My wife and I wish to get away this summer and visit a tourist railroad / dinner train type of thing. Our options are completely open at this point. My concern is making a lot of effort to travel only to be disappointed by a poorly ran operation and an over enthusiastic website.
I am not sure where to start, we are willing to travel, Canada not out of the question. Looking for more than the local one hour out and back ride. My wife said she wants to see the scenery. I would appreciate and advice and direction. Thanks, Martin.
Where are you locatad, do you plan on driving, and how far would you be willing to drive?
To me, one of the best train rides in the world and still pretty economical on a coach ticket is Denver-Salt Lake Citiy on Amtrak's California Zephyr. Not a tourist railroad by definition but by practice. And enjoy three good meals if you wish.
As someone who's done it let me give you a bit of advice: If you ride the Durango and Silverton (and you won't be sorry you did!) spend the extra money and ride the parlor car. There's free mimosas at the beginning of the trip, a cash bar for the rest of the trip, and a more mature and quiet group of passengers to ride with. We had some folks upgrade to the parlor car on the return trip because they were tired of having to put up with the out-of-control kids and their indifferent parents in the regular coaches.
Aside from that, there's a lot of good rides out there, I can't say one's better than the other.
I will say though, if I was limited to one place to go to, and one place only, I'd go to Strasburg Pennsylvania. Railfan heaven! Not just the steam railroad, but there's the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the TCA's Toy Train Museum, The Choo-Choo Barn, and other fun attractions in the area.
In my book the cumbres and Toltec is far superior to the d & s. For the rail fan you have almost complete access to the yard as they make up and service the train. if your a chaser, photo ops along the line is plentiful you can catch and photograph the train at many locations. For your wife the scenery is spectacular. Treat her to a ride in the parlor car and you can take pictures from the rear platform although thier is a open air car for all too enjoy.
In California thier the Napa valley wine train, a superb dinner train with great alco fa's.
The daily grand canyon train is cool, with a consist of ex sp commuter cars, Budd domes and coaches. Treat your wife to first class parlor service and ride the streamline open end observation car. The train takes you to the rim of grand canyon. What better scenery?
Thier are many fine dinner trains/ train rides out thier, these are my top three. My only suggestion if thier is a first class option go for it, nice for the wife, better equipment and better photo ops for you.
I really appreciate all the replies. We are located in Ohio, driving to Strasburg is easy enough, like I said we are willing to fly anywhere.
We were wanting 3-5 days away and to do something a bit different. My wife actually suggested taking in a train ride, not too sure railfanning is on her agenda also. Lol.
The Durango and Silverton was what first came to mind. Also the Napa Valley wine train also came to mind. Love the idea of the Grand Canyon. Lots to think about. Thanks.
A bit closer to home is Cass Scenic in WV along with the other excursions in the area (they seem to change year to year).
Beautiful area there.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.
Have you ridden the cuyhoga valley scenic? They have great daily trains Thur the valley plus wine and other themed trains during the year. Last year they hosted the 765. A nice ride with big steam pulling and thier alco fa pulling the train home. They have a very easy web Page to use and plan your trips with.
No I have not rode the Cuyhoga train, in fact we were thinking about it when we wondered about expanding our options to other places.
Another option is the steam railroad institute in Michigan. They offer both steam and diesel trips this summer, normally around a theme. They operate the 1225 ( the original polar express ) and a nice group of folks.
One other suggestion if you are inclined to go out to Colorado. The royal gorge train offers a twice daily train that has a dining option. It follows the Colorado river Thur the royal gorge. Nice equipment, great food and a historic ride. Its about an hour and half south of Denver. Its close to pikes peak, Colorado springs and on the way to cumbres and Toltec.
My vote would be Durango as well. Cumbres & Toltec is a better choice for a railfan, but there's not much in either Chama or Antonito to interest your spouse, plus the scenery between Durango & Silverton is just magnificent. Durango has lots of shopping and good restaurants to keep the Mrs. happy. The Royal Gorge route is a nice ride, but diesel powered, and not as pretty as the other two.
Your right the d &s has some great scenery as does the c & t. Guess its what your after. I find Durango too much of a tourist town, does not have that old west feel any more. The royal gorge may be diesel powered but you can opt for a good meal in a full length dome car. If your not lucky enough to ride behind thier f units, they are often parked a few blocks down the street so you can nice pictures.
In reality all of sites mention thus far would be great choices. Have a great trip and safe travels.
Another closer option is the Agawa Canyon tour train of the Algoma Central/CN. It runs out of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, about a days drive from Ohio. I think it is the most scenic in the Midwest. It's not as scenic as the Colorado lines, however, CN has indicated that they would like to end it, so you may not always have the chance. Other scenic opportunities in the area are the Lake Superior shore and Tahquamenon Falls, MI. Other tourist/historic points of interest are the Soo Locks and Mackinac Island.
Mike, I never been on that train, but heard the scenery is spectacular!!!!.
If your are considering the Strasburg, dont forget the Western Maryland Scenic railroad. It is located in Cumberland, Md, not far out of the way. They run steam on the weekends. No. 734 is a 2-8-0 made up to look like an Western Maryland engine and the trip out is all uphill. The old girl puts on a pretty good show, and you can watch and take pitcures from the Dutch doors. They turn the engine on a turn table at Frostburg, the end of the line. This will be 734's last season for a while, at the end of it she will be up for 1472 insp. They do dinner trains also. The route goes around famous Helmsetter's Curve also. Good ride, and good ppl, worth checking out.
I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. We plan to go out to Colorado and ride the Durango and Silverton. It will be our 25th anniversary and we want to do something completely different. We plan to spend 3 or 4 days out there, hope to get a rental car and get out and about. Thanks again. Any other suggestions of what is worth visiting in the area is appreciated.
Drive the San Juan Skyway. This is US 550 noirth out of Durango, through Silverton, Ouray, to Ridgeway. Then you turn west over Dallas Divide to Telluride (drive past Telluride to see Bridal Veil Falls!) then over Lizard head pass and back to Durango. Best scenery in CO, and most of the way you're following the route of the Rio Grande Southern. Ridgeway has a small RR museum and Telliride and Dolores both have "Galloping Goose" motorcars on display.
If you or the Mrs. have interest in Native American history, Mesa Verde N.P. is an hour west of Durango, and there's anexcellent Ute Indian museum in Ignacio (next door to a casino if your wallet is too heavy!)
If you plan on a rental car, then you should also include the Cumbres and Toltec. If time is shortm you can ride it one-way while your wife drives.
daveklepper If you plan on a rental car, then you should also include the Cumbres and Toltec. If time is shortm you can ride it one-way while your wife drives.
Thanks everyone.
You must go to the Cumbres & Toltec. Of the two narrow gauge lines in CO, this was my favorite. Make sure you leave time for the yard at Chama, as it is a real treasure, like being back in time.
Strasburg is just one of the best if you have never been, do the shop tour, and all the museums around plus amish country! It is just fantastic, then you can go to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad right afterward, while i have not riden WMSR I have heard it is a fantastic trip behind 734.
Strasburg is nice for the shop tour, along with the TCA museum and the RR Museum of PA. The WM Scenic behind 734 (and hopefully the big C&O mallet next year) is FANTASTIC. If you love to hear steam working hard, WM is a great place. Strasburg ride is OK, but very short and the engines are not working very hard.
Looks like a trip down to steam town when the 765 is in town would be a great trip.
In addition to the Durango/Silverton narrow gauge railroad, theres the Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge at Chama, N.M. www.cumbrestoltec.com/rides/
I recommend you take the one-way to the dining facility half-way point (Osier, Co), eat lunch, and return via bus. The train DOES continue to Antonito, Colorado. and returns, but this second part is somewhat boring and meanders, not as scenic, on flat land. The first part is VERY scenic, lots of picture opportunities. This is via steam locomotive, the ONLY way to go, in my estimation! The long ride takes all day, the short ride is back in about 1/2 day. Both stop for lunch.
My other suggestion is if you go to Alaska. Go to Skagway, ride the White Pass and Yukon N.G.R.R. This climbs to the Yukon via the White Pass gold rush route, goes into Canada, then returns, taking most of the day. You may need to take a sack lunch. You'll need passports! There's a choice of diesel or steam locomotive power. https://wpyr/excursions/train-excursions/white-pass-summit-excursion
mogul264 I recommend you take the one-way to the dining facility half-way point (Osier, Co), eat lunch, and return via bus. The train DOES continue to Antonito, Colorado. and returns, but this second part is somewhat boring and meanders, not as scenic, on flat land. The first part is VERY scenic, lots of picture opportunities.
I recommend you take the one-way to the dining facility half-way point (Osier, Co), eat lunch, and return via bus. The train DOES continue to Antonito, Colorado. and returns, but this second part is somewhat boring and meanders, not as scenic, on flat land. The first part is VERY scenic, lots of picture opportunities.
There is no bus service at Osier. What (I think) you can do is ride the train out of Chama, eat lunch at Osier and then change trains to the one departing for Chama.
Interesting question about what to do that will provide the most enjoyment.
My answer is simple. Let Via Rail Canada provide the most enjoyable and scenic vacation that you will ever have. Get on in Toronto, and travel 4 nights and days across Canada to Vancouver BC in 1950's luxury, using totally modern equipment. If funds permit, book a bedroom in sleeping car service, and that will provide all of your meals (5 star quality), access to the most beautiful vista dome cars in the world, and some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world.
Subscribe to Via Rail's web page and keep your eye open for specials. They are amazingly affordable if you can travel outside peak travel times. It must be a great vacation, as the last time I was on this train in 2013, the train was 25 cars long, and totally sold out in all classes. Don't be intimidated by that statement! Via provided lots of staff, and two dining cars, plus 4 dome cars. Lots of service, great food, and a wonderful environment to enjoy the trip, and meet lots of new people. When was the last time that you travelled and actually spoke to a fellow traveller. On Via Rail, you'll meet and enjoy talking to lots of other travellers from all over the world, because you have the time to do so. Upon arrival in Vancouver BC, take the time to tour the city and think about renting a car. Its only a couple of hours to the mountains and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountains. Fly home from Vancouver or Seattle (take the train from Vancouver to Seattle). Via Rail's customer service will help with all aspects of your plans. Simple.
PeteinWaterloo
10 cross-Canada, Via Rail crossings.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.