What kid doesn’t love trains? In these six U.S. cities, family travelers will find more than enough train-centric experiences, from museums to model trains to train rides.
Explore Arkansas’ railroad history aboard these vintage passenger cars, including restored Pullman coaches and parlor cars, providing visitors with a nostalgic ride through the Boston Mountains and Arkansas River Valley. Seasonal routes run March–November, with themed excursions like the Holiday Express.
Museum of the American Railroad, Frisco, Texas
Located 25 miles north of Dallas in Frisco, Texas, this museum boasts more than 70 historic railcars across 15 acres, making it one of the largest collections in the country.
© City Experiences
The Official Grand Central Terminal Tour from City Experiences, New York City
Book a tour with City Experiences and venture through iconic Grand Central Terminal. On this 90-minute experience, you’ll visit the terminal’s famous concourses, the one-time office of a Roaring 20s railroad tycoon turned speakeasy-style bar, former movie theater turned wine store, the Whispering Gallery and the famous Tiffany Clock.
River Fox Train, Sacramento, California
This train offers a variety of themed rides: think afternoon tea trains with classic bites and curated teas, a murder mystery train, and even a train sipping boba teas from ShareTea Davis.
© Visit Haywood
Stay in a Restored 1960s Train Caboose in Haywood County, North Carolina
Situated on a 65-acre bison ranch at Buffalo Creek Vacations, you and the family can sleep in a restored train caboose, complete with bedrooms, a full kitchen and deck overlooking bison roaming. There’s also a nearby model train setup called Agapeland Station, open to visitors.
Also in Arkansas, Train Museum in Pine Bluff showcases preserved engines and tells the story of the rail’s role in shaping the state.
© Visit SLO CAL
Wine Down Train Ride and BBQ, San Luis Obispo County, California
This special train experience on May 23 is hosted by Halter Ranch winery. On this train, families can enjoy wine tastings followed by a barbecue at its on-site restaurant. Beyond this special experience, the winery regularly runs an open-air Swiss train winding through its vineyards and olive groves.
© Visit Frisco
Explore this 2,500-square-foot model train exhibit, which also features a scavenger hunt to spot quirky details like Antman in a cave or a pink Cadillac.
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