This Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Through Iowa Will Take You On The Journey Of A Lifetime
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Rachel Morey Flynn
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This trip is 473 miles of train heaven. If you want to spend time at every place on the map, you’ll probably need to spread it out over a few days. As with any trip, you’ll want to verify the details of admission costs, hours of operation, restrictions and recommendations regarding small children, and travel times. There are many more train-themed activities available in Iowa than the ones listed, here. For the true train lover, this trip is a dream come true.
If you want to take a closer look at the map, you can see it here.
Built in 1892, this railroad museum and gift shop is also home to the Buchanan County Tourism Visitor Center. There's a 1978 caboose and a 1926 steam engine on site. You can tour the caboose between May 15 and October 15. The visitor center is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon until 4 pm. If you want a tour, call 319-334-3439.
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This is the Chicago Great Western FP7 #116-A. Oelwein was once a CGW terminal with a huge locomotive and automobile repair shop. You can see the trains here on Sundays between 1 pm and 5 pm May through September.
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This restored 1947 caboose and 1935 depot is situated in a beautiful park. The depot is open by appointment and is full of railroad memorabilia. To see it, call 319-346-2262.
You can tour this museum between Memorial Day and October 1. The renovated Owasa Iowa railroad depot has visitor information about the area.
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Go for a 15-mile round-trip train ride and cross two bridges. Choose from a dinner, dessert, or picnic excursion or just go for the ride. Trains run daily between Memorial Day weekend and October.
This museum and memorial park marks the site of the dramatic story of Kate Shelley's 1881 adventure. You can see a video about her experience inside the depot. The museum is open by appointment.
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This restored depot features a model railroad and memorabilia. It's open Monday through Saturday between 11 am and 4 pm and Sunday between 1 pm and 5 pm.
For a real thrill, catch the "Ghost Train of No Return and the Ghostly Trolley" on an October weekend. There are two steam locomotives running to carry passengers. It's a family fun event that is safe for kids. Midwest Haunted Rails goes from 6 pm until 10 pm on weekends. There are also many kids activities, music, and food vendors.
This depot and museum features a refurbished Chicago Central Caboose. Visitors can tour the inside of the caboose to see a fully restored and historically correct version of this amazing train.
Have you been to any of the train-themed places listed, here?
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