Texas State Railroad
In Rusk, TX is a State park, and a part of that park contains a operating short line railroad. There are several operating vintage steam engines, and during the summer months these steam engines pull a passenger train between Rusk & Palestine TX. This ride through the woodlands of east Texas is a great experience, and well worth the effort, especially in the Spring when the Dogwood trees are in bloom. The trip takes about an hour and a half each way, with a layover of about an hour at each end. Lunch can be purchased at either end of the trip, or passengers can bring their own picnic lunch.
When the train returns from Palestine at around 3 in the afternoon it travels through a portion of the camping area to turn around. The pictures below are of one of the vintage steam engines in the process of turning around to be ready to make the trip back to Palestine on the following day. The passenger cars are also vintage cars that have been refurbished. Most of them are just as they were in years gone by; that is, wooden benches and no air conditioning. Recently one or two air conditioned cars were added to the train and seats are available for a small additional fee.
The train runs during the summer months, and is usually full, so it is a good idea to try to get reservations and tickets ahead of time. Enjoy your ride.
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August 2009 Update
Recently, a significant number of changes occurred at the Texas State Railroad. Fortunately, they were positive in nature. Roughly a year ago, many of us here in this area became quite concerned as we learned that The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department had plans to stop running the antique steam locomotives and turn them into static displays. Fortunately after a lot of publicity and negotiation an organization called American Heritage Railways agreed to take over the Texas State Railroad and keep this great part of Texas history functional.
This group has significantly improved the railroad system, and has added a number of entertainment features to the program. The most important part of this change in management is that as a part of the agreement with TPWD, the steam engines will continue to operate year round. Go visit http://www.texasstaterr.com/ for the new schedule and detailed information about the new, improved, Texas State Railroad.