By the Heritage Travel Team at True West
A True Westerner’s guide to America’s most historic train rides—where frontier lore, breathtaking landscapes and iron-horse grit meet on the tracks
There was a time on the frontier when the shriek of a steam whistle meant salvation—or trouble. Trains didn’t just conquer the West; they built it. They stitched cattle towns to mining camps, carried settlers across vast plains, and delivered telegrams, guns and gossip to the farthest reaches of civilization. Today, though the iron horse no longer rules the land, its spirit is alive and well on America’s most historic railways.
From the red rock canyons of Arizona to the alpine passes of Colorado, a number of vintage train excursions invite modern-day passengers to step back in time. These aren’t amusement park rides or glossy imitations—they are living museums, many operating century-old steam locomotives and rolling stock that once hauled ore, livestock and homesteaders. The scenery is stunning, yes—but the real draw is the sense of time travel, the click of the rails, the soot in the air and the stories echoing through every trestle and tunnel.
Whether you’re chasing ghosts through mining country, retracing the path of the transcontinental, or rolling past the very depot where Billy the Kid once disembarked, these excursions are more than scenic—they’re a portal into the past. So, buy the ticket, grab a seat by the window and get ready to ride the rails of Western history.
1880 Train–Black Hills
Central Railroad
Ride the same rails once traversed by gold miners, lawmen and outlaws aboard the 1880 Train, a fully operational steam locomotive running between Hill City and Keystone, South Dakota. This stretch of the Black Hills was once the domain of the Deadwood Stage and the booming mining camps of the 1870s. Today, the train winds past forests, granite outcroppings and wildlife-rich hills that once echoed with six-shooters and prospecting dreams. Onboard narration tells the story of the region’s colorful frontier past.
The two-hour roundtrip journey offers standard and first-class seating with open-air views. The railroad also hosts themed events such as the Wine Express and Old West Shootout Trains, blending entertainment with historical immersion. Tickets range from $38 to $70, and kids under 3 ride free. 1880train.com
Top Pick: In summer, the Old West Shootout Train—complete with costumed bandits and lawmen for an immersive frontier experience
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Departing from the famed Chisholm Trail town of Abilene, Kansas, the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad captures the spirit of cattle drives and steam-powered promise. This heritage railroad operates on tracks first laid in 1886, offering a 10.5-mile excursion to the old prairie village of Enterprise. Riders enjoy the prairie vistas once dotted with longhorn herds and frontier settlements.
Depending on the season, passengers may be treated to a rare ride aboard the only operational steam locomotive in Kansas—Santa Fe 3415—or travel in vintage diesel cars. Special dinner trains, complete with Kansas-grown fare, and rides to the historic Hoffman Grist Mill make for an authentic taste of Plains history. Fares are modest, typically ranging from $15 to $30, with discounts for families and seniors. asvrr.org
Top Pick: The Dinner Train to Enterprise—a prairie sunset, homemade Kansas fare and a dose of small-town charm
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Embark on a journey through the heart of the Ozarks aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, where the echoes of 19th-century frontier life still resonate. Originally constructed in the late 1800s to serve the timber and mining industries, this line now offers passengers the chance to witness the rugged beauty of the Boston Mountains from vintage railcars. Traversing high trestles and passing through historic tunnels, the route showcases the engineering marvels that opened up the Old West.
The day-long, 134-mile round trip from Springdale to Van Buren includes a three-hour layover in downtown Van Buren—perfect for lunch in a local café or browsing antique shops along Main Street. Riders can choose from standard coach, premium table seating, or the elevated Silver Feather dome car, with tickets ranging from $65 to $126. Themed rides like the Mardi Gras Express add lively flair, while seniors, veterans and AAA members enjoy special pricing throughout the season. amtrainrides.com
Top Pick: Silver Feather Dome Car—panoramic mountain views and plush luxury high above the treetops
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Voted one of the most scenic train rides in America, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad takes riders across the Colorado-New Mexico border on a 64-mile journey carved straight from the Wild West. Built in 1880 as part of the Denver & Rio Grande’s San Juan Extension, this narrow-gauge line served mining towns and mountain outposts with grit and guts.
Today’s steam-powered locomotives haul passengers through alpine meadows, high trestles, deep gorges and the 10,015-foot-high Cumbres Pass. The full-day excursion includes a lunch stop in the old rail town of Osier and a choice of departures from Chama or Antonito. Open-air gondolas, coach seating and parlor cars are available, with ticket prices ranging from $65 to $200. Don’t miss their popular photo trains and fall foliage rides for unforgettable views.
Top Pick: Unmatched fall foliage rides in September—historic steam, golden aspens and jaw-dropping mountain views
Durango & Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad
Since 1882, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been transporting passengers through the majestic San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Built to move gold and silver ore, this steam-powered marvel now offers one of the most iconic train journeys in the West—hugging the sheer cliffs of the Animas River and passing ghost towns and mining remnants left behind by fortune-seekers.
The 45-mile ride from Durango to Silverton includes a two-hour layover in the historic mining town, allowing time to stroll among saloons, souvenir shops and scenic views. Tickets start at $90, with seating options ranging from standard coach to Presidential Class—each offering unique perks like oversized seats or panoramic windows. Special events including the Polar Express and Cowboy Poetry Train bring an extra dose of nostalgia and seasonal magic to an already unforgettable experience.
Top Pick: Presidential Class to ride like a railroad baron with large leather seats, open vestibules and stunning views
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Step back into the silver rush days aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a marvel of 1880s rail engineering that still winds its way through Colorado’s rugged Clear Creek Canyon. Built to connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, the line scales steep grades and crosses the towering Devil’s Gate High Bridge—making it a must-see for railfans and history lovers alike.
Today’s 90-minute round-trip excursions offer several service tiers including coach, parlor and Presidential Class, each with distinct comforts and views. Passengers can add a tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine or try their luck panning for gold—turning a scenic ride into a hands-on historical adventure. Seasonal favorites like Oktoberfest Trains and Victorian holiday specials create even more reasons to ride.
Top Pick: Lebanon Mine Tour Add-On—pairs your ride with a walk through an actual silver-mine shaft
Grand Canyon Railway
Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has offered a gateway to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders—just as it did for early tourists, ranchers and explorers over a century ago. Departing daily from the historic depot in Williams, Arizona, the vintage train rumbles 65 miles north through pine forests and desert plateaus, arriving at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in style.
Passengers can choose from six classes of service—from Pullman cars to luxury observation domes—while enjoying onboard musicians and Old West entertainment, including a mock train robbery. Round-trip journeys include a layover at Grand Canyon Village, allowing time to explore the rim. Prices range from $67 to $226, with packages including hotel stays and meals available for full-immersion experiences.
Top Pick: Travel in Luxury Parlor Class—panoramic dome views and a champagne toast as you arrive at the Canyon’s edge
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Travel back to the age of cowboys and cattle drives on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, where restored 1920s-era coaches roll along the historic Cotton Belt Route. Departing from the Fort Worth Stockyards and journeying to the town of Grapevine, this line blends Texas tradition with turn-of-the-century travel charm.
The four-hour round trip includes a two-hour layover at the Stockyards, where passengers can catch a cattle drive or visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Choose First Class for climate-controlled coaches with Victorian-style seating or opt for Touring Class in open-air cars for a breeze-filled ride. With themed events like the North Pole Express and special group rates, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad delivers Wild West spirit for families, couples and history buffs alike.
Top Pick: North Pole Express (Holiday Season)—a Texas-style winter tradition aboard 1920s coaches
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Echoing through misty hollows and across rushing mountain streams, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad revives the golden era of Appalachian rail travel. Built atop 19th-century track once used to haul timber and ore, the train now carries passengers past the scenic beauty of Western North Carolina’s backcountry—including stretches of the Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River.
The 4.5-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion covers 44 miles and includes a stop at the outdoor adventure hub of Nantahala Outdoor Center. Ticket options range from standard coach to private caboose rentals, with prices starting at just $29. Riders also enjoy free admission to the Smoky Mountains Museum and can upgrade their trip with themed rides like the Moonshine Experience or the beloved Polar Express.
Top Pick: Moonshine Experience —riding the rails with a taste of Appalachia’s famous outlaw spirit
Leadville, Colorado &
Southern Railroad
High in the Colorado Rockies, the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad climbs to over 10,000 feet—making it the highest-elevation train in the state. Built during the silver boom, the line once linked Denver to the hard-rock mining town of Leadville and served as a vital supply route through the harsh alpine terrain.
The modern-day 2.5-hour excursion rises into the San Isabel National Forest, with sweeping views of Mt. Elbert, Mt. Massive and the Arkansas River Valley. Unique experiences like the Wildflower Special and weekend BBQ Trains add flavor to the ride, and yes—well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard. It’s a journey that blends altitude, attitude and unmatched alpine beauty.
Top Pick: Wildflower Special—alpine blooms and interpretive guides on this seasonal favorite
Nevada Northern Railway
Step directly into a living museum at the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada—one of the most complete and authentic historic rail facilities in the country. Built in 1905 to haul copper ore from the mines of the Robinson District, this line has barely changed since its heyday. It features original steam locomotives, shop buildings and trackwork—making it a film-worthy frontier setting.
Visitors can board seasonal excursions like the Haunted Ghost Train or Rockin’ & Rollin’ Geology Ride, or take the 90-minute journey through Robinson Canyon in vintage passenger coaches. Adventurous guests can even operate a steam locomotive themselves with a Be the Engineer package. General admission fares start at $38, with special events priced separately.
Top Pick: The Be the Engineer program—allowing you to throttle a steam engine down the original mining-grade line
Skunk Train–Mendocino Railway
Named for the pungent exhaust of its early gasoline-powered motors, the Skunk Train is a California legend dating back to 1885. Originating in Fort Bragg and Willits, this railroad once carried redwood logs and rugged pioneers through the dense forests and steep canyons of the Noyo River.
Today, it offers breathtaking rides through towering redwoods, across trestles and into the untouched heart of Mendocino County. Travelers can enjoy shorter scenic runs like the Pudding Creek Express or opt for the two-hour Wolf Tree Turn. Railbike adventures and electric-powered excursions offer a unique twist for modern explorers. Tickets range from $29 to $69, with railbike rides priced higher due to limited availability.
Top Pick: The Railbike Adventure—pedal-powered exploration with the sounds of the forest and old rails beneath you
Texas State Railroad
Dubbed the “Official Railroad of Texas,” the Texas State Railroad runs between Palestine and Rusk through the piney woods of East Texas, tracing its roots to an 1881 prison labor project. Once used to transport iron ore and timber, the line now serves up nostalgia and heritage with every mile of its 25-mile journey.
Passengers enjoy a four-hour round trip with a 90-minute layover at the historic Rusk Depot, where they can dine at the Railcar Café and explore interpretive exhibits. Seating options range from classic open-air coaches to private cabooses and luxury dome cars—each offering a different flavor of Texas rail travel. With wine trains, dinner excursions and holiday specials throughout the year, it’s both a rolling museum and a living tribute to Lone Star grit.
Top Pick: Observation Dome Class—wide Texas skies and frontier forests from glass-topped cars
Verde Canyon Railway
Winding through Arizona’s rugged red rock country, the Verde Canyon Railway follows a historic 1912 route first used to haul copper ore from the mines of Jerome. Departing from Clarkdale, this 20-mile journey into the backcountry reveals cliff dwellings, Native ruins and bald eagle habitats—all inaccessible by car.
The train features vintage FP7 diesel locomotives and fully refurbished coaches with panoramic windows, plush seating and open-air viewing cars. First-class service includes complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres, while standard-class passengers enjoy comfortable seats and café access. Roundtrip excursions last four hours, with tickets starting at $69 and topping out near $130. Moonlight and Ales on Rails rides make this a favorite for history lovers and wine connoisseurs alike.
Top Pick: Ales on Rails—a scenic ride with craft beer, live music and a dose of desert lore
TRACKSIDE TREASURES: RAILROAD MUSEUMS WORTH THE STOP
Arizona Railway Museum
Explore a hands-on collection of restored passenger cars, cabooses and locomotives in the heart of Chandler.
California State Railroad Museum
Located in Old Sacramento, this world-class museum brings the golden era of railroading to life with immersive exhibits and beautifully restored trains.
Colorado Railroad Museum
This sprawling 15-acre rail yard in Golden features vintage locomotives, rolling stock and hands-on exhibits.
Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum
Located inside the original roundhouse, this museum showcases Old West rail history, mining relics and working engines.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Housed in a historic depot, this Gulf Coast gem displays locomotives, model trains and a life-sized art deco railcar collection.
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Stand where the East met West at Promontory Summit, Utah—the very site of the 1869 transcontinental railroad completion.
Golden Spike Tower & Visitors Center
Climb seven stories for panoramic views of North Platte’s Bailey Yard—the world’s largest rail yard.
Nevada State Railroad Museum
Located in Carson City, this museum preserves the Silver State’s railroading past with working trains and an impressive historic collection.
Ridgway Railroad Museum
A tribute to Colorado’s Rio Grande Southern, this open-air museum features restored rolling stock and the famous Galloping Goose.
Southern California Railway Museum
The West’s largest railway museum offers trolley and train rides, massive collections and special events in Perris, California.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
This “moving museum” near Chattanooga offers heritage train rides alongside indoor exhibits and restored railcars.
Western Pacific Railroad Museum
In Portola, California, visitors can tour and even operate historic locomotives at this living tribute to Western rail history.
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