I’m sure I’m not the only mom of a boy who loves train. Any kinds of train rides bound to make Mr. Z happy. Even a subway ride is one of the highlight of his trip anywhere no matter where we go. So I have been looking at different scenic train rides around the country for some cool, affordable and fun train ride. Here are my 5 fun and family-friendly scenic train trips in America.
1. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, North Carolina – With 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad will provide fun, exciting and breathtaking landscape of Western North Carolina. The railroad provides many excursion including special events throughout the year.
Departure City: Bryson City, NC
Fee: Starting from $34 Adult, $19 Children
Contact: Great Smoky Mountain Railroad 800-872-4681
2. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Georgia – Take a 23 miles round trip scenic Blue Ridge Railway along the beautiful Toccoa River and into the rush Chattahoochee National Forest. Then take a 2 hour layover to visit Copperhill/McCaysville – a town with 2 names lie between the state line of GA/TN.
Departure City: Blue Ridge, GA
Fee: Starting from $26 Adult, $13 Children
Contact: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway 877-413-train (8724)
3. Grand Canyon Railway, Arizona – This is not just another train ride but the ride back in time. The Grand Canyon Railway trip might fall into our typical affordable budget but it’s well worth a ride. Kids will enjoy the 1950s era passenger cars with musicians roaming the car to serenade them or the passenger service attendant answering and providing history and fun knowledge about Grand Canyon.
Departure City: Williams, AZ
Fee: Starting from $70 Adult, $40 Children
Contact: Grand Canyon Railway 800-THE-TRAIN
4. Alaska Railroad, Alaska – When you talk about Alaska, there is no doubt you will think about amazing, breathtaking landscape. There is no better way to enjoy the beauty of Alaska with children than a train ride. This is probably not one of the affordable train ride but it’s one of special experience that will last a lifetime.
Departure City: Multiple Cities, AK
Fee: Starting from $59 Adult, $30 Children
Contact: Alaska Railroad 800-544-0552
5. Skunk Train, California – Ok. You have to admit the name already made you wanna ride this train. The Skunk line runs 40 miles from Fort Bragg on the coast to Willits on US Highway 101. Along the way, the tracks cross some 30 bridges and trestles and pass through two deep mountain tunnels. The half-way point of Northspur is popular lunch spot, giving passengers a chance to snack before continuing to Willits or heading back to Fort Bragg.
Departure City: Fort Bragg and Willits, CA
Fee: Starting from $35 Adult, $20 Children
Contact: Skunk Train 866-457-5865
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I loved trains as a child. Train is my favorite mode of transportation, though I don’t get to do it very often.
A subway version of this post would be great too!
I’m racking my brain for trains…let’s see…there is one in the Santa Cruz mountains, CA, called Roaring Camp. Local commuter trains can also do the trick, one we sometimes go on is the Caltrain in the Bay Area. Great post, it just put trains on top-of-mind for summertime activities.
I’d also recommend the Durango-Silverton Railroad in CO. Best to get a seat inside, otherwise you do get sooty from the authentic steam engine.