunnel State Park, history begs to differ. It used to be a railroad tunnel, something extremely uncommon in the Hill Country due to the unstable landscape. A train going to Fredericksburg used to use this tunnel until being decommissioned, but the gaping abyss is far from abandoned - millions of bats make their home here from May to October and it's truly a sight to see.
10619 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Railroad and history buffs, this one's for you. The Texas Transportation Museum has exhibits showing how railroad transportation has evolved over time. There's even a train yard in the back with dozens of REAL locomotives for the whole family to explore! Your $10 admission fee gets you entrance into the museum as well as a ride around the property.
Be sure to check their website for more information.
11731 Wetmore Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
Have you ever been to any of these places along a railroad-themed road trip in Texas? What was your experience like? What’s your favorite train-themed place or train ride in Texas? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: 400 E Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Address: 789 Park Rd 70, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
Address: 401 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613, USA
Address: 1001 King Ct, Kingsland, TX 78639, USA
Address: 10619 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Address: 11731 Wetmore Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
railroad-themed road trip in Texas
January 12, 2021
Jackie Ann
What are the best things about living in Texas?
How much time do you have? There’s plenty to love about living in Texas, that’s for sure. Two national parks and 80 state parks appeal to the outdoor explorer, and Texas’ diverse landscape ensures that nature lovers will have a blast seeing how the Texas landscape changes as you traverse through it. Large cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio appeal to those that prefer city life, and foodies will be in paradise sampling the many BBQ and Tex-Mex joints peppered around the Lone Star State.
What are the most popular foods in Texas?
Texas is known for having some of the best Tex-Mex and BBQ in the country. The distinct mesquite flavor of Texas BBQ brings foodies from all over the world wanting to sample this famous culinary cornerstone of Texas food. Closer to the border, you’ll find some of the most amazing Tex-Mex you’ve ever tasted.Of course, Texas has much more than just BBQ and Tex-Mex, and you can find just about any type of cuisine you’re looking for in any major city.
What are the weirdest things about Texas?
Just like any other state, Texas does have some interesting quirks that just make Texas more lovable. One of the most well known oddities in Texas is the Marfa Lights. Located in Marfa, this unexplained phenomena has been documented since the 19th century. These strange lights seem to bounce around the desert with no light source to speak of, and it has baffled scientists for years. Everyone from paranormal investigators to the generally curious have visited Marfa to see the lights for themselves, and they all leave just as confused (and inspired) as everyone else.
Address: 400 E Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Address: 789 Park Rd 70, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
Address: 401 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613, USA
Address: 1001 King Ct, Kingsland, TX 78639, USA
Address: 10619 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Address: 11731 Wetmore Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, USA
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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