There's something magic about a train. Kids light up at the mere sight of them. Historic trains are celebrated throughout America, and available for families to enjoy together.
The New York Train Museum features the Long Island Railroad, reputed to be the oldest railroad in the United States. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the state of New York points out,
Initially built as a shortcut to Boston, it has adapted to the
ever-changing needs of its customers and survived competition, takeovers, hard times, and bankruptcy. Today it is the busiest commuter railroad in the country. Historic photographs, maps, illustrations, and objects tell the fascinating story of the railroad's influence on the development of Long Island.
A visit to this train museum is a delightfully affordable excursion for families.
Chicago, long regarded as America's crossroads, where trains crossing the country would intersect, bringing with them the tales of travelers from far and wide. The Chicago History Museum highlights these tales in its Great Chicago Stories exibit. Just an online visit gives families access to the wonderful story of 'Joseph's Railroad Dreams'. Click on the 'Listen to the full story' button and hear these stories read aloud, as the text streams by.Further west, visit the Heber Valley Railroad, near Park City, Utah. Completed in 1899, this railroad first served new settlers to this area. Today, vintage coaches are pulled by two 1907 Baldwin steam locomotives, and three vintage diesel electric locomotives. Themed excursions are available throughout the year, sure to delight kids and adults alike.
In Sacramento, California families enjoy the California State Railroad Museum. Completed in 1869, the Sacramento Southern Railroad was borne out of the gold rush and the need to transport the rich grains, and fresh produce of the the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta area, across the continent. Today, train rides are offered at the museum weekends, through September. The Polar Express Train rides are a holiday season treat.
1 comment:
That's so right on. Trains are universal and cross all gender and age boundaries. One of my family favorites is Roaring Camp Railroads http://www.faplosion.com/venues/6588 in Felton, CA near Santa Cruz. Their schedule is full of exciting events like Moonlight Dinner Trains, Great Train Robberies and the Ghost Train.
The San Francisco, Bay Area has many opportunities for train lovers. It just so happens, that this Labor Day weekend, Ardenwood Farms http://famplosion.com/events/85936 in Fremont, CA is having the Railfair that includes famous guest "Deanna", an 1891 Baldwin Steam Locomotive. There will be lots of chances to ride the rails too.
I also don't want to forget the community groups that work so hard to keep the love of trains going for future generations. Groups like the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society http://famplosion.com/venues/6541 and the Golden State Model Railroad Museum http://famplosion.com/venues/7079 offer a place for train enthusiasts to work on their hobby while alowing the public to witness their precise and inspiring model train layouts.
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