This Family-Friendly Day Trip Through Texas Leads To A Train-Themed Restaurant And Railroad Museum

All aboard for this family-friendly train-themed road trip in Texas! This entirely train-themed adventure takes you from a railroad museum to a train car restaurant, and it's tons of fun for all ages. There's even an option to extend the trip into an overnight getaway by staying in a vintage 1920s caboose!

You'll find the customizable itinerary for the trip on Google Maps.

1. TrainTopia and Museum of the American Railroad (Frisco)

Our journey along this Texas road trip begins in Frisco, home to the Museum of the American Railroad. Located in the Frisco Discovery Center, the museum boasts a sprawling outdoor collection of steam, diesel, passenger, and freight trains, plus other railroad equipment. Take a guided tour and get up close and personal with 100 years of American railroad history!

Also at the Museum of the American Railroad is TrainTopia, an indoor model train exhibit that features topography from Arizona to Texas.

You'll see everything from bustling city streets to a drive-in movie theater (complete with a real movie playing!) Learn more on the Museum of The American Railroad's website.

2. Grapevine Vintage Railroad (Grapevine)

After marveling at trains big and small, it's time to actually ride one. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad takes passengers on an exhilarating journey back to the height of the railroad era with its authentic Victorian coaches. There are several different excursions to choose from - the most popular follows the historic Cotton Belt Route to the Fort Worth Stockyards, and seasonal events are held throughout the year. Learn more on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad website.

3. Runaway Train Cafe (Brownwood)

Our day trip concludes with a delicious meal at the Runaway Train Cafe, a - you guessed it - train-themed restaurant in Brownwood.

Housed in a real train car, this homestyle eatery serves up mouthwatering burgers, shakes, and other hearty fare in a retro diner setting.

Everything is made to order - the burgers are shaped by hand each day, and you can really taste the difference. So not only is the food delicious, but the experience is one the whole family will enjoy. Learn more by visiting the Runaway Train Cafe's Facebook page.

4. Optional - 1920's Vintage Caboose on Lake Limestone (Jewett)

If you'd like to turn your day trip into an overnight getaway, this vintage 1920s caboose in nearby Jewett keeps the train theme going. Beautifully restored, the car sleeps up to five guests on three separate beds and boasts a full kitchen, outdoor patio with a fire pit, free internet, a TV, and plenty of other modern amenities (without sacrificing the historic charm, of course.) Spending the night here would be a great end to one of the best road trips in Texas! Visit the Airbnb listing for more information.

Would you take this train-themed road trip in Texas? Do you agree that these are some of the best train-themed attractions in Texas? If you've visited any of these places or have other stops you would include, be sure to share with us in the comments below! We would love to hear from you.

Don't forget to check out our previous article for more of the best day trips in Texas.