While Amtrak's Zephyr is a 50-hour trek acrossthe United States, some of its best views are in California. The family-ownedcompany offers multiple excursions out of Burlington and Chester throughout the year. But the train also passes historic sites like former mining camps, old stagecoach roads, and farmland. We are not affiliated with Amtrak.com. The best part of the ride is when the train crosses over the "Rhine River" by a trestle. Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. The SK&O operates more than 400 miles across southeastern Kansas, northeastern Oklahoma, and western Missouri. Big South Fork Scenic railway is a 14-mile trip to Blue Heron, Amtrak's City of New Orleans train starts in Chicago, Downeast Scenic Railroad in Maine is perfect for wildlife lovers, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad/ Facebook, Leaving Cumberland, the train makes its way into the. A post office was established in 1873. Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Kansas City to Grand Canyon Village. About: The Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad Co. is a short line passenger railroad and demonstration museum. The distance between Kansas City and Grand Canyon Village is approximately 983 miles, or 1582 kilometers. the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum. If you are In terms of transportation, there is a seasonal water taxi that stops near Union Station as well as Uber, Lyft, Divvy Bikes and CTA trains. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. Saturday & Sunday :Closed, Monday - Friday:8:00 am - 5:00 pm Beyond the historical landmarks, though, is Nevada's sensational and spacious landscape. If you're traveling through Idaho by train, then you're probably aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder. The best way to experience Illinois' countryside is aboard theMonticello Railway Museum. do so during their operating season between the spring and fall. Motorcars, also called railspeeders, are self-propelled rail cars used to inspect the tracks. Amtrak's Crescentis a 30-hour train ride from New York to New Orleans. Flagstaff is a walkable city on Route 66 that is full of art galleries and restaurants. As it passes through the scenicSan Juan Mountains and the Conejos Valley, it can reach elevations of over 10,000 feet, making you feel like you are on top of the world. Conductors aboard also explain the rich history that built Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since most of the trip is through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, you'll be immersed in greenery for as far as your eyes can see. In fact, the state is where the transcontinental railroadlaid its first rails when expanding west. Flour produced in the mill may also be ordered and shipped to your home. Florida is a large state with some of the best beaches, best amusement parks, and best sights in the country. Passing through cities like Rugby, Minot, Stanley, and Williston, this train is a great way to catch a glimpse of the state. Board the Branson Scenic Railway in Branson, Missouri, and quickly get transported through the beautiful foothills of the Ozarks. You're able to spend the night amongst the beautiful scenery of Wisconsin and wake up to a perfectly cooked breakfast. For more things to do, consider planning your trip around a special event such as Oktoberfest, Wine & Jazz Festival and the seasonal German Christmas market. With excursions on the TennesseeValley Railroad ranging from one hour tonine hours, you can catch various attractions like the Missionary Ridge Tunnel,Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, Turtltown, Ducktown, and Hiwassee River each in equal parts historic and beautiful. Other things to check out include the City Museum, Missouri Botanical Garden, craft beer scene and the massive Forest Park, which is 1,300 acres and contains lakes, nature areas, museums and the St. Louis Zoo. It was all built under a subsidiary known as the Chicago, Kansas & Nebraska Railway, chartered in 1886 and completed by 1889. To visit the building please call 620-624-3855. Today, the impressive structure offers numerous historic displays to peruse (not all of which relate to railroads) and also holds several events throughout the year. While the Kauai Plantation Railway is only a short 2.5 miles of track, the journey has endless possibilities. There's no better way to view Stone Mountain in Georgia than taking a five-mileride around the iconic landscape aboard the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad. During its heyday this building hosted trains of the Santa Fe, Rock Island,Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railway (acquired by the Santa Fe in 1928), and the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco). Where: Midland Railway Depot, 11th and High Street, Baldwin City, Kansas, Season: June October (special events for Easter, Halloween and Christmas as well), When: Thurs, Sat, Sun, Holidays and special events (see site for specific times), Price: $5-15/adults (12 and over) $3-7/child (2-11) (price varies for route/package). After the company's name was changed again onMarch 3, 1869 as the Kansas Pacific Railway the latter city was reached by 1870. The museum complex includes two restored depots, a selection of historic rolling stock and a railroad signage display. Watch over 6500 square feet of model trains; wall to wall and ceiling to the floor. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. Have you ever wanted to work on a railroad? The Midland Features special events: Easter Egg Hunt Train, Day out with Thomas the Train, Maple Leaf Festival, Halloween Trains and rides with Santa. Railroads played a significant role in the development of Kansas. Many were pulled up in the 1970's and 1980's although others were removed long before that. The Texas and Pacific Railway was formed in 1871 as a federal charter to build a southern transcontinental route. (Diesel Locomotive $15.00 extra, Caboose $10.00 extra), (Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult in the locomotive). The train departs from Hill City and travels to Keystone, all the while immersed in the Black Hills, whose staggeringbeauty will have you entertained for the entire two-hour journey. Amtrak's (amtrak.com) Missouri River Runner service connects St. Louis and Kansas City. Relive the old west with a visit to Old Abilene Town. Top attractions includeOld Town,Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,National Museum of Nuclear Scienceand thePetroglyph National Monument. The all-volunteer Midland Railway, operated by the Midland Railway Historical Association, is based in the eastern Kansas The family-ownedcompany offers multiple excursions out of Burlington and Chester throughout the year. Dropping through Reno, Sacramento, and finally San Francisco, theZephyr offers passengers the best of California's stunning scenery. Details: Caboose Junction is a resort in Lampe, Missouri, just 30 minutes from Silver Dollar City in Branson. But nowhere is it more stunning than in Nebraska, where the train makes stops inOmaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Holdrege, and McCook. The trains include one of the original Kansas City Zoo trains, a Manhattan Zoo train, and a New York Zoo train. Stopping in Meridan, Laurel, and Hattiesburg, this journey captures Mississippi's best scenery. Also look out for the USS Saratoga in the Newport Naval Station. Visit the Dickinson County Heritage Center and. During the last legs of the trip, the train hugs the scenic shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. Its mission statement notes the group's goal, "is to preserve and convey the unique history of railroading in the Great Plains through acquisition, restoration, research, exhibition, and education.". foliage of the Whitewater River Valley, which is especially eye-catching in the fall months. This museum is located in North Topekaand housed within Union Pacific's beautifully preserved and restored stone/brick station completed in January of 1927. From the state's flatlands to its open prairies, the Zephyr is the best way to see Nebraska. Passing through cities like Rugby, Minot, Stanley, and Williston, East Logan, which explores the striking Hocking River Valley, Mount Hood Railroad is a 22-mile train ride based in Hood River, Oregon, Strasburg Railroad is a 45-minute ride through Amish farmland, chugs along tracks that were laid in the 1860s, This 10-mile, 70-minute train ride will have you taking in South Carolina's countryside, highlighting its Sandhills, Black Hills of South Dakota are dazzling, and a great way to experience them is aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad, With excursions on the TennesseeValley Railroad ranging from one hour tonine hours, Austin Steam Train Association's excursions is a great way to enjoy your time in one of Texas' best cities. Crossing bridges and trestles, this 40-mile journey is filled with breathtaking scenery. About: The Midland Railway operates excursion trains on a line originally constructed in 1867. We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here. WisconsinGreat Northern Railroad travels along the most scenic route in the state, the state is where the transcontinental railroadlaid its first rails, The most famous restaurant in every state. Outdoor exhibits are open year-round. Traveling to Long Branch and Bay Head, this journey offers sweeping views of the Atlantic, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad/ Facebook. Saturday & Sunday :Closed, Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home. The Verde Canyon Railroad a 20-mile journey from Clarkdale to Perkinsville, Arizona gives stunning views of Verde Canyon's flora and fauna. With over 134 acres, the amusement park grounds offer amazing views of the state. the most impressive of which is Lake Placid. Monday - Friday:8:00 am - 5:00 pm Since it contained many through routes with somewhat fewer branch lines it has not suffered as many abandonmentsas nearby states like Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The building was completely renovated in 1998; inside they have a small collection of artifacts on display. You'll get the best views of Minnesota from a window seat of the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Visiting towns like Cheyenne, Laramie, and Rawlins is a great way to experience the beauty of trains themselves and the history of Wyoming's growth. Keep scrolling to find the most scenic train ride in your state. Riding from Mississippi, riders are treated to glimpses of floral cities like Brookhaven and McComb. Just type in a town or city and click on the timeline of maps at the bottom of the page! Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, Turtltown, Ducktown, and Hiwassee River each in equal parts historic and beautiful. The Essex Steam Train is a great way to capture the best of Connecticutany time of the year. Inns and hotels are in walking distance of the Amtrak station, and Uber, Lyft, a trolley and other transportation services are available. The local club runs a model Steam Train and a Gas Electric train. The Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroadchugs along tracks that were laid in the 1860s. Finally, just next door is Wichita Union Station, a beautiful structure completed in 1914. Great Plains Train Station: Model Train Display! Get a daily selection of our top stories based on your reading preferences. Alas, in 2013 the site closed. The rolling forests and bluffs will keep every traveler entertained along the route into northern Arkansas. town of Baldwin City and has grown into a popular tourist railroad, operating from June through October each year. National Park Service rangers from the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, better known as the St. Louis Arch, ride the train and interpret sites along the route. 60th St and Waukomis Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, Season: First Weekend of May Last Weekend of September, When: Saturdays 10am-6pm, Sundays 12pm 6pm, Price: 50cents/ride or 10 rides for $4.50. Mr Hoffman purchased the water power rights at Louden Falls in 1868. TheAdirondack Scenic Railroad runs betweenUtica and Lake Placidin upstate New York. With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. A highlight of the ride is a trip through the tunnel. Please note! There are also a handful of scenic train rides to enjoy including the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Heart of the Heartlands, and the Midland Railway. Copyright 2007-2022 American-Rails.com. Youll arrive in these cities in the morning and the eastbound train departs early evening. They can also catch glimpses of downtown's skyline in the distance. Green Mountain Railroad is one of the best ways to experience the natural landscapes of Vermont. its farthest along a former branch line of the Santa Fe. Metropolitan Railfan Productions/ Youtube. For extra fun, you can plan your trip around a St. Louis Cardinal game, Taste of St. Louis, Fair Saint Louis and other major events. The train company also offers a wide range of themed train rides for the holidays. Service would commence onSeptember 1st that year. Youll travel through mountains and deserts on this 35-hour trip and arrive at the historic Los Angeles Union Station in the morning. The highlight of the two-hour journeyis crossing over High Bridge, giving you the feeling that you're flying across the top of trees. But very few consider taking a train to see everything that Florida has to offer. If you are interested in Kansas scenic train rides that pertain to specific events, such as "The Polar Express," Halloween, Thomas the Tank Engine excursions, or fall foliage events please visit themain tourist trains section of this website. Finally, when the U.S. government launched the Transcontinental Railroad in 1862, following President Abraham Lincoln signage of the Pacific Railroad Act into law on July 1st that year, things got moving once more. Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, based in Abilene, Kansas operates on former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (Rock Island) trackage as far as Enterprise, about 13 miles. If you are researching anything EMD related please visit this page first. Provo Canyon Limited takes the cake, as it drives down the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir, Provo River, and VivianPark. The train is regularly scheduled between Juneand October, so you can experience the change of Kansas' season on its greenery. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama. Passenger stock for rides through the Smoky Hill River Valley includes two open-air gondola cars, a KATY railway passenger car and a caboose. Travelers are also treated to a sojourn in the historic mining town of Silverton. To experience the Wild West, hop on the train in Kansas City and travel 14.5 hours to reach Las Vegas, New Mexico. You'll also catch glimpses of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. Paid parking, restrooms, and a mothers nursing room can be found at the station. They host trips (either standard excursions or rides in motorcars/speeders, devices once common to ferry track workers/maintenance-of-way personnel from place to place) over the South Kansas & Oklahoma, a short line freight system that is a division of Watco, Inc. Details: 200 S. 10th Street, 913.367.6238. This 10-mile, 70-minute train ride will have you taking in South Carolina's countryside, highlighting its Sandhills.