Take This Fall Foliage Train Ride Through Kentucky For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience
By Rachel Shulhafer|Published September 23, 2016
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Rachel Shulhafer
Author
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Bluegrass state. No matter where you live in Kentucky, you’re guaranteed to get to experience some truly magnificent autumn scenery. There’s no shortage of activities to do to get you in the fall spirit, but if you want to see some of the fall foliage our state has to offer while simultaneously eating a gourmet meal, then My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is for you.
The train starts in Bardstown, and is a 37-mile round trip.
Bernheim Forest is one of the many natural gems this area of Kentucky has to offer, so getting to pass through it as the leaves are changing colors is a highlight of the journey.
The cars were built in the 1940s after World War II, and have been refurbished. The train depot where your journey begins was built in 1860, and used to be a stop on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The train runs year round, and has special themes and shows.
They offer murder mystery rides, where professional actors put on a show that passengers are invited to participate in. They also occasionally put on magic shows, have trips to bourbon distilleries, and even have a Polar Express themed ride in the winter. Children ages 5 through 12 are welcome on the train, but they also have special excursions for kids ages 3 through 12.
If you want to experience the Kentucky countryside in the fall while simply getting to relax, then check out this fine dining restaurant on wheels. Bardstown is also home to the Kentucky Railway Museum, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, and an outdoor musical called “The Stephen Foster Story,” so there are plenty of other activities to do before or after your train ride.