The Lone Ranger Rides Again  
The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
The Easter Beagle Express Dinner Trains RAILFEST

 

 

 

Special Events

Special event ticket sales are final. Events are held rain or shine. No refunds or date changes permitted.

 

 

 

The Polar Express™ Train Ride

Departing the Palestine Depot

 

November 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, & 29

December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27

Times: 5:10pm, 6:45pm, & 8:15pm

 

December School Runs - 2, 3, 9, & 10

Times: 10:00am & 12:00pm

 

All Aboard! The Polar Express™comes to life at the Texas State Railroad.

 

Inspired by the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, come experience the magic of The Polar Express™. Read along with the story as the train makes a roundtrip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. And, for those who believe, a special gift for each child. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas!

 

Advanced tickets on sale now!

 

 

 

Tickets:

Friday, Sunday, & Weekdays

• Coach $19 child (ages 2-11), $34 adults

• Climate Controlled $21 child (ages 2-11), $38 adults

 

Saturday Tickets

• Coach $23 child (ages 2-11), $38 adults

• Climate Controlled $25 child (ages 2-11), $42 adults

 

 

First Class Seating in Private Car 1511

Climate Controlled - Limited Seating

Enjoy The Polar Express™ Train Ride on our First Class private car. You will experience first class service at your table by Chefs, enjoy a variety of cookies served on silver trays, drink delicious hot chocolate with whip cream and chocolate sprinkles in our collectable Polar Express™ mugs as well as an additional choice of coffee, tea, or sparkling cider. Enjoy a First Class experience on board The Polar Express this Christmas! Table seating for 2 and 4 individuals.

 

Tickets:

$39 child (ages 2-11), $58 adults

 

Parking Fee

(collected at entrance)

$5 per car

 

 

 

The Lone Ranger® Train Ride Event

Departing the Rusk Depot

 

Coming again in 2010!

If you missed our 2009 events, click here to learn about special appearances with The Lone Ranger on Saturdays throughout the year.

 

Join the fun as America's Favorite Hero, The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto save the day!

 

Come take a ride on this special train that pays tribute to America's most beloved western hero. The train ride will bring to life the old west. As bandits take charge of the train, the masked rider and his faithful companion, Tonto, will come save the day! Before or after the ride enjoy the many family-oriented activities at the depot. There will be live musical entertainment, western themed activities, and much more!

 

 

Tickets

Coach & Open-Air Seating:

$19 Child (ages 2-11) and $34 Adult

Climate Controlled:

$23 Child (ages 2-11) and $38 Adult

 

 

 

 

 

Day Out With Thomas™ 2009: Hero of the Rails Tour

Departing the Rusk Depot

 

October 16th, 17th, 18th and 23rd, 24th, 25th, 2009

10:00am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm & 3:15pm

*Additional 4:00pm on Saturdays

 

Take a 30 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine™, meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy live storytelling, live musical entertainment, build with LEGO® DUPLO® Bricks, temporary tattoos, food vendors, & Much Much, More!

Families will enjoy hours of fun during this special event!

 

Click here to also visit the DOWT Information page - Take a look at the Frequent Questions and Answers

 

Tickets on Sale Now!!

Click Here to Book Tickets Online Through TicketWeb!

Or Call TicketWeb at 1-866-468-7630

 

* Please note that tickets for this event are not sold directly through the Texas State Railroad Reservation Office. Tickets are sold through TicketWeb. For specific questions or information regarding this special event at the Texas State Railroad, you may call our reservation office: 1-888-987-2461.

 

Tickets are $18 (plus tax and service fees) for ages two and up. Special discount for groups of 20 or more.

Visit TicketWeb or call 1-866-468-7630 to book your tickets today!

 

© 2009 Gullate (Thomas) Limited.

 

 

The Little Engine That Could™ Rail Tour Event

Departing the Palestine Depot

 

Coming again in 2010!

If you missed our 2009 event, click here to learn about special appearances with The Little Engine That Could on Thursdays during May, July & September.

 

Enjoy meeting a full-sized replica of The Little Engine That Could! Meet the Bear and Elephant as well as other characters from the original book by Watty Piper. Event includes a 30-minute train ride with The Little Engine That Could, meeting characters from the book, live musical entertainment, book readings, and fun children activities and games. Visit www.thelittleenginethatcouldtour.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peanuts™ - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express

Departing the Palestine Depot

 

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

October 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 30th, & 31st,2009

11:00am

Additional 1:45pm on Saturdays

New Date Added! November 1st at 11:00am

 

Tickets

Coach & Open-Air Seating:

$19 Child (ages 2-11) and $36.50 Adult

Climate Controlled:

$21 Child (ages 2-11) and $39.50 Adult

 

 

 

Take a train ride to the "Great Pumpkin Patch"! There you will meet Snoopy, pick your own pumpkin & decorate them, visit trick or treat street, enjoy live musical entertainment, hay ride, food vendors, and more! Children are encouraged to wear costumes for this fun event! Total event lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

*The pumpkin patch is in a field so please wear appropriate socks and shoes to protect your feet.

 

 

Click here to download the event flyer

 

 

 

 

Peanuts™ - The Valentine Express

 

February 2010!

Tickets will go on sale in 2010.

 

Meet Snoopy at the Texas State Railroad!

During the excursion you will meet Snoopy and enjoy a live reading of the book, "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown". At the Rusk Depot (during the lunch layover) enjoy Valentine card making, watch "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" in the theatre, take pictures with Snoopy, and listen to live musical entertainment.

 

Dates, ticket prices, and additional information will be posted in January 2010!

 

 

 

 

 

Peanuts™ - The Easter Beagle Express

 

Coming again in 2010!

Tickets will go on sale in 2010.


Enjoy a relaxing train ride on The Valentine Express! During the ride you will meet Snoopy, enjoy a live reading of the book, "It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown". At the Rusk Depot (during the lunch layover) enjoy Easter Egg Crafts, watch "It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" in the theatre, take pictures with Snoopy, and listen to live musical entertainment. It is a fun event for the whole family!

 

Dates, ticket prices, & additional information will be posted in January 2010!

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner Trains

 



 

New Year's Eve Masquerade Dinner Train

Departing the Palestine Depot

 

Thursday, December 31st

6:30pm - Champagne Reception & Entertainment

7:30pm - Dinner train departure

 

Celebrate the New Year on board our Masquerade dinner train! Wear your own masquerade mask or buy one during the reception. Entertainment will be provided during the reception and on board the train. Please check back for details as we get closer to the event

 

Tickets

$89 per person or $159 per couple.

Advanced reservations required. Seating is limited. Tickets sales for this event will end on December 28th at 5pm.

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner Menu

TBA

The three course meal will be announced soon.

Couples may bring one bottle of wine to enjoy with the meal.

 

 

 

Special Appearances

 

 

 

 

The Lone Ranger® Special Appearances

Meet The Lone Ranger during special appearances on Saturday excursions departing the Palestine Depot during April, June & August. Watch for the bandits on the train. There may just be a shootout in Maydelle!

Regular Steam Excursion fares apply. Visit Schedules & Fares for ticket prices .

 

Appearance Dates:

        • April 18
        • June 6, 20, 27
        • August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
 

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Engine That Could Appearances

 

Meet The Little Engine That Could™ during special appearances (not to be confused with the event) on Thursday excursions during May, July & September. During these excursions, the train will depart from the Palestine Depot to the Jarvis Wye and then return to Palestine. The total trip is approximately one hour. Regular diesel excursion fares apply. Visit Schedules & Fare for ticket prices.

This trip is great for families and groups! The original story of The Little Engine That Could™ by Watty Piper will be read during the train ride.

 

Appearance Dates:

              • May 7, 14, 21, 28
              • July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
              • September 3, 10, 17, 24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAILFEST 2009

Palestine Depot

Saturday, September 5th - Festival Activities from 10:00am to 6:30pm

Sunday, September 6th - Steam Train Excursion at 9:00am to 11:45am

 

September 5, 2009

Enjoy a fun-filled day of trains, music, and more!! Join us for the 1st Annual RAILFEST at the historic Texas State Railroad!

 

Download the event flyer

 

  • Steam Engine 300's Restoration Debut & Ceremony
  • T&P Steam Engines 201 & 610 on display
  • Photo-op's
  • Train Rides with Steam Engine 300
  • Motor Car rides
  • Shop tour
  • Live Steamers
  • Live Musical Entertainment All Day!!
  • Meet Miss Texas
  • Euro-bungee
  • Retail & Food Vendors
  • And fun for the kids: bounce houses, petting zoo, miniature train ride & more!

Hear live music from the following Texas bands:

                 

         Whiskey Myers - 5pm                            The Papers - 3pm               Lauren Alexander - 12:15pm

 

Meet Miss Texas 2009 - Kristen Blair

 

Tickets (to enter the event):

Tickets price includes: train ride, shop tour, concert, meeting Miss Texas, & more

$20 for Adults (12 & over)

$10 for Child (3-11)

 

September 6, 2009

9:00am to 11:45am

Steam Excursion with Steam Engine 300 from Palestine to the Maydelle Turntable

BBQ lunch & live musical entertainment (included in ticket price) 11:45am - 12:45pm

Tickets:

Coach Seating: $40.50 for Adults (12 & over) & $23.00 for Child (3-11)

Climate Controlled: $43.50 for Adults (12 & over) & $25.00 for Child (3-11)

 

Book together & save!

Book your RAILFEST tickets & RAILFEST train ride together and save 10%!

This offer is only available if booked before the date of RAILFEST.

 

 

Fall Photo Excursion

Departing the Rusk Depot

 

Sunday, November 8, 2009

7:30am to 4:15pm

Join us for our Fall Photo Excursion with Steam Engine 300!

This is a full day event. Pick up your tickets & enjoy pastries beginning at 7:30am. Train will depart around 8:00am.

 

  • Enjoy special photo runbys along the route from Rusk to Palestine
  • Experience Steam Engine 300 on the 1890's Maydelle Turntable
  • Tour both Palestine and Rusk Locomotive Shops
  • Photo opportunities with the T&P 610

 

 

 

Tickets

$99.00 Coach & Open-Air Seating

$109.00 Climate Controlled

Breakfast pastries and picnic lunch included in ticket price.

 

          Download the event flyer

 

 

Other Events

 

  

 

Rusk Chamber of Commerce Presents

Annual Pioneer & Heritage Festival

Saturday, October 3rd

 

You're invited to attend the upcoming Annual Pioneer & Heritage Festival scheduled for Saturday. October 3, 2009.  The event will be held at the Texas State Railroad, Rusk Depot from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

 

The family festivities will kick off with the 1st Friday in October event, starting at 5:00 PM with a Five - 4 person teams will perform a scavenger hunt thru the businesses on the square to find out who shot "Bad Billy Bart".  The movie "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", will be shown after dark on the Courthouse lawn.  Also on Friday, schools studying Texas History are invited to come out to the Rusk Depot and take a short train ride thru the piney woods on a real steam train and than visit Pioneer Demonstrations who dress as pioneers teaching the way Texas pioneers lived back when.  Entry fee for students and teachers is $2.00 per person.

 

Saturday is bring your family for a country day filled with old and new events. For $1 or a can of food to benefit the Good Samaritan, a family can enjoy a day at the Texas State Railroad.  The festival begins with Re-enactors, Arts & Crafts Booths, and Hay-rides around a beautiful depot setting. Train rides and campers will enjoy traveling from Palestine and Rusk on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is where Texas History begins with a whole lot of fun!

 

For additional information, please call (903) 683-4242 or visit the website at www.RuskChamber.com.

 

Download the event flyer

 

 

 

Bikers & Boxcars

2nd Annual GWTA Texas State Rally

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

September 18th, 19th, & 20th

 

The 2nd Annual GWTA Texas State Rally will be held at the Texas State Railroad Rusk Campgrounds. Registration will begin at 8:00am on the 18th.

 

This rally will offer a fun run, biker games, silent auction, door prizes, train rides, bike shows, food & bike vendors, self guided rides and new for this year, a geocaching game for those of you who utilize a GPS. There are activities planned for all three days and music throughout the weekend. Come out and meet other bikers!

 

 

Bike Rally admission will be $10.00 per person

Fun Run will be $5.00 per person

Geocaching will be $5.00 per person. 

CASH ONLY will be collected at entrance of campgrounds by the Texas GWTA for the event.

All admissions benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas.

 

Camping fees and train tickets are collected and reserved through the Texas State Railroad.

Campsites are available for bikers for $20.00 a night. One RV or two bikes may share a campsite. There is a one time Vendor fee of $25.00. Camping at Vendor Site is allowed but camping fees will be applied. Hotels are located within 30 minutes of the rally for those who prefer to “hotel”. Please visit the Rusk Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Chamber, or Palestine CVB for a list of local hotels.

 

For a step back in history, catch a short ride on the special GWTA Rally Train Special on Saturday at 12:00pm for only $10.00 per person or the Sunday Family BBQ Train at 1:30pm at regular prices (BBQ lunch & musical entertainment at 12:30pm).

Please call the Texas State Railroad Reservation office to book train reservations. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.

 

Download the event flyer

Home | About | Schedule & Fares | RV Park & Campgrounds | Location | Special Events | Groups | Press | Gallery | Contact
©Texas State Railroad | Web Design by Group M7