Riding the Rails

Whether it's a history buff yearning for the nostalgia of days gone by, or a kid staring in awe at the sight of a real-life Thomas the Tank Engine, everyone loves trains. Train museums and scenic rides on vintage equipment combine hands-on history with the chance to enjoy some of the country's most beautiful scenery at a leisurely pace. Climb aboard and take a step back in time.

DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

Durango, Colorado
Coal-fired vintage steam trains connect Durango with nearby Silverton, on the way crossing some of America's most beautiful mountain terrain. Two rail museums, one at each end of the journey, invite kids to explore train collections up close. Round-trip fare during the summer is $60 for adults, $30 for kids ages 11 and under. Call 888-TRAIN-07 or click here.

LAKE SUPERIOR RAILROAD MUSEUM

Duluth, Minnesota
This restored depot houses one of the largest and kid-friendliest train collections in the Midwest, interspersed with train artifacts, an operating model-train display and rail videos. Top off a visit with a 26-mile North Shore Scenic Railroad journey along Lake Superior. Museum admission is $8.50 for adults, $5.25 for kids ages 6 to 13. Train rides are $10 to $17 for adults, $5 to $12 for kids. Call 218-733-7590 or click here.

MOUNT WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Climb the Northeast's highest mountain peak without taking a step. Mount Washington boasts the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, dating back to 1869, which offers visitors a spectacular three-hour ride up the slopes of this 6,300-foot peak and back down again. Rides are $49 for adults, $35 for kids ages 6 to 12. Call 800-922-8825 or click here.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD

Dillsboro, North Carolina
These rail excursions cross river trestles, barrel through an 836-foot-long hand-carved tunnel and climb one of the East's steepest railroad grades. You can also ride to Nantahala Gorge, where a one-hour layover affords visitors a chance to go white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking or simply to enjoy a picnic in scenic surroundings. Rides are $28 to $35 for adults, $14 to $18 for kids ages 3 to 12. Call 800-872-4681 or click here.

CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD

Independence, Ohio
Take your choice of rides through 33,000 acres of the Cuyahoga National Recreation Area. Destinations include Hale Farm & Village, where costumed interpreters depict 19th-century life, and Inventure Place, which includes the National Inventor's Hall of Fame. Train rides cost $11 to $20 for adults, $7 to $12 for kids ages 3 to 12; additional fee for Hale Farm and Inventure Place. Call 800-468-4070 or click here.

STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Scranton, Pennsylvania
At Steamtown, you'll find a living-history program depicting people of the rail era, history and technology museums, two restored roundhouses, a collection of more than 25 locomotives and the chance to take a two-hour rail excursion on vintage equipment. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6 to 12. Train rides are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6 to 12. Call 888-693-9391 or click here.

Heather R. Taylor is the author of WHERE THE TRAINS ARE! WONDERFUL NORTH AMERICAN TRAIN ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES (out of print).

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.