texas state railroad

It was great. Unfortunately, they did not have steam ready for the 1st couple of weeks for the season, however, they still stick to the historic quality, as were riding behind an Alco AA! I will definitely be coming back to ride it with steam, and when I turn 18 to get a cab ride!

Not sure if the first contact I had with them was a sign, but when I called in early January to make a reservation for the Valentine Dinner excursion, they couldn't take my reservation because the computer was down. No one would be in until Monday to fix it?? I called back on Monday but the computer had not been fixed yet, however they advised that they would call me, and I do have to say they DID eventually call me back and I was able to finalize my reservation. The cost was $90 per person for a catered dinner and trian ride. Each table had 4 seats. There was a "special" car #1511, that got to board earlier than the rest of us, and looked different inside than our car, but I did not find out what the difference was. When I asked originally, I was led to believe all the cars offered the same.We were told to check in 45 minutes before the train was to depart so we got there at precisely 5:45. (Please note there was ample free parking) I sure wish my name was in the latter portion of the alphabet, as the line to check in for those whose last names were between N-Z was non-existent, the line for the rest of us was pretty lengthy. Think they need to figure out a smoother process to allow utilization of both of the people who check people in instead of one sitting there doing nothing while a long line is just inches away from them. Once checked in, we were directed outside to wait to board, but boarding did not happen at 6:30, it was closer to 7pm, so it was a long time to be standing there. Not sure why, but it just seemed they did not have enough people on staff. Once we were finally able to board I noticed the Valentine decorations in each car, and each table had red long stem roses ( they were silk), red-heart shaped boxes of Russel Stover candy, and was candle lit. It was very nice. I was really disappointed that they did not have any soft drinks, your choice for drink was tea or water, and I do not drink tea, so water was it. They did offer a limited beer and wine menu, but I don't drink those either, and they had only one person per car that could take you alcohol order, so it did take some time to get beer or wine. We finally got underway, but someone forgot to, shut the air conditioner off. I know it was hot that day, and the car sat in the sun all day, I know this because my butter was liquid, but once the sun set and temps dropped the car became un-comfortably COLD. Everyone around us was freezing, so I know it was not just our table. Every once in awhile it would shut off and would be a bit better but for the most part the heat should have been on, not the AC.The food was good catered food. Our whole table ordered the beef tenderloin as their main course. Mine was well done and a bit chewy, but I do understand it is very difficult to serve meat at the proper temp when you don't have a kitchen. Before the main course there was an appetizer of a piece of shrimp and a piece of sausage on a stick with veggies. Then came the loaded baked potato soup that had a very thick consistency and did seem to taste like box potatoes, but it was warm. Each person got one packet of crackers for a huge bowl of soup. After a while we did finally receive a plate with mixed greens on it and a quarter size piece of goat cheese. Then the wheels fell off....we sat for a long time, getting hungrier and finally pretty "hangry". Once we reached our turn around destination, the village of Rusk, they finally started serving the entree, shortly after 9pm!!! Keep in mind that our car was next to the catering car so we had to sit through servers continually walking by our table with food as they were serving the further cars first. Not sure if there is a reason for this, but if they had fed us first and then moved to serving the further cars, who don't even know what is or is not being served, it would have been much better. The young servers really hustled, but it still takes a while to run 2 plates at a time to a couple of train cars. Dessert was served as we approached the depot back on Palestine.Luckily we had cash to pay for my husband's beer, as our tablemates had to sit and wait for an elderly gentleman to come and collect their credit card payment. The "beer" waitress told us they only had one machine/one slow moving elderly man, on the train to take credit card payments. This whole alcohol process was not vey smooth from start to finish, maybe they should consider BYOB?!?!By the time we reached the station at Palestine, I was frozen solid so couldn't wait to get off.I am giving it a 3 star because it is unquie excursion, and something different to do, but could be so much better with a few changes.I will more than likely not go again and if someone asks me about going I would tell them to take the 3 C's with them......clothes, cash, and coke!!

Most scenic and history filled tourist railroad in Texas, 4 operational steam locomotives and 4 vintage diesel locomotive's and tons on vintage rolling stock, best car to ride in is car #70 open air observation car.

After riding a narrow gauge in Colorado and Alaska, I decided I needed to ride the Texas State Railroad. It was a train. That's about all I can say about it. It's in the middle of nowhere and it is not a scenic trip. My husband and I rode in an adult only car and there were only 6 of us in the entire car.

Friday evening Polar Express with 2 1/2 yr grandson who really liked it. The ticket pickup was smooth. Loading was smooth. Staff in our car were fun and attentive. We will be back next year.

We camped at Rusk State Park when we reserved our tickets for the Polar Express (reviewed separately). The campsite was very clean and the pads were close together for camping in a group (but not in the group camping area). The bathrooms were sufficient but the men's hand dryer was broken. The maintenance man was very helpful, although the office was rarely open. No one was there when we were checking in so we had to call Palestine and they told us to just drive in. The lake in scenic and the train depot is nice to walk around but kind of a ghost town. There are a lot of bees in the area so just be aware.

We bought 8 seats and were given 6 and they put us in the overflow seats although we paid for real seats. I would take any child to this as they had a great time. But at $40.00 a person a little overpriced

Very well organized. Tables were preassigned so no confusion. Brunch was just $10.00 extra and what a bargain. Fruit, Quiche, Buns and Canapes during the ride. Only issue was no tea, just coffee. Highly recommend it. Met a friendly couple at our table. Laughed most of the time.

The Texas State Railroad is a nice train ride. I had Lone Star Car worth the extra charge lunch was great snack was good and can soda was a nice touch. Will do it next year.

I'm a railroad enthusiast and steam buff. So our group made a point to ride the steam powered train rather than the one pulled by a diesel. Steam trains leave from Palestine and diesel-pulled ones leave from Rusk each day they run. I think steam is Saturday only this time of year. They let the riders walk through the locomotive cab before leaving. If you reserve ahead, which I recommend, they will ask what lunch with each ticket so check the website first to learn the choices. They're not bad. They offer standard coaches, and 2 air conditioned parlor cars. One is adults only. We stayed in a hotel in Tyler and made it in time comfortably. Get there early to take pictures and enjoy the ride.

Nice relaxing train ride through the Piney Woods of east Texas. Enjoyed learning about the history of the railroad, built by prison inmates to transport wood to fuel furnaces to make iron ore. We left from Palestine station, nice picnic areas at both stations and you can take food and coolers if you want to picnic. Meals and refreshments available. We went on the adults only climate controlled car since you never know about Texas weather. Costs very according to car you select and if you want food. Food is very basic - sandwiches, salad and drinks. Adult beverages are availabe for purchase.

Took the train from Palestine. Rode the Streamliner. Was worth it. Nice, double decker dining car. Food was great, the service was even better. Nice relaxing, enjoyable ride. Lisa, our waitress was fantastic. This is a great way to spend an afternoon, recommend for couples or family's.

I did this as a child and thought it would be fun to take my kids here for an extended weekend. It had been so long ago that the only thing I remembered was riding the train and not much else about the experience. The train was fun, we were in the open air car and even being late August in Texas, the temperature was great when the train was moving. The reason I rated this a 3 was because other than riding the train, there's not much else happening. There are not any restaurants at either depot. There is a small gift shop with a handful of t-shirts and small items. For this being a 4 and a half hour excursion there is no place to buy a meal. If you know in advance, you can pay $10 for a box lunch and they will have it ready for you at the other end. There is a snack bar on the train where you can purchase canned soft drinks, candy and popcorn; however it's cash only. So, I would recommend the experience, just be prepared with food, drinks, snacks and,at the very least, cash in case you forget the other stuff.

My husband and I booked the air conditioned car (knowing the unbearable Texas heat in July and August) and we had a very nice, enjoyable, relaxing train ride. Box lunches were included with the ticket purchase. I had the chef salad and my husband the ham and cheese on wheat. Both were fresh and very tasty! This car is designated for adults only and I have to say it was well worth not having to deal with unruly, noisy children. Being that the train goes from 11:00-3:00, I don't believe there is enough to occupy some children for that length of time. I have heard from relatives that the Pumpkin Patch adventure and Polar Express for children is really neat! As far as scenery, there really isn't much except for trees, but just to enjoy an old train ride experience, it was memorable. Special thanks to our attendant, Joe! He was very attentive to our needs and kept us entertained with conversation.

I recently had the pleasure to take my Grandson on the train ride from Rusk to Palestine. It was truly a great experience! We paid a little more to go on the Lone Star car and it was worth it. Having a/c in my opinion is the only way to go! Our attendant was the nicest lady you would ever want to meet. Actually everyone we met that worked on the train was super nice. You can tell they love what they do! They take extra care to make sure that the children have a good time. Highly recommend!