(StatePoint) Across Kentucky, rail experiences take visitors on journeys through time and across diverse landscapes from horse country to Appalachia.
Whether you’re a lifelong train enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to explore, there’s plenty to discover in the Bluegrass State.
Enjoy dinner on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown featuring restored 1940s vintage dining cars that provide matchless views of Kentucky’s rolling hills, and multi-course meals, bourbon tastings and themed dinners.
Interested in some exercise? Pedal through the Kentucky countryside with Rail Explorers in Versailles. Here visitors pedal specially designed rail bikes for people of all ages and abilities as they coast along 10 miles of the most beautiful countryside in the world, passing scenic hills and thoroughbred horse pastures on the way to Young’s High Bridge, which offers views of the historic Wild Turkey Distillery and the Kentucky River.
There are plenty of reasons to visit the Historic Railpark and Train Museum in Bowling Green. Housed in the former Louisville & Nashville Depot, this fun and interactive attraction allows visitors to learn from real conductors, pullman porters and cooks who worked on the historic L&N rail line. After touring the museum, be sure to check out the RailPark’s five restored railcars.
Just north of Louisville on La Grange’s main street is one of the few remaining street-running train tracks in the country. The tracks pass by the original L&N Depot, which is now home to the La Grange Railroad Museum and Learning Center, with a large array of railroad exhibits, functioning model train layouts and a large outdoor rolling stock.
In the southcentral Kentucky town of Stearns, be sure to catch the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. This 16-mile journey on the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway gives a bird’s eye view of some beautiful Kentucky forests. Those who take the trip in the fall will be in for a treat, as they will be able to view the forest canopy as it transforms to an unforgettable palate of yellow, orange and brown.
The railway has many unique excursions throughout the year, including seasonal adventures like the Fall Color Run, Murder Mystery and The Polar Express Train Ride.
More rail heritage thrives in New Haven at the Kentucky Railway Museum. Located in a replica of the original L&N depot, the museum features an exhibit hall filled with artifacts, a large model train layout and memorabilia, and seven historic cars and outdoor displays.
Enjoy a 22-mile train ride along the Rolling Fork River Valley on journeys ranging from an hour to an entire afternoon. Themed experiences for everyone in the family include trips on train cars designed like the beloved children’s television character, Thomas the Tank Engine. For adults, enjoy a relaxed train ride with wine and cheese or test your knowledge during one of the “Trivia on the Rails” excursions.
Plan your own Kentucky train adventure by visiting www.kentuckytourism.com.
Whether seeking scenic views, local history or family fun, Kentucky’s train experiences offer something for everyone, with a chance to see the Bluegrass State from a new perspective.
