Step aboard a living piece of history and travel the rails like it’s 1885. Across America, historic railroads still run with steam locomotives, vintage coaches, and routes carved through breathtaking landscapes. These journeys aren’t just scenic rides but moving museums, preserving the engineering, grit, and romance of the golden age of rail. From mountain climbs to canyon crossings, each line offers a timeless experience that connects past and present in unforgettable ways.
1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Carved through the rugged San Juan Mountains, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been operating since 1882. Originally built to haul silver and gold ore, it now carries passengers on a breathtaking journey along the Animas River. The line still uses coal-fired steam locomotives, offering travelers the sights, sounds, and even the smells of 19th-century railroading. With dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and untouched wilderness, this ride feels like stepping into the past.
2. Strasburg Rail Road
In the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, the Strasburg Rail Road is America’s oldest continuously operating railroad, dating back to 1832. Its lovingly restored steam locomotives pull vintage wooden coaches through farmland that looks much the same as it did centuries ago. Visitors can enjoy the scenic ride while also exploring the working shops where craftsmen repair and restore antique rail equipment. It is as much a living museum as it is a train journey.
3. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Stretching across the borders of Colorado and New Mexico, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the longest and highest narrow-gauge railroad in the United States. Built in 1880, it winds through steep mountain passes, tunnels, and wooden trestles. Riders experience sweeping vistas of alpine meadows and desert valleys while traveling in original steam-era cars. This National Historic Landmark captures the grit and beauty of frontier railroading like few others can.
4. Mount Washington Cog Railway
The Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire holds a special distinction as the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world, built in 1869. Its unique locomotives push cars up steep grades to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. Passengers are rewarded with sweeping views that extend across several states. Riding the Cog is not just about scenery but also about appreciating an engineering marvel that remains operational after more than 150 years.
5. Napa Valley Wine Train
Though built in the 19th century to serve California’s agricultural trade, the Napa Valley line now offers a luxurious take on vintage rail travel. The Wine Train features beautifully restored Pullman cars from the early 1900s, complete with fine dining and panoramic windows. Travelers enjoy gourmet meals while rolling past vineyards and historic wineries. It combines the elegance of a bygone era with the pleasures of California’s wine country, making it both nostalgic and indulgent.
6. Cass Scenic Railroad
Located in West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad was built in 1901 to haul lumber from the mountains. Today, it still operates with its original Shay locomotives, specially designed for steep grades and heavy loads. The ride climbs into the Allegheny Mountains, passing through dense forests and offering spectacular views. Visitors not only ride authentic logging trains but also explore a preserved company town, making it a rare chance to step directly into Appalachian industrial history.
7. White Pass & Yukon Route
The White Pass & Yukon Route was built during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 to connect Alaska to Canada’s Yukon Territory. Known for its treacherous construction through nearly impassable terrain, the line now offers breathtaking excursions through mountains, gorges, and waterfalls. Narrow-gauge tracks and vintage rolling stock add authenticity to the ride. For many, the White Pass is as much an adventure into untamed wilderness as it is a journey through gold rush history.
8. Essex Steam Train
Operating in the Connecticut River Valley, the Essex Steam Train offers a nostalgic ride through landscapes rich in natural beauty and history. The line dates back to the 1860s and still uses steam locomotives pulling period coaches. The route passes wetlands, forests, and even a castle, blending scenic charm with heritage. Visitors can also combine the journey with a riverboat cruise, making it a unique experience that ties rail travel to the maritime traditions of New England.
9. Tweetsie Railroad
Once part of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, the Tweetsie Railroad now serves as both a heritage line and a family attraction in North Carolina. Its star is a coal-fired steam locomotive from 1917, pulling passengers through mountain landscapes. Originally used for freight and passenger service in the Appalachians, today it celebrates the role of narrow-gauge railroads in opening isolated regions. The line blends history with entertainment, keeping railroading traditions alive for all ages.
10. Grand Canyon Railway
The Grand Canyon Railway, first launched in 1901, was built to bring travelers directly to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Though service declined and was abandoned in the mid-20th century, it was later revived to preserve both history and adventure. Today, vintage locomotives and restored coaches carry visitors from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim, complete with live entertainment and sweeping views. The ride recalls a time when railroads opened America’s greatest treasures to the world.
11. Skunk Train
Running through the redwood forests of Northern California, the Skunk Train has been in operation since 1885. Originally a logging railroad, it earned its nickname from the pungent fumes of early gas-powered motorcars. Today, it offers excursions powered by steam and diesel, carrying passengers across bridges, tunnels, and deep into towering groves of redwoods. The Skunk Train preserves both the industrial heritage of the timber trade and the natural majesty of California’s wild landscapes.