Trains are almost mystical in their magic. They come rolling through the billowing fog, spewing steam like an iron dragon, preparing to pick up their next load of passengers. And train rides in Texas are a great way to visit a new place for a day without committing to a hotel or worrying about driving (especially driving at night!). These five Texas train rides allow you to sit back, relax, and let someone else take the wheel while you escape reality for a little while.
1. Fort Worth Stockyards (Grapevine Vintage Railroad)
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad's Cotton Belt Route is a unique experience that will take you to the historic Stockyards District in Fort Worth. There, you can go back in time to the Old West. There's so much to enjoy here: The world's largest Honky Tonk, saloons, and a daily cattle drive. There are also plenty of amazing restaurants like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, and shops like the delightful Candy Barrel.
This train ride near me in Texas will take you from Grapevine to Fort Worth in a little over 2.5 hours, and then you'll have about 90 minutes to independently explore the Stockyards District. You'll ride in a historic 1920s Victorian coach.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers a few other shorter routes as well. Read further on about Grapevine Vintage Railroad. It's a rootin' tootin' good time!
2. San Antonio (Texas Eagle)
The Texas Eagle is a branch of Amtrak, the most well-known passenger train in America. It travels between Chicago and San Antonio, but you can hop on at stations all throughout the state to travel here. This hill country city has more attractions to enjoy than we could ever list here.
Between the Alamo, the River Walk ablaze with vibrant Mexican culture, the Tower of the Americas, and more, you could day trip here every year and never run out of things to do.
If you want one of the best train rides in Texas, take the whole 32.5-hour trip between San Antonio and Chicago! You'll get to see so many incredible sights. Get the most up-to-date information about the Texas Eagle.
3. East Texas (Texas State Railroad)
Looking for the best Texas train rides? How about a Piney Woods Excursion ride that will take you through all the beautiful east Texas countryside? Aboard the Texas State Railroad, you'll see towering pines and open pastures, and get a taste of what slow living feels like. It's the perfect way to escape all of life's troubles for a few blissful hours.
This four-hour journey will take you through 25 miles of some of the most stunning scenery in the Lone Star State. Learn more about the Texas State Railroad.
4. Jazz Wine Trail (Grapevine)
I know, I know, we already mentioned the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. But here's another Texas train ride through them! This wine-tasting trip is like no other. You'll get to visit some of Grapevine's finest wineries while listening to relaxing jazz music. Does it get any better than that?
The Jazz Wine Train is one of Grapevine Vintage Railroad's many seasonal offerings. Learn more about it at the website for Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
5. Historic Jefferson Railway (Diamond Don Empire)
This old-fashioned locomotive will take you on a special guided train ride tour that will tell you all about the history of the area. On special days, weather permitting, you even get to watch the alligator feedings at the Diamond Don Gator Pit!
The railway hosts numerous holiday events, like a Friday the 13th train, ghost trains for Halloween, and Christmas lights trains. This train ride in Texas is great fun for the whole family, no matter the time of year.
Head to the website for the Historic Jefferson Railway to learn more.
Have you ever taken any of these train rides near me in Texas? Share your experiences in the comments!
How about taking in the scenery from your car? Check out these scenic drives in Texas.
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