Excursions
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Join us for a relaxing train ride through the piney woods of East Texas or one of our many exclusive events throughout the season! The Palestine Rail Depot is located at 789 Park Road 70 Palestine, TX 75801. The Rusk Rail Depot is located at 535 Park Rd 76 Rusk, TX 75785
THE POLAR EXPRESS™
The captivating story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole. The adventure is even more fun when families and friends show up in their pajamas! Enveloped by the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the tale as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies as they recite the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Be sure to purchase a book along with your tickets so your child can read his/her own book along with the chefs. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves greet passengers and then board the train. St. Nick gives everyone the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell, only believers can hear ringing. On the ride back to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train depot, chefs lead passengers in singing joyous Christmas carols. Make sure to purchase the official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book for your child when you make your reservations. Gift-wrapped as their first gift of the season, they can read along with the Coco Chefs aboard the magical journey to the North Pole.
This excursion takes passengers on a journey through the impressive Piney Woods of East Texas and 135 years of history. Unplug for an experience where history, nature and adventure meet. The Piney Woods Express Diesel Excursion is powered by restored FP9 passenger units, TSR 125 and/or TSR 126. These remarkably restored engines aren’t just for show! General Motors built 481 of the FP9 and FP7 locomotives to haul passengers during the “Golden Age” of streamliners. From the moment one steps aboard a vintage 1920s car, history comes alive. Relaxed seating, thoughtful décor and friendly, responsive car attendants add to the ambiance of the scenic journey afforded by travelers a century ago. This 4-hour round-trip train excursion departs from the historic Palestine Rail Depot and travels to our Rusk Rail Depot, where guests will deboard the train for an approximate 1 hour and 20-minute layover. During the layover, guests will be able to have lunch from our Mail Car Cafe, explore the grounds or take in some history visiting the interior of the depot as well as our gift shop. We have multiple seating and pricing options for this excursion.
The Piney Woods Express Steam excursion is one of our most popular excursions. This excursion will be powered by No. 30, a 1917 Baldwin Locomotive Works. No. 30 began her career on the Tremont & Gulf Railway, a Louisiana short line railroad. During TP&WD days, No. 30 was known as No. 400. In the late 70’s, when Texas Parks & Wildlife Department took over the operation of Texas State Railroad, new account numbers were assigned to locomotives operating on the line. The opportunity to ride behind the magnificent locomotives of yesteryear and get up close and personal with these giants is truly an amazing experience! It is always a fun time and a great opportunity to bring the kids out for an educational adventure. This excursion takes passengers on a journey through the impressive Piney Woods and 135 years of history. From the moment one steps aboard a vintage 1920s car, the excitement of being on the rails is exhilarating. Relaxed seating, thoughtful décor and friendly, responsive attendants add to the ambiance of the scenic journey afforded by travelers a century ago. This four-hour round-trip train excursion departs from the historic Palestine Rail Depot in Palestine, TX, and travels to our Rusk Rail Depot, where guests will deboard the train for an approximate 1 hour and 15-minute layover at the historic Rusk Rail Depot. During the layover, guests will have the opportunity to get lunch at our Mail Car Café, explore the grounds or take in some history visiting the interior of the depot as well as our gift shop.
Passengers aboard Texas State Railroad’s DOGWOOD LUNCH TRAIN will savor the flavor and sights of East Texas on this 4-hour round-trip journey. Expand all of your senses with a delicious meal and a front-row seat to the Dogwood Days springtime show. We will depart the Palestine, TX, Railroad Depot promptly at 11:00 am. The luminous white dogwoods and pink redbud blooms will light up the East Texas woods as the radiant blossoms and Piney Woods scenery pass by your window. We will offer five different seating classes on this excursion.Guests in each class on the Dogwood Lunch Train will be served a Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and an appetizer onboard. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase onboard.Lunch is included in your ticket price and will be served outside on the grounds of our Rusk, TX, Rail Depot. Our annual Dogwood Lunch Train has been a tradition for many and a highly popular excursion.This is NOT a steam event.
Texas State Railroad invites you to join us on our newly added Rusk Turntable Excursion. Departing from the beautiful Rusk, TX, Rail Depot, we will dive into the beautiful sights of the Piney Woods as well as deep into history, traversing the tracks to the Locomotive / Railcar turntable located in Maydelle, TX. The Locomotive / Railcar turntable was built in the 1890’s, and you will be able to witness the ages-old technology as we will turn the locomotive for our return trip back to the Rusk, TX Rail Depot. This trip is approximately 1.5 hours round-trip, and several seating options and rates are available for this excursion. An ADA-compliant coach is available but must be reserved directly through our Reservations Desk.There will be a concession car with snacks and a selection of beverages for purchase. The Texas State Railroad Rusk Turntable Excursion is great for all ages, so make your reservations today for an experience where Nature, History and Adventure meet! This is NOT a steam event.
Join us for our Easter Lunch Train, April 4th, where you will enjoy a 4-hour round-trip journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas. We will depart from our Palestine, TX, Rail Depot and traverse the tracks through the Piney Woods over to our Rusk, TX, Rail Depot. We will deboard the train at the Rusk Rail Depot and have a savory Easter lunch on the beautifully decorated grounds by the lake. We will offer 5 different seating classes on this excursion. Catered lunch, including dessert, iced tea or water will be served outside on the grounds of the Rusk Railroad Depot and is included in the price of your ticket. Guests in each class on the Easter Lunch Train will be served a complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and appetizer upon departure. An ADA-compliant coach is available but must be reserved directly through our Reservations Desk. A selection of alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase onboard. Make the Texas State Railroad Easter Lunch Train a tradition in your family this year! This is NOT a steam event.
Join us for our adult-only “Wines in the Pines” excursion train departing from the Palestine Texas Railroad Depot promptly at 5:00pm. As we begin our 4-hour round-trip journey through the Piney Woods of East TX, you will enjoy samplings (2oz) of a variety of wines from a Texas Winery. All classes of seating will be served a complimentary appetizer on board the train as well as a Texas State Railroad Wine Glass as a special memento of your journey with us. We will make our way over to the Rusk, TX Railroad, where we will stop and have dinner outside by the lake. The return excursion will allow ample time for all wine lovers to purchase a full serving of their favorite blend while comparing notes and sharing stories with friends and loved ones. You must be 21 to participate in the wine tasting. The menu and Winery will be announced closer to each event date. This is NOT a steam event.
Debuting this season at the Texas State Railroad, the 50’s Sock Hop Express invites you to step back in time and rock around the clock with us! Dust off your saddle shoes, roll up those jeans, and get ready for a night of classic fun inspired by the fabulous fifties. Enjoy vintage tunes, high-energy dancing, and timeless sock-hop vibes straight out of a retro diner. From doo-wop beats to rock ’n’ roll hits, this throwback celebration is packed with music, laughter, and nostalgic charm. Grab your friends, strike a pose, and let’s twist the night away—1950’s style! The 50’s Sock Hop Express will promptly leave the Palestine Texas Railroad Depot at 5:00pm on April 25th. We will journey over to the Rusk Depot whilst listening to those great tunes from the 1950’s and sipping on cocktails from our special drink menu inspired by the era! Upon arrival we will continue to enjoy the evening with a catered meal, dance floor and DJ spinning those tunes of the decade all on the lovely grounds outside at the Rusk Railroad Depot by the beautiful lake! This is a night sure to be remembered! Come and join us on this inaugural adventure. This is an Adult-only event. This is NOT a steam event.
Looking for something unique to do for Mom this Mother’s Day? Why don’t you throw Mama ON the Train and join us for our Mother’s Day Lunch Excursion on May 9th! Whisk Mama away back in time as we journey through the East Texas Piney Woods on this 4-hour round-trip excursion. Mama is sure to enjoy spending time with her family whilst enjoying the sights and sounds aboard our vintage passenger train. We will depart from the Palestine, TX, Railroad Depot promptly at 11:00 am and traverse the tracks to our Rusk Depot, where we will deboard and enjoy a savory catered Mother’s Day Lunch outside on our beautifully decorated grounds by the lake. This excursion offers 5 different seating classes to choose from. Guests in each class on our Mother’s Day Lunch Excursion will be served a complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and appetizer upon departure. A selection of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase onboard. All Mothers will receive a special gift as a memento of their journey with us! Please note this is NOT a Steam event.
Attention all you Bootleggers, Flappers, Raccoon Coats, Bathtub Gin Bathers, Flagpole Sitters, and Marathon Dancers!!! Join us as we journey back in time 100 years to an era of prosperity, indulgence, and carefree living on “The Speakeasy Special.” Dress to impress in your preferred 20’s attire! Our adventure begins at the PALESTINE, TX, rail depot on June 6, 2026, where we will promptly board the train at 5 pm. We will traverse the tracks to our Rusk, T,X Rail Depot whilst enjoying appetizers and listening to the sounds of the 1920s-era tunes. We will disembark at our Rusk Depot and enjoy “The Dave Washburn Jazz Band” performing LIVE while a 1920s-themed dinner is served outside on the beautifully decorated grounds of the Rusk Depot. Eat, drink, and dance your evening away by the lake! This is an adult-only event and for train excursion ticket holders only. This is a round-trip excursion with an approximate duration of 5 hours, including time on the Rusk grounds. This is NOT a steam event.
Have you thought about what you are going to get, Dear Ole Dad, for Father’s Day? Why don’t you treat him to lunch and a vintage Steam Train Ride aboard our Father’s Day lunch train on June 20th! Dad is sure to enjoy time with his family whilst being whisked back in time as we journey through the East Texas Piney Woods on this 4-hour round trip excursion. We will depart from the Palestine, TX, Railroad Depot promptly at 11:00 am and traverse the tracks to our Rusk Depot, where we will deboard and enjoy a savory catered Father’s Day Lunch outside on our beautifully decorated grounds by the lake. This excursion offers 5 different seating classes to choose from. Guests in each class on our Father’s Day Lunch Excursion will be served a complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and appetizer upon departure. A selection of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase onboard. All Fathers will receive a special gift as a memento of their journey with us!
Piney Woods Evening Dinner Excursion – Texas State Railroad invites you to join us for our 4-hour evening round-trip train excursion through the Piney Woods of East Texas. This excursion departs the Palestine Railroad Depot promptly at 5:00 PM. We will traverse the tracks, enjoying the evening hours on our 1-hour and 20-minute journey to the Rusk Depot. Once at Rusk, we will be treated to a savory catered dinner served outside on the beautiful grounds of the depot by the lake. On our return trip, relax and enjoy conversation with your party, or take the time to meet others along for the ride. Enjoy a coffee or beverage from our concession as your train attendant provides wait service. A selection of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase onboard. This unique adventure is a great getaway from the normal routine! An ADA-compliant coach is available but must be reserved directly through our Reservations Desk. This is NOT a steam event.
What could be better than enjoying the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods from a vintage train whilst wetting your whistle with some tasty local ales? Make memories with friends by taking a journey on our “Pints in the Pines” excursion. This is an adult-only excursion departing promptly from Palestine, TX at 5:00 pm. We will travel through the Piney Woods of East Texas to our Rusk, TX, Rail Depot while sampling several local or regional beers. If you are not a “beer” drinker, don’t fret!! We have a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase onboard. Upon our arrival at the Rusk, TX Depot, we will enjoy a catered dinner with dessert, water/tea outside as the sun sets. On our journey back to Palestine, you can purchase your favorite brew and share laughs and conversation with family and friends. This excursion is approximately 4 hours in duration, including our time on the grounds at Rusk. All classes of seating will be served a complimentary appetizer, beer samplings (2oz samples), dinner, dessert, as well as a commemorative Texas State Railroad Pint Glass as a special memento of your journey with us. You must be 21 to participate in the beer tasting. The menu and breweries will be announced closer to the event date. This is NOT a steam event.
Passengers aboard Texas State Railroad’s Fall Harvest Lunch Train will savor the flavor and sights of East Texas on this 4-hour round-trip journey. As summer and especially the summer temperatures begin to cool down, we invite you to expand your senses with a delicious meal and a front-row seat to the Piney Woods of East Texas’ autumn show. Guests in each class on the Fall Harvest Lunch Train will be served complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and appetizer upon departure. A selection of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase onboard. A catered Lunch will be served outside on the beautifully decorated grounds of our Rusk, TX, Rail Depot and is included in your ticket price. With two dates available this season, make our Fall Harvest Lunch Train Excursion a tradition in your family starting in 2026! This is NOT a steam event.
All Aboard!!! Join us for the inaugural Oktoberfest Beer Train on October 23rd, 2026! As we begin our approximate 5-hour round-trip journey through the Piney Woods of East TX, you will experience a festive ride filled with Bavarian spirit while sampling (2oz) a variety of German beers along the way! Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just love a good party, this spirited journey blends great brews, good company, and views of the East Texas Piney woods from the rails. Upon our arrival at our Rusk Texas Railroad Depot, you will be served a catered meal on the lovely outside grounds of the Depot. We will continue the evening with lively music where you can dance a jig under the stars by the lake! This will be a journey not to miss! Prost to a one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest experience on the rails! This event is an Adult only event, and you must be 21 to participate in the beer tastings. This is NOT a steam event.
Texas State Railroad invites you to join us for our Adult Only Halloween Costume Party on the Rails! Our adventure begins at the PALESTINE, TX rail depot on October 24, 2026, where we will promptly board the train at 5pm. We will traverse the tracks to our Rusk, TX Rail Depot whilst enjoying appetizers and a complimentary champagne or cider toast. We will disembark at our Rusk Railroad Depot and under the howling moon and enjoy a catered dinner and dessert as well as dancing to a DJ spinning your favorite spooky tunes (Brush up on your “Thriller” and “Monster Mash” dances)! We encourage you to “Costume up”; however, be cognizant of the size and space constraints that are present in train travel! We will have several categories of costume contests for this unique Halloween excursion! This is NOT a steam event.
Join us on September 27th for our 2nd “ROCKIN’ THE RAILS” 2025 excursion train featuring BRAYDEN STEWART!!! What could be better than taking a vintage train ride to a private concert with 300+ of your best friends?!? This roundtrip excursion leaves from Palestine, TX Depot at 5:00pm on September 27th. We will journey for 1 hour and 20 minutes to our Rusk Depot where we will disembark and jam out with Scurry, Texas’ own, BRAYDEN STEWART, fresh off of his successful TEXAS TAILGATE TOUR supporting Blacktop Mojo! Following the concert, we will board the train and head back to Palestine.
A Prom Night through the Decades
Texas State Railroad proudly presents “A Prom Night through the Decades” excursion train. Did you get to go to your High School Prom? Well, if not, or even if you did, we are giving you a chance to relive that special night with a twist! Our adventure begins at the PALESTINE, TX rail depot, on April 26, 2025, where we will promptly board the train at 5pm. We will traverse the tracks to our Rusk, TX Rail Depot whilst enjoying freshly made appetizers and a complimentary champagne / cider toast. We will disembark at our Rusk Depot and enjoy a DJ playing a variety of music from the last 8 decades. We will have a dance floor so you can dance the night away with your sweetheart, group of friends or even by yourself all in a beautiful setting by the lake. We encourage you to dress in your best! Come in modern attire, or even better yet, dress in the style of the decade you went to your prom. We will select a Prince and Princess from each coach, and as the night carries on, we will crown the Prom King and Queen of “A Prom Night through the Decades’ second annual excursion train.”
Texas State Railroad invites you to join us for our Fiesta Flyer Dinner Train roundtrip excursion through the Piney Woods of East Texas. This excursion departs the Palestine Rail Depot promptly at 5:00PM. We will traverse the tracks enjoying the evening hours on our 1 hour and 20-minute journey to the Rusk Depot. Once at Rusk, we will be treated to a catered Mexican themed dinner served on the beautiful grounds of the depot by the lake. During dinner we will be treated to the sounds of a great Mariachi band where you can dance the night away! On our return trip, relax and enjoy conversation with your party or take the time to meet others along for the ride. Enjoy a coffee, or drink from our concession as your train attendant provides wait service. This unique adventure is a great getaway from the normal routine!