This Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Near Pittsburgh Will Take You On A Journey To Remember

Trains just fascinate so many of us, don't they? Maybe it's the romance of traveling on the rails, or perhaps it's the thought of a simpler time that just draws so many to the railroad. Today, let's hit the road on this train-themed trip near Pittsburgh that will take us to a former railroad station turned restaurant, aboard a train for a scenic trip, and in a caboose for a relaxing night's sleep.

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All aboard for adventure? Let's go!

1. Carnegie Science Center – Pittsburgh

Let's kick off our train-themed trip right in Pittsburgh at the Carnegie Science Center, home to a spectacular model train room. The miniature railroad dates back to 1919, but it's been a favorite attraction in the Science Center since 1992. Admire the intricate railroad village that lays claim to more than a quarter of a million trees, 85 cars, and Forbes Field with 23,000 cheering fans.

Address: 1 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212

2. The Western Pennsylvania Railroad Museum – Gibsonia

If you liked the miniature railroad village at the Carnegie Science Center, you'll love the Western Pennsylvania Railroad Museum. Famous for its holiday train show, the railroad museum welcomes guests Friday through Sunday. Carve out plenty of time to check out the many interactive train displays and toy trains.

Address: 5507 Lakeside Drive, Gibsonia, PA, 15044

3. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad – Titusville

So far we've seen some pretty amazing miniature railroads, haven't we? Our next stop takes us to the real thing. We're traveling to Titusville, home of the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, which offers scenic train trips. In addition to regularly scheduled train rides, the railroad also hosts such special events as the Peter Rabbit Train at Easter and the October Fall Foliage train ride.

Address: 409 South Perry Street, Titusville, PA, 16354

4. Caboose Motel – Titusville

It's been a pretty eventful day, so let's settle down for the night at The Caboose Motel, also in Titusville right near the Perry Street Station. Spend a relaxing evening in an authentic caboose turned motel room for a unique experience. (Call ahead to make reservations, too.) The Caboose Motel welcomes guests annually from May through mid-October.

Address: 407 South Perry Street, Titusville, PA, 16354

5. Railroaders Memorial Museum – Altoona

All rested up? We're hitting the road again, this time to the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona. Explore the massive three-floor museum that pays homage to the railroad and to those who worked for it. The museum features exhibits and a theater.

Address: 1200 9th Avenue, Altoona, PA, 16602

6. Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark – Altoona

Our next stop brings us to Horseshoe Curve, where the mountainous landscape was carved in a horseshoe curve to add railroad tracks. At Horseshoe Curve, climb aboard the funicular that will take you to the train tracks. There, you can also visit the Visitors Center. Learn more about the building of Horseshoe Curve, and stock up on souvenirs at the gift shop.

Address: 2400 Veterans Memorial Highway, Altoona, PA, 16601

7. Grand Concourse – Pittsburgh

Our final stop will bring us to a former train station. The Grand Concourse in Station Square still maintains the grandeur it had as a railroad station. Today, however, we'll enjoy a delicious meal at the riverfront restaurant that's famous for its Sunday brunch. The restaurant also serves an assortment of seafood, steak, chicken, and pasta entrees.

Address: 100 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219

What's your favorite stop on this train-themed trip near Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! Ready for some more exploring? Set off on one of these five easy train trips from Pittsburgh. Click here to read more.