Train Schedules and Seasonal Events –

Please note, due to unforeseen circumstances, Friday, July 20 is not available for reservations.

Maydelle Turntable School Group Runs

On May 17, a special “Maydelle Turntable Run” offer school groups a fun day out at Texas State Railroad!  This rare example of railroad technology demonstrates today how this vintage piece of equipment was used, routinely so many decades ago in rail yards across our nation, to turn the engines around to go in a different direction.  Built in the late 1890s by the St. Louis and San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad on site at their Paris, Texas rail yard. In 1981, the Texas State Railroad acquired the turntable and installed it in Maydelle.

Summer Rail Season in Full Swing

Starting on Saturday, May 26, the Good Ol’ Gals of Steam depart from the Palestine depot and will remain based there through July. Steam trains will depart from the Rusk depot in August and September. Excursions run through the summer every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Throw Papa ON the Train

Run out of ideas for Father’s Day gifts? Think no further! Throw Papa ON the train for a pleasurable day filled with nostalgia and memory-making.  Dad will be enamored on Sunday, June 17 as he waves to family and friends from inside the cab of a historic locomotive on a Ride-Along. Don’t wait too long, because there’s only one locomotive per day!

Summer Means Evening Excursions

On one Saturday each month, from June through September, Texas State Railroad hosts passengers for an evening excursion on the Piney Woods Route between Rusk and Palestine. The fresh scent of the evening woods coupled with the rhythm of the rails combine to make a romantic rail journey a reality. Add in appetizers and specialty alcoholic or nonalcoholic cocktails served in a comfortable first-class setting for a memorable couples’ evening. Trains depart on June 30 and July 28  at 6 p.m. from the Palestine train depot. Book the babysitter and the ride today!

Summer Means Evening Excursions

On one Saturday each month, from June through September, Texas State Railroad hosts passengers for an evening excursion on the Piney Woods Route between Rusk and Palestine. The fresh scent of the evening woods coupled with the rhythm of the rails combine to make a romantic rail journey a reality. Add in appetizers and specialty alcoholic or nonalcoholic cocktails served in a comfortable first-class setting for a memorable couples’ evening. Trains depart on  August 25 and September 22 at 6 p.m. from the Rusk depot. Book the babysitter and the ride today!

Pumpkin Patch Is a Safe and Fun Festivities This Halloween Season

Unleash the kids this harvest season and set them loose on a Pumpkin Patch full of interactive games, prizes, tricks and treats! Kids of all ages can ride the historic rails from the Rusk, TX train depot to Texas State Railroad’s very own Pumpkin Patch.  These daytime events are fun not frightening; perfect for all ages. Wearing costumes adds to the enthusiasm so passengers are encouraged to come attired in their Halloween best.  Tiny boos and ghouls also will enjoy hopping in the bounce house and children may each select their own future jack-o-lantern to bring aboard the train. The 60-minute layover at the Pumpkin Patch includes hayrides, spooky tunes and seasonal music; and safe, fun trick-or-treating on “Trick-or-Treat Street.” A variety of food will be available for purchase at the Pumpkin Patch.

2019 Train Schedule

Dogwood Viewing at Its Finest

Spring means Dogwoods are in bloom in East Texas and they are even more vivid along the rails of Texas State Railroad. The color contrast is striking as the burly, black locomotives power the vibrant crimson passenger cars past delicate white Dogwood blossoms sheltered by the lush verdant Piney Woods. Dogwood blooms peak during March aboard this scenic Palestine-area experience.

Springtime on the Rails

The season, celebrated worldwide as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, is no more apparent than on Texas State Railroad. The deciduous vegetation hugging the rolling hills of the Piney Woods unfolds its sleeping buds and wildflowers create a kaleidoscope of color along the tracks. There’s freshness in the air on the open-air cars as the train passes over a number of creeks and rivers filled with glistening droplets that will eventually touch a bit of Texas soil from the top of the State to the ocean. The experience is always heightened with a glass of Champagne upon boarding and focused service from skilled attendants trained to making every minute aboard this vintage train the ride of a lifetime.

BIG Bunny Sighting Aboard Texas State Railroad

There has been a BIG bunny sighting in Texas, and this ain’t just anybunny, it’s somebunny really special! There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with the adorable rabbit himself. The Easter Egg Express takes the whole family to an Easter Egg Park filled with games and activities for all ages. The interactive train ride, Easter egg hunt and luscious lunch, with a backdrop of great music, are eggstra-ordinary venues for a delightful springtime afternoon in the Piney Woods. These popular trains fill quickly, so book early.