Steam Train Trips in the USA

Steam trains used to rule the rails. Nowadays, they are mostly relegated to tourist rides and short excursions. The upside? These steam trains chug through some of the most beautiful and scenic corners of the United States.

Austin Steam Train

Short trips to tour historic depots, leisurely rides through Texas Hill Country with lunchtime layovers, murder mystery dinner train rides--this rail association offers it all. Prices and times for tours and special events vary, but all board the historic railroad's vintage passenger cars and get to take in the beautiful, scenic Hill Country.

Austin Steam Train Association
401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste A-103
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 477-8468
austinsteamtrain.org

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train

This historic Colorado train has been in operation for around 130 years. Today, passengers on this scenic line ride in cars behind vintage steam locomotives on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Seating is based on budget and categorized by age, as well. You'll find private cars, refurbished cars, cars that serve drinks and pastries, vintage coach seating or even open-air gondola seating on this steam rail line.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
479 Main Ave.
Durango, CO 81301
(877) 872-4607
durangotrain.com

Lumberjack Steam Train

This is a train ride into the past. Climb aboard a vintage "4-spot" steam locomotive that was built in 1916. The Lumberjack Steam Train will take you on a journey back into the late 1800s and to explore the site of an authentic Northwoods logging camp. Guests can sit in a rare cupola caboose, ride in an all-steel car for passengers or an old boxcar that has been converted into an observation car. Other activities such as a boat tour and gift shops are available, too.

Lumberjack Steam Train
P.O. Box 5
Laona, WI 54541
(715) 674-3414
lumberjacksteamtrain.com

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train

Experience both a steam train and an anthracite coal mine with the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train. Visitors can ride into the tunnel to explore on rebuilt mine cars and ride a narrow gauge steam train that pulls passenger mine cars along the side of Mahanoy Mountain. The mining theme continues on this 3/4-mile trip as guests view how strip mining removed an exposed vein of coal and left a 150-foot-high wall of rock behind.

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train
c/o Ashland Community Enterprises
19th and Oak Streets
Ashland, PA 17921
(570) 875-3850 or (570) 875-3301
pioneertunnel.com

Article Written By Lisa Henshall

Lisa Henshall is a college instructor and part time freelance writer who has been published in print and online for nearly 20 years. She has a number of articles recently published through sites such as Ehow.com and is a regular contributor to magazines. She has a degree in e-commerce management from Friends University and is working on a Master's in education from Capella University.

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