Enjoy A Scenic Train Ride, Then Spend The Night In A Santa Fe Rail Car On This Unique Texas Adventure
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 21, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
If you’re in search of a unique adventure the whole family is sure to enjoy, look no further than this train-themed trip in Texas. The fun begins at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, where you can ride the rails to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Afterwards, you’ll spend the night in an authentic Santa Fe boxcar that’s fully equipped with modern amenities. Check it out:
Your train-themed adventure begins at Grapevine Vintage Railroad, where you'll ride the rails on an authentic, 1920s Victorian coach.
All of the rides are family-friendly, however the Cotton Belt Route is the longest of the three. The excursion begins in Grapevine and ends at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, allowing two hours for passengers to independently explore before returning to the depot.
Be sure to look out the window - with views of the Trinity River, Montgomery Plaza, and other amazing sights depending on which route you take, the scenery is unparalleled.
The Grapevine Bear Creek Short Line is an abbreviated version of the Cotton Belt Route, only riding the rails for 30 minutes before heading back to the depot. If you're looking to begin and end your trip in the Stockyards, the 45-minute Trinity River Train Excursion does just that.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 707 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051, USA
You may even get the opportunity to see the world's only twice-daily cattle drive that's one of the most legendary aspects of the Stockyards.
After riding the rails, it's time to settle in for the night...in a train-themed Airbnb, no less! Located in nearby Glen Rose, this unique accommodation is an authentic Santa Fe boxcar, and it's every train enthusiast's dream.
You won't even feel like you're in a train car - the interior is cozy as can be, featuring country-chic décor and modern amenities such as a full kitchen, sitting area, and bathroom with clawfoot tub.
Two sets of bunk beds sleep a total of four guests. The car has A/C and heat as well as fans, and breakfast is served every Saturday (except during December-February and August)
Another perk of staying in the boxcar is the spacious outdoor area. Complete with a vintage playground, fire ring, rock terrace, and lots of wide open forest to roam through, it's the perfect place to get away from it all.
