As part of our continued dedication to helping travelers find the best lodgings in areas that are interesting and exciting….this post is for Texas train rides and for all the train lovers out there. Whether it’s a really cool renovated train car that has all the comforts for a sleep over at one of our members properties or a train ride that can take you on a short train ride or across the state or even across the country… but for this post, we will focus on scenic trains in Texas. Trains that will entertain the kid in each of us, young and old alike.
All aboard!
First stop: Austin area
Photo courtesy of ASTA
The ASTA or Austin Steam Train Association has three depots: Cedar Park, Bertram and Burnet and is home of the popular Hill Country Flyer, Sunset Express and Bertram Flyer, just to name a few. Trains typically run on weekends. Occasionally they offer a midweek ride. Check their website or Facebook page for up to date schedules. Many rides sell out well in advance, so we recommend that you make your reservations ahead of time.
Austin Steam Train Association
Train and Museum
401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste C-100, Cedar Park TX 78613
Information: 512-402-3830Email: info@austinsteamtrain.org
Where to stay:
San Gabriel House Bed & Breakfast
1008 E. University Ave., Georgetown, 512-930-0070
Yellow House Bed and Breakfast
2290 FM 2268, Salado, 254-444-0404
Next stop: North Texas
Photo courtesy of
the Grapevine RR Facebook page
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad travels along the historic Cotton Belt Route Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Railroad is serviced by two vintage locomotives which include “Puffy” the 1896 steam locomotive, which is the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the South, and a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive. Passengers enjoy riding in authentic 1920s and 1930s Victorian-style coaches as they take a step back in time and experience train travel as it was in the glory days of the expanding West.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers more than just standard train rides; throughout the year, discover many different special events, including the adult-only Jazz Wine Trains, the annual family-favorite North Pole Express®, or the After Christmas Trains to close out the year.
Grapevine RR 705 S Main St Grapevine, TX 76051
Where to stay:
The Old Liberty Schoolhouse
11490 Liberty School Rd., Azle, 817-219-4071
The Rosen House Inn
1714 S. Henderson, Fort Worth, 888-791-4850
The Virginia May
11671 Randle Lane, Fort Worth (Eagle Mountain Lake), 817-739-3935
Our final stop is East Texas
photo courtesy of the Historic Jefferson Railway
The Historic Jefferson Railway, in Jefferson, always has fun stuff happening including the July 4th train ride, the spooky Halloween Express and the very popular Christmas and New Years Express train rides. Check on the website for dates, times and tickets.
Jefferson loves trains and has a long history connected with them. Jefferson celebrated its first Jefferson Train Days in 2012. Train Days and The Train Show happens every May so make plans to be there and book your B&B reservation early.
Historic Jefferson Railway 400 E Austin St Jefferson, TX 75657
Texas State Railroad – “The Official Railroad of Texas” has Vintage steam and diesel locomotives that take passengers across the celebrated rails of the Piney Woods Route between Palestine and Rusk on a 50-mile roundtrip adventure. Let us take you back in time aboard our vintage rail coaches from the 1920’s. We will depart from the historic Palestine, TX Rail Depot and journey 25 miles through the East Texas Piney Woods before stopping at the Rusk, TX Railroad Depot where you can enjoy lunch by the lake or stroll the beautiful grounds of the Depot. Many seating and pricing options are available with open air coach prices starting at $25 per adult. We have a concession car serving your favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with popcorn and various snacks for purchase. ADA compliant coaches are available. Enjoy this 4-hour, round trip adventure with family and friends to celebrate Mom!
Make reservations ahead of time for the popular Pumpkin Patch and Polar Express train rides.
Texas State Railroad 789 Park Road 70 Palestine, TX 75801
Call our reservations desk today at 855-632-7729 for more information or visit our booking calendar at
Where to stay:
White Oak Manor Bed and Breakfast
502 E. Benners, Jefferson, 903-665-8185
Spend the night in a Rail Car or Historic Depot
The following Members offer unique lodging in a renovated train car, caboose, train station or depot. Below are just a few scattered around the great state of Texas.
Country Woods Inn has the Santa Fe Railroad Car: Step back in time to another era in this renovated Box Car nestled in the woods. This family friendly railroad car at Country Woods Inn sleeps 4 in 2 sets of twin log cabin bunk beds and features a full kitchen, sitting area, and an old-fashioned bathroom with claw-foot tub. Central Air/Heat.
Country Woods Inn 420 Grand Ave., Glen Rose, 325-998-8632
For a completely unique experience stay in this restored caboose. Located in the backyard at The Woodrow House, it has a wonderful view of the pool and hot tub. It has a queen bed and sofa bed so it sleeps 4 and has a private bath/shower and kitchenette. It is a must for kids and train buffs. Be sure and have a look at the caboose photo album! It’s quite interesting!
The Woodrow House 2629 19th St, Lubbock, 806-793-3330
OR stay at the Slaton Harvey House in a historic rail depot. First opened in 1912 by the Fred Harvey Company, offering up meals for train passengers. The Harvey House venture closed in 1942, but the facility continued as a passenger and freight depot for many years. Most locals still refer to the building as “the depot”. Today the Harvey House serves as a historic Bed & Breakfast and Event Center, and designated historic landmark by the State of Texas.
Slaton Harvey House provides Lubbock area travelers one of only two Bed and Breakfast options for Lubbock. The other is of course The Woodrow House.
Slaton Harvey House 400 Railroad Ave, Slaton, 806-828-5900
We sincerely hope that y’all enjoy your time on the train trail and don’t forget to make your reservations at your favorite member’s property ahead of time! See you on the porch.
