Hill Country Flyer

Something that you may not know about Texas is that we love trains. We have several historic train excursions that you may find interesting.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad-between Grapevine and Fort Worth in North Texas

Take a ride in Victorian-style coaches on one of two vintage locomotives, either a 1896 Steam locomotive, the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the south, or a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive. The Cotton Belt Line from Grapevine to the Stockyards National Historic District is approximately 21 miles long. Enjoy the entertainment district or take a shorter ride from the Stockyards to 8th Avenue on the Trinity River Run.

Camp: Stay at The Vineyards Campground on Lake Grapevine, Texas. Pull-through RV sites with water, 20/30/50 amp service, sewer connections and wi-fi. Animals allowed except in cabins. Boat ramp, fishing pier, playground, nature trail, sand volleyball, fully accessible and family friendly. Phone is 817-329-8993.

Hill Country Flyer-From Cedar Park to Burnet in the Texas Hill Country

Pulled by a 1960 Alco Diesel-Electric locomotive, the Hill country Flyer leaves Cedar Park at 10 am, climbing the hills of the Highland Lakes, through Summit Pass, on a two hour ride into Burnet. In Burnet, you will enjoy a 2-1/2 hour layover for lunch and shopping. The Flyer returns to Cedar Park at 430pm.

RV Campgrounds in Cedar Park area:

• Idyll Glen RV Park (no website), 19421 RR 1431, Lago Vista, TX 78645. Phone: (512) 394-6071.
• Sunshine RV Park – New park with 40 paved pull-through sites. Laundry facilities, bath house, swimming pool and wi-fi.

Texas State Railroad-Between Rusk and Palestine in East Texas

Round trips on the historic Texas State Railroad depart the Rusk or Palestine, Texas depots at 11am, with return at 330pm. The 25-mile trip takes 1 -1/2 hour each way, and there is a 1-1/2 hour stop at the destination depot. The Texas State Railroad offers both steam and diesel train excursions. The 25 miles of track meanders through some of the most beautiful forests in East Texas and crosses the scenic Neches River.

RVers: The campground in Rusk was once a state park. It has two RV camping sections, approximately 55 sites. One campground has full hookups (30/50) and pull-through sites. The group camping area, with water and electric only, are back-in sites. Must make reservations by calling (903) 683-5126. There is camping on the Palestine side, but sites are water only, and available on the first come, first served basis.

Historic Jefferson Railway-Depart and return to Jefferson, Texas

Old Steam Engine #7 will take you on a scenic excursion to and around the Big Cypress Bayou. Enjoy dogwood, cypress and pine trees, view historic Confederate Powder Magazine and enjoy the site of one of the most historic towns in Texas. Starting February 15, you may choose to ride the Ghost Train of Jefferson. Listen to ghost stories while you rocket through the pines and around the bayou. Jefferson is a hot spot for paranormal activity.

RVers: Camp at one of these campgrounds in the area.