The Texas State Railroad
AS SEEN IN "THE GREAT DEBATERS"
STARRING DENZEL WASHINGTON!!!!
The Texas State Railroad, established 1881, is truly a “Texas Treasure!” This historic train travels through the scenic piney woods and hardwood creek bottoms of East Texas where rolling hills, nature and wildlife abound.
The Texas State Railroad offers both steam and diesel train excursions reminiscent of days gone by. Passengers may board excursion trains at either the Rusk or Palestine depots where southern hospitality is the norm. These depots were built with an eye for detail and the elegance of Victorian charm. They are surrounded by beautiful parks with lakes and streams offering visitors full-service campground facilities, picnic areas, concessions and a great deal more to enhance a four-season vacation experience. This is a perfect family outing!
Operating weekend excursions year-round
plus expanded spring, summer and fall service.
Toll Free 1-888-987-2461
July Special!
Earn Depot Dollars for every ticket purchased to ride during the month of July!
Call a reservation agent for details. 1-888-987-2461
TRAIN SCHEDULES
Celebrate the spirit of Texas with a ride on the historic Texas State Railroad. Round trips depart either the Rusk or Palestine, Texas depots at 11:00 a.m. with return back at your original departure depot at 3:30 p.m. 25 mile excursions take 1 ½ hour each way with a 1 ½ hour lunch layover at the opposite train depot. A variety of lunch options and lunch-time activities are available. Concessions and restrooms are available on board each train.
Complete an email reservation request form
Gift Shop
Gift shops at Palestine and Rusk Depots. Gift shops carry Texas State Railroad souvenirs, railroad gift item, Thomas & Friends™ items, and much more. Find the perfect gifts for your friends & family!
TICKET FARES
Fares are for regular excursions departing from either Palestine or Rusk Depots.
| Adult | Child | |
|---|---|---|
| General Seating | $34.00 | $17.00 |
| Climate Controlled** | $38.00 | $19.00 |
| Adult | Child | |
|---|---|---|
| General Seating | $38.00 | $21.00 |
| Climate Controlled** | $42.00 | $23.00 |
*Prices do not include sales tax
**Climate controlled seating is air conditioned or heated depending on the current temperature. Please note that windows in the climate controlled cars must remain closed.
Additional Charges:
Steam Engine Excursions –
Additional $4.00 per person (Child & Adult)
Air Conditioned/Heated: Climate Controlled Coaches -
Adult: $4 surcharge Child: $2.00 surcharge
Box lunches are available for purchase for our regular train excursions. Please call for lunch options and place your order at the time of your ticket reservation.
Please call our reservations office or check the web site for a detailed schedule as well as listing of numerous special events offered throughout the year. Annual events include: Day Out with Thomas™, The Polar Express Ride™, The Little Engine That Could Rail Tour™, spring discounted student & school group fares and many other seasonal events. Click here for special event listing and excursion schedules.
LOCATION / DIRECTIONS
East Texas – Piney Woods
The Texas State Railroad is approximately a TWO AND A HALF HOUR DRIVE FROM DALLAS and 3 HOURS FROM HOUSTON , conveniently located off Hwy. 287 southeast of Interstate 45, or east of Dallas on Interstate 20, continuing south of Tyler on Hwy. 69. Our depots are located on the outskirts of both Rusk and Palestine on U.S. Hwy 84.
FULL-SERVICE CAMPGROUND FACILITIES
The Texas State Railroad offers camping and picnicking facilities that are adjacent to the Rusk and Palestine Depots.
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Rusk RV Park & Campgrounds:
71 camping sites with full hook-up
Group or tent sites each with water and electricity
Picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and restrooms and showers
Open-air gazebo style pavilion with a fireplace
Group dining area with kitchen
Activities: 15 acre fishing lake, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball goal, horseshoes, shuffle boards, & ¼ mile nature trail.
Palestine Campgrounds:
Tent sites with water, restrooms (no showers) & cooking grills
Open-air group picnic pavilions
Activities: ½ mile nature trail & playground
RV Rallies & Groups are encouraged. Call our campground office for reservations and information. Contact us for more information.
Printable Price Sheet (pdf)
LODGING AND AREA INFORMATION
Enjoy all the country charm, learn about the colorful heritage and enjoy the many outdoor adventures which await you in the heart of East Texas.
The Texas State Railroad has departures from both the Rusk and Palestine Texas depots.
For more information about the many seasonal activities in each community, as well as lodging, dining and recreational opportunities, log onto these helpful web sites. Your East Texas adventure and warm Texas hospitality awaits you!
Palestine Convention & Visitors Bureau
825 Spring Street
Palestine, TX 75801
(903) 723-3014 or (800) 659-3484
Palestine Chamber of Commerce
401 West Main Street
Palestine, Texas 75801
(903) 729-6066
Rusk Texas Chamber of Commerce
415 North Main – P.O. Box 67
Rusk, TX 75785
(903) 683-4242 or 1-800-933-2381
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
526 E. Commerce
Jacksonville, Texas 75766
(903) 586-2217 or 1-800-376-2217
Tyler Convention & Visitors Bureau
315 N. Broadway Ave.
Tyler, TX 75702
1-800-235-5712
CONTACT US
Please join us, in helping to maintain this important piece of Texas heritage with your support, by taking a ride on the Texas State Railroad, - truly a “Texas Treasure!”
Texas State Railroad
P.O. Box 166
Rusk, TX 75785
Reservations: 1-888-987-2461
email: reservations@TexasStateRR.com
Physical Address
Texas State Railroad Rusk Depot
Park Road 76 Hwy 84 West
Rusk, TX 75785
Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot
Park Road 70 Hwy 84 East
Palestine, TX 75801
Friends of the Texas State Railroad
Join an organization whose goal is to provide present and future generations with the opportunity to ride steam trains and gain an appreciation for railroads, as a mode of transportation.
The Friends of the Texas State Railroad is a non-profit organization and an instrumental group of volunteers devoted to preserving, promoting, and enhancing the recreational and historical facilities of the Texas State Railroad and area parks.
For membership information log onto: www.texasstaterailroad.com/friends.html
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer at the Texas State Railroad we would love to have you! Volunteers are needed to help out during our special events such as The Polar Express™ Train Ride, Little Engine That Could™ Rail Tour, and Day Out With Thomas™ All Aboard Tour. To sign up as a volunteer for upcoming events, please send an email to: info@texasstaterr.com.
Full Steam Ahead!!