Texas State Railroad - Riding The Rails

If you like trains, and who isn't fascinated by the history and lure of trains, and you are looking for something different and unique for you and the kids to for a day or weekend, then you need to book a ride on the

Operating year round, this historic railroad offers both steam and diesel excursions with vintage passenger cars that were built in the 1920s. As you clickety clack and gently sway back and forth along the tracks you'll pass through some scenic piney woods, rolling hills, 24 bridges, wet lands, and East Texas pastureland. You can choose between open air or climate controlled seating - we enjoyed the open air coach with padded bench seating which gets you closer to nature and gives you more of a vintage feel. Or you can upgrade to the First Class Car (which every Texas Governor since 1976 has ridden in) or don some goggles, ear plugs, and gloves for a special ride with the conductor in the engine. Better yet, grab 8 friends or relatives and charter the vintage caboose. Snacks, drinks, or a picnic lunches are available along with popcorn and other staples can be purchased in one of the coaches as you ride the tracks.

Texas State Railroad Special Events

Operating year round, you'll hear the "whoo whoo" of the train whistle as it approaches the depot and with the "all aboard" you can board the Texas State Railroad red and black 1920's passenger cars at either the Rusk or Palestine Victorian style depot for a round trip ride though the woods covering 25 miles in about four and a half hours. Both depots have gift shops, picnic areas, railroad history, concessions, campsites, and more. Click here to see the train route and learn more about some of sights along the ride. The kids will really enjoy one of the several special event trains that run at various times during the year, some of the special events include:

• The Polar Express
• Fall Photo Excursions
• The Lone Ranger Train Ride
• The Little Engine That Could
• Peanuts excursions like The Easter Beagle Express, or the Valentine Express
• Dinner trains

When we rode on the Texas State Railroad it was the "Great Pumpkin Patch Express" special. We joined the train in Palestine with several of the staff and a hundred kids in Halloween costumes. The train departed Palestine for a 20 minute ride to a pumpkin patch set up next to the tracks. As we clickity clacked along the track Charlie Brown's The Great Pumpkin story was playing through the train speakers and the wicked witch and a hobo were strolling between cars giving candy to the kids. At the pumpkin patch kids and adults could enjoy a petting zoo, hay ride, face painting, a trick or treat street, pumpkin decorating, games, food, and live music. After a couple hours, the train whistle blew and "all aboard" beckoned us back on the train for a scenic return to the Palestine Depot.

For the Great Pumpkin Patch Express, the train departed from the Palestine Depot only and turned around at the pumpkin patch to head back to the same depot. We were pulled by one of the Diesel engines with 5 vintage coaches attached. The ride was short but scenic as it made it's way to the pumpkin patch. Kids and train buffs will love the ride.

Texas State Railroad has four vintage steam engines and one diesel engine plus vintage coaches and cabooses that chug through the East Texas Pines from depot to depot on the four and a half hour trip. The engines are amazing and range in age from 1901 to 1947 and weigh up to 137 tons. Engine 500, built in 1911 had a distinguished career logging over 1.3 million miles. On our Pumpkin Patch Express trip, all of the train staff were dressed in period outfits plus some in special halloween outfits like the hobo and witch. Kids will remember the trains and this unique experience forever and us old timers may get nostalgic as we reflect back to the old days and a simpler time.

Texas State Railroad History

The Texas State Railroad was established in 1881 to solve some of the delivery problems for the booming east Texas iron mining industry that supplied iron products, including the columns and dome structure for the capital building in Austin. Inmates at the Rusk Penitentiary built the railroad to haul hardwood to fuel the prison run iron foundry. The Rusk line continued to expand and prison crews eventually extended the rail line to Maydelle and on to the final destination in Palestine by 1909. The prison ceased foundry operations but passenger and freight service continued until 1921.

The railroad ownership changed hands a couple of times and eventually ceased operation in 1972. Texas Parks and Wildlife stepped in to reopen the tracks for tourist rides and in 1972 inmates were again called in to help spruce up the grounds. The railroad reopened to the public in 1976 as part of the Nation's Bicentennial Celebration. The line was designated as the "Official Railroad of Texas" by the 78th Texas Legislature in 2003. A lack of funding forced Texas Parks & Wildlife to consider alternatives. To save this treasure and unique experience, American Heritage Railways took over management from the State of Texas in late 2007. American Heritage Railways also owns and operates the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, Colorado and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City North Carolina. They currently manage the operation, events, and run from Rusk to Palestine.

Over the years, a number of movies, commercials, videos, and TV productions were filmed at the Railroad including: O, Brother Where Art Thou; Streets of Laredo with James Garner, Kenny Roger's The Gambler; Walker Texas Ranger; Levi Strauss commercial, and more.

Camping & Riding The Railroad

You can do a day trip to ride the rails, but why not make it a weekend and ride the train, camp, and explore the local area. At both of the train depots you'll find campgrounds that are a two minute walk from the campground. The Palestine campground is more rustic and open with tent and RV sites with water but no electric hookups. There are restrooms but no showers. We spent the night at Texas State Railroad RV Park & Campground at the Rusk depot. They have great full-hook up pull through sites, group campsites, and tent sites with water and electricity. In addition you'll find: two tennis courts; a small lake for boating, fishing, and swimming; a group dining hall with a full kitchen and BBQ grill; an office and gift shop; a short nature trail; a playground and picnic area by the lake; and a trail around a portion of the lake. Read our review of Texas State Railroad RV Park & Campground to learn more about park. The Texas State Railroad RV Park & Campground is about 5 miles from downtown Rusk which has a few restaurants, a museum, and the longest footbridge in the United States.

Rusk and Palestine both have some hotels if you don't want to camp. Rusk is also home to "the hardest little golf course in Texas" - the fun and challenging Birmingham Forest Golf Club. So make it a weekend - camp, ride the rails, golf, and explore the area.

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