Here's a look at 13 places to visit if you really, really love trains.
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Alabama
Birmingham News - Frank Couch
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
1919 9th Street in Calera, Ala.
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum offers train enthusiasts of all ages the chance to ride a restored train, view its collection of industry artifacts and learn more about Alabama's railroad history. Throughout the year, the museum offers various holiday-themed events, including the Easter Eggspress, Wild West Day and Pumpkin Junction, that are fun for the whole family as well as adult-only outings like its Bourbon and Beignets ride during Mardi Gras.
Tennessee Valley Railroad in Tennessee
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Tennessee Valley Railroad
4119 Cromwell Road in Chattanooga, Tenn.
You can relive the romance of the rails aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad, which offers an array of unique train excursions, from a five-hour trip to the top of the famous Hiwassee Loop to a quick trip on a vintage short-line that comes with a turntable demonstration. You could also enjoy a delicious meal aboard the dinner train and then stay to browse the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Honestly, deciding which route to take will be the hardest part.
The Georgia Coastal Railway in Georgia
The Georgia Coastal Railway
440 South Lee Street in Kingsland, Ga.
Do you want to do more than just ride a train? Well, The Georgia Coastal Railway offers up plenty of train excursions that no one would ever describe as ordinary. For example, you can buy a ticket to its Murder Mystery Express, Pizza Express and its Stars on Track rides, which feature live entertainment. Of course, they also offer a peaceful train ride through the area's neighborhoods, woodlands and marshes too if that's more your thing.
Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum in Kentucky
Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum
Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum
175 Beasley Road in Versailles, Ky.
The Bluegrass Railroad and Museum offers up an interactive experience of historic railroading in Kentucky through its museum of historic railroad artifacts and antique train tours. Throughout the year, the railway offers up a variety of events like its Rails of Honor ride, which serves as a living history salute to those who served in World War II. For an extra special experience, you can even ride in the cab with the engineer to get a firsthand look at how locomotives work.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad in Texas
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Grapevine Vintage Railroad
636 S. Main Street in Grapevine, Texas
Take a trip back in time at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, where you can ride on authentic 1920s Victorian coaches. The railroad offers a variety of regular excursions -- including its Cotton Belt route that allows you to help solve a railroad mystery and explore the local stockyards -- depending on how long you want to ride as well as special events, like its Trick 'r Treat train, Jazz Wine train and Day Out with Thomas train throughout the year.
Florida Railroad Museum in Florida
Florida Railroad Museum
12210 83rd Street East in Parrish, Fla.
The Florida Railroad Museum, which has been in operation for more than 40 years, aims to give visitors a taste of railroading as it existed in the 1940s and 1950s by offering up a variety of excursions. Whether you're hoping for something relaxing, like its 13-mile scenic route with a stop at its museum, or something a little more exciting, like its family-friendly "Old West train robbery" experience, they've got you covered.
The South Carolina Railroad Museum in South Carolina
The South Carolina Railroad Museum
The South Carolina Railroad Museum
110 Industrial Park Road in Winnsboro, S.C.
Established in 1973, the South Carolina Railroad Museum has spent decades preserving South Carolina's railroading history for future generations. Today, visitors can enjoy an hour-long train ride, walk-through stationary cars and browse various photos and artifacts on display in the museum's many exhibits. Special events, like holiday-themed excursions and rides featuring gourmet dinners, are also scheduled throughout the year.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina
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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Everett Street in Bryson City, N.C.
For a relaxing train experience, make sure you book a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Its Tuckasegee River roundtrip is a four-hour excursion that includes scenic views as well as a layover long enough for dining and shopping in the historic town of Dillsboro. Plus, there are several seating options, so whether you're traveling with family, hoping for some fresh air or looking for a first-class experience, you'll find it aboard.
Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Louisiana
Southern Forest Heritage Museum
77 Longleaf Road in Long Leaf, La.
For a scenic trip on a historic train, plan a visit to the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf, La. In addition to exploring a variety of exhibits about the state's forest industry displayed in a complex of preserved historic buildings, you can also take a ride on a 1937 M-4 “doodlebug" train, which was used in passenger service beginning in 1937. Several additional train engines that were used for logging, dating back to 1913, are also on display at the museum grounds.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway in Arkansas
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Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
299 North Main Street in Eureka Springs, Ark.
If you're looking to step back in time, the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway can help you do just that while you ride the rails. That's because, in addition to excursion trips on a 1940-era diesel locomotive, you can also enjoy a luxury dining experience aboard a 1920s Eurekan dining car. During your visit, you can also view steam locomotive exhibits and watch as its authentic turntable turns the engine.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in West Virginia
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Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
12363 Cass Road in Cass, W. Va.
For a trip that features rich history and unparalleled views, look no further than Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The park offers an 11-mile-long heritage railroad to the breathtaking overlook at Bald Knob, which is the third-highest point in West Virginia. In addition, you'll be able to take in an authentic company town that is home to shops, a restaurant and an artisans co-op as well as the Cass Historical Theater and Historical Museum.
Buckingham Branch Railroad in Virginia
Buckingham Branch Railroad
1063 Main Street in Dillwyn, Va.
The Buckingham Branch Railroad, a class I railroad that operates on more than 280 miles of track, collaborates with the Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Preservation Society to offer specialty seasonal excursion trains throughout the year. During the scenic trip, passengers can enjoy views of rolling hills and deep forests in the heart of Central Virginia while riding aboard a vintage diesel-powered train.
Marion County Recreational Railroad in Mississippi
Marion County Recreational Railroad
150 Industrial Park Road in Columbia, Miss.
For a quick ride, jump aboard The Marion County Recreational Railroad. The train, which consists of an engine, passenger car and caboose, follows a 1.5-mile historic track through Columbia on a 45-minute loop, giving you time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the experience before going about your day. While you're there, you can also learn more about the area's railroad industry.
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