Trains have been transporting people and goods across the globe for centuries, offering a unique and often breathtaking way to experience the world. From iconic routes that wind through towering mountains to scenic coastal journeys, there’s a train adventure to suit every traveler. In this article, we’ll take you on a virtual journey around the world, highlighting some of the most stunning and unforgettable train tourist spots.
B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in railroad history. The museum is home to a vast collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars, and other railroad artifacts. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich history of American railroads.
The museum has a large collection of historic locomotives, which includes some of the most famous and significant trains in American history. Visitors can get up close and personal with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad’s first locomotive, the “Best Friend of Baltimore,” as well as other iconic trains like the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad’s “Greenbrier” and the Pennsylvania Railroad’s “Duchess of Windsor.”
In addition to its locomotive collection, the B&O Railroad Museum also features a variety of other exhibits and displays. Visitors can explore the museum’s historic train station, learn about the role of railroads in American history, and see a variety of railroad artifacts, including uniforms, tools, and photographs.
Museum of the American Railroad
The Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco, Texas, boasts an impressive collection of historic trains, that will give you a unique glimpse into the evolution of American railroading. Visitors can embark on guided tours offered Wednesdays through Saturdays, getting a close look at these historic giants and learning about their significance in American railroading.
Among the notable trains on display are the Frisco 4501, a powerful steam locomotive that once hauled passenger trains through the Southwest, and the Frisco 1523, a diesel locomotive that served the Frisco Railroad for many years. These and other historic trains offer showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of American railroad engineers.
Take a Ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is more than just a train ride; it’s a journey through history. Originally built in 1880 as part of a narrow-gauge network serving the silver mines of the San Juan Mountains, the C&TS offers a unique opportunity to experience the golden age of American railroading.
Imagine a time when powerful steam locomotives, like those you’ll encounter on the C&TS, were the lifeblood of industry. The historic route, constructed specifically to navigate the rugged terrain, showcases the ingenuity of early railroad engineers. While the silver boom subsided, the C&TS persevered, becoming a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. Your adventure begins in Chama, New Mexico, where the train departs, its powerful engine a rousing call to adventure. As it ascends the steep 4% grade, leaving Chama behind, you’ll be instantly transported through lush meadows dotted with aspen trees and dramatic mountain vistas. Keep your eyes peeled, for deer, elk, and even bears might make an appearance along the scenic route.
One of the highlights of the journey is the high trestle spanning the rushing Wolf Creek, a powerful reminder of the remarkable feats achieved by the railroad’s builders. As the train traverses the route, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the vital role railroads played in connecting remote areas and shaping the American landscape.
North Carolina Transportation Museum
The North Carolina Transportation Museum breathes life into the history of transportation, showcasing how it shaped North Carolina and the nation.
Standing on the grounds of the former Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops (the largest steam locomotive repair facility in the Southeast at its peak) the museum pays homage to the golden age of railroads. Explore the massive Back Shop, once a bustling hub for locomotive overhauls, now transformed into a showcase of diverse transportation marvels. Here, you’ll find majestic steam locomotives, sleek passenger cars, and even a full-size replica of the Wright Flyer, paying tribute to the evolution of aviation.
California State Railroad Museum
Located in the heart of Sacramento’s Old Town, the California State Railroad Museum is a goldmine for history buffs and train enthusiasts alike. Step back in time and to the era of the “Iron Horse.” Explore a vast collection of meticulously restored locomotives and passenger cars, some dating back to the 1860s. These giants of steel, once instrumental in shaping California’s destiny, stand testament to the ingenuity and engineering marvel of the railroad era.
The museum’s crown jewel is undoubtedly its collection of steam locomotives. Witness the thundering “Jupiter” and its companion, the “Leviathan,” replicas of the locomotives that met at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869, officially completing the transcontinental railroad. Imagine the awe-inspiring feat of connecting a nation by rail, and feel the echoes of history as you stand beside these legendary engines.
But locomotives aren’t the only stars of the show. Explore a diverse collection of passenger cars, offering a glimpse into the different levels of travel available in the past. From luxurious Pullman cars with plush seating and mahogany interiors to utilitarian immigrant cars, these carriages showcase the evolution of passenger rail travel and the social landscape it influenced.
You can also take a thrilling ride aboard a vintage train, pulled by a historic locomotive, for a closer perspective of the Sacramento cityscape.
Exporail The Canadaia Railway Museum
Embark on a captivating journey through Canada’s rich railway heritage at Exporail, The Canadian Railway Museum. Situated in Saint-Constant, Quebec, this museum boasts the largest collection of railway vehicles in Canada. Over 150 locomotives, passenger cars, and freight wagons stand proudly, meticulously restored to their former glory. Witness firsthand the evolution of Canadian railways, from the powerful steam locomotives that opened the frontier to the sleek diesel engines that revolutionized transportation.
Beyond static displays, Exporail offers interactive experiences that bring the world of trains to life. Hop aboard a heritage train for a scenic ride through the surrounding countryside, enjoying a unique perspective of the museum grounds.
Exporail isn’t just a museum; it’s a celebration of Canada’s railway legacy. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a bygone era, marvel at the engineering marvels, and experience the enduring spirit of innovation that propelled Canada’s railways forward.
National Railway Museum, England
Step onto the platform for a journey through time at the National Railway Museum in York, England. This world-renowned institution isn’t just a collection of locomotives; it’s a vibrant tapestry of British railway history, innovation, and social change.
It is a wonderland of iconic locomotives, from the legendary Mallard, the world’s fastest steam engine, to awe-inspiring giants like the Duchess of Hamilton. These engineering marvels stand testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship that powered Britain’s industrial revolution and shaped its landscape. Explore the stories behind each locomotive and the people who brought them to life.
The National Railway Museum isn’t just about steam. See the evolution of British rail with sleek diesel locomotives and futuristic bullet trains like the Japanese Shinkansen. Explore the Station Hall, a magnificent Victorian structure, and discover the stories of passengers, station staff, and the bustling world of rail travel from the 19th to the 21st century. Don’t miss the museum’s captivating exhibitions that delve deeper into the social impact of railways. Discover how trains transformed travel, revolutionized industry, and fostered a sense of national identity. Interactive displays and engaging programs bring history to life, allowing visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and even the smells of a railway era past.
Whether you’re a seasoned train enthusiast or simply looking for a unique travel experience, these train tourist spots offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hop aboard, and embark on a rail adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Very interesting but hardly a 'GLOBAL Guide'! 4 very good US museums, a US train trip, that is arguably the finest Narrow-Gauge journey in the world and 1 UK museum, also a world beater. The railway 'tourist hot spots' world does not begin and end in the US/Canada (Is this 'preaching to the choir') How about listing some of the perhaps less well-known hot spots? Suggestions: Puffing Billy, Australia Le Train de l'Ardeche, France TranzAlpine Express, New Zealand I could give you lots more!