Allllll aboard! Texas, especially the Piney Woods of the east, is full of beautiful scenery just waiting for you to explore. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s hard to access the thickest, most lush portions of forestry by car simply because roads are scarce there. That’s where the Texas State Railroad comes in. This incredibly scenic train ride in Texas will show you some of the most uncharted territory in our state and will allow you to experience Texas in a whole new way and develop an undying appreciation for the place we call home. Let’s check it out.
The Texas State Railroad has an incredibly rich and interesting history that began in 1881.
Roy Luck/Flickr
Both depots are located between Palestine and Rusk (about three hours from Houston).
Flickr/criminalintent There are numerous scenic routes you can embark on to see our beautiful state in a whole new way. More information can be found by visiting their website.
There are often specialty, themed-train rides throughout the year that are perfect for families with kids of all ages. From pumpkin patch train rides to holiday polar express, the fun never stops on these wild rails!
Flickr/glasgows
A few other noteworthy rides are the Piney Woods Train Excursion that takes passengers through the picturesque East Texas countryside…
Flickr/nikonfdslr
…and the Dogwood Special Brunch Train which is a popular attraction in the spring, on which you’ll get to witness the beautiful dogwood trees blooming while enjoying a delicious meal.
Flickr/okchomeseller
All in all, the Texas State Railroad is a fun activity for all ages that’s sure to give you an entirely new appreciation for the state we call home.
Flickr/dbmcnicol During the winter months, the Polar Express train ride is an absolute-must, and they’re running this special train for the months of November and December. You’ll want to reserve you spot in advance, as they can quickly sell out! To reserve your spot, head on over to their website.
Have you been on the Texas State Railroad? Which particular ride did you do? Let us know in the comments below!
Roy Luck/Flickr
Flickr/criminalintent
There are numerous scenic routes you can embark on to see our beautiful state in a whole new way. More information can be found by visiting their website.
Flickr/glasgows
Flickr/nikonfdslr
Flickr/okchomeseller
Flickr/dbmcnicol
During the winter months, the Polar Express train ride is an absolute-must, and they’re running this special train for the months of November and December. You’ll want to reserve you spot in advance, as they can quickly sell out! To reserve your spot, head on over to their website.
For more awesome train rides in Texas, check out 5 Incredible Texas Day Trips You Can Take By Train.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Rd 70, Palestine, TX 75801, USAAddress: Texas State Railroad - Rusk Depot, 535 Park Rd 76, Rusk, TX 75785, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
scenic train ride in Texas October 17, 2020 Jackie Ann Can I take a train ride in Texas in the fall? Train rides are one of the best ways to see Texas’ beautiful countryside since you just get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. If you book a ride through the Texas State Railroad at the Rusk Depot, you’ll go on an enchanting four-hour train ride that will show you the beautiful piney woods of Texas in a vintage 1920’s train car. Where should I go to take photos of Texas? Due to its incredibly diverse landscape, Texas is a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re looking to shoot a beautiful desert landscape or the waves crashing on the shore, there’s plenty of beautiful places in Texas that are worthy of a photograph or two. If you’re seeking a mountain range, visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Located at the northern end of the Big Bend Region, visitors to this national park will be met with breathtaking scenery and over 80 miles of hiking trails. For sweeping canyon views, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Palo Duro Canyon in the High Plains region. Not only will you have delightful canyon views, but as you hike the trails, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife in the area. You might be able to capture some photographs of Aoudad sheep, white-tailed deer, or even a mountain lion. What are the best things about living in Texas? There are so many wonderful things about living in Texas, it’s no wonder roughly 29 million people call it home. Not only is Texas home to some of the most incredibly delicious BBQ and Tex-Mex you’ve ever tasted, but Texas is a nature lover’s paradise as well! From mountains to beaches, Texas has a landscape for just about everyone. City dwellers will enjoy major Texan cities like Dallas, Austin, or Houston, and those that prefer a more rural homestead will love towns like Alamo, Fairview, or Fredericksburg.
The OIYS Visitor Center
scenic train ride in Texas
October 17, 2020
Jackie Ann
Can I take a train ride in Texas in the fall? Train rides are one of the best ways to see Texas’ beautiful countryside since you just get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. If you book a ride through the Texas State Railroad at the Rusk Depot, you’ll go on an enchanting four-hour train ride that will show you the beautiful piney woods of Texas in a vintage 1920’s train car. Where should I go to take photos of Texas? Due to its incredibly diverse landscape, Texas is a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re looking to shoot a beautiful desert landscape or the waves crashing on the shore, there’s plenty of beautiful places in Texas that are worthy of a photograph or two. If you’re seeking a mountain range, visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Located at the northern end of the Big Bend Region, visitors to this national park will be met with breathtaking scenery and over 80 miles of hiking trails. For sweeping canyon views, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Palo Duro Canyon in the High Plains region. Not only will you have delightful canyon views, but as you hike the trails, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife in the area. You might be able to capture some photographs of Aoudad sheep, white-tailed deer, or even a mountain lion. What are the best things about living in Texas? There are so many wonderful things about living in Texas, it’s no wonder roughly 29 million people call it home. Not only is Texas home to some of the most incredibly delicious BBQ and Tex-Mex you’ve ever tasted, but Texas is a nature lover’s paradise as well! From mountains to beaches, Texas has a landscape for just about everyone. City dwellers will enjoy major Texan cities like Dallas, Austin, or Houston, and those that prefer a more rural homestead will love towns like Alamo, Fairview, or Fredericksburg.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Train rides are one of the best ways to see Texas’ beautiful countryside since you just get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. If you book a ride through the Texas State Railroad at the Rusk Depot, you’ll go on an enchanting four-hour train ride that will show you the beautiful piney woods of Texas in a vintage 1920’s train car.
Where should I go to take photos of Texas?
Due to its incredibly diverse landscape, Texas is a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re looking to shoot a beautiful desert landscape or the waves crashing on the shore, there’s plenty of beautiful places in Texas that are worthy of a photograph or two. If you’re seeking a mountain range, visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Located at the northern end of the Big Bend Region, visitors to this national park will be met with breathtaking scenery and over 80 miles of hiking trails. For sweeping canyon views, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Palo Duro Canyon in the High Plains region. Not only will you have delightful canyon views, but as you hike the trails, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife in the area. You might be able to capture some photographs of Aoudad sheep, white-tailed deer, or even a mountain lion.
What are the best things about living in Texas?
There are so many wonderful things about living in Texas, it’s no wonder roughly 29 million people call it home. Not only is Texas home to some of the most incredibly delicious BBQ and Tex-Mex you’ve ever tasted, but Texas is a nature lover’s paradise as well! From mountains to beaches, Texas has a landscape for just about everyone. City dwellers will enjoy major Texan cities like Dallas, Austin, or Houston, and those that prefer a more rural homestead will love towns like Alamo, Fairview, or Fredericksburg.