Special Events

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

 

 

    

Valentine's Dinner Train

Departing the Rusk Depot

 

Saturday, February 11, 2012

6:30pm - Reception at the Depot

7:30pm - 9:30pm - Dinner Train

 

Plan a memorable Valentine's Day for your special someone by joining us for a romantic evening train ride aboard our Valentine's Dinner Train pulled by a vintage 1947 ALCO Road Switcher No. 7. Enjoy an elegant three-course meal catered by Traditions in Tyler, TX served on candle lit tables accompanied by romantic musical entertainment, complimentary champagne served in a souvenir TSRR champagne flute and a beautiful long stemmed red rose for the ladies.

 

                                             RECEPTION

     Fresh Seasonal Fruit w/Sweet Cream Dip

    Imported and Domestic Cheeses w/Crackers

                                                                                                 Sparkling Cider

 

DINNER

Salad of Fresh Italian Romaine w/Chateau Classic Dressing

Dual Entree consisting of Beef Tenderloin Medallions w/Cabernet Reduction*

AND

Chicken Piccata w/Capers & a Lemon Herb Sauce

Herb Roasted Red Skin Potatoes

Seasonal Sauteed Vegetable Medley

Hot Rolls & Butter

Tea, Water and Coffee**

 

*Beef will be served Medium, no special requests accepted

**Select wines and beer will be available for purchase aboard the train

 

DESSERT

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake w/Chocolate Covered Strawberry

OR

Strawberry Mousse Pie w/Chocolate Covered Strawberry

WITH

Sparkling Champagne

 

Tickets:  $110 per person (21 years or older)

 

Advance reservations required.  Seating is limited.

 

Tables seat 4 individuals and are assigned at the time of reservation.

 

We highly recommend that groups book under the same reservation in order to sit at the same table.

 

You must Call 888-987-2461 to book tickets at this time for this event!

 

Peanuts™ - The Valentine Express

Departing the Rusk Depot

 

February 12, 2012

 

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 depot (during the lunch layover) enjoy Valentine card making, watch "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown", take pictures with Snoopy, and listen to live musical entertainment.

 

Tickets

Lunch Included in Ticket Prices

Coach:

$38 Child (ages 2 -11) and $56 Adult

Lone Star Class:

$45 Child (ages 2-11) and $79 Adult

 

Call 888-987-2461 to book tickets!

 

 

Peanuts™ - The Easter Beagle Express

Departing the Rusk Depot

 

April 7, 2012

 

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

 

 

 

         Tickets

         Lunch Included in Ticket Prices

         Coach:

         $38 Child (ages 2 -11) and $56 Adult

         Lone Star Class:

         $45 Child (ages 2-11) and $79 Adult

 

Call 888-987-2461 to book tickets!

  

Dinosaur Train™

“Due to production delays encountered by the licensors, Jim Henson Co. and Rail Events Incorporated, the planned Dinosaur Train event at the Texas State Railroad has been removed from the 2012 calendar of events. We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and look forward to adding the Dinosaur Train event to our calendar when the event development has been completed.”

 

 

 

RAILFEST 2012

Held at the Rusk Depot

 

May 5 & 6, 2012

 

Join us for a fun Rail Fan weekend and celebrate railroading at the Texas State Railroad!

 

 

 

Saturday, May 5

• Pineywoods Steam Excursion
  11:00am to 3:30pm
  Enjoy a steam excursion through the piney woods of East Texas.
  Tickets: Click here for ticket prices
• Locomotive Shop Tour
  4:00pm to 5:30pm
  Explore the locomotive shop in Rusk that houses TSRR's engines and rolling stock. See the progress on restoration of Engine 400 and TSRR coaches. Special photo opportunities.
  Tickets: sold as a package with the Night Photo Shoot - There will be time to go in to Rusk for dinner between the shop tour and Night Photo session.
• Night Photo Shoot
  Capture great photos of the steam locomotives and equipment at the Rusk Locomotive and Coach Matinenance facility. For the night photography neophytes, we will have a brief instructional session, then,several opportunities to capture photos of the rolling stock with special lighting - the railroad equipment will be "painted" by spotlight for unique effects! Note: Photographers must bring tripods, cable release or remote trigger and unless you are completely familiar with all the settings necessary for night shooting, please bring your camera's manual. A pocket sized flashlight or headlamp is handy to adjust your settings. Be sure you have plenty of film or memory cards and sufficient battery power.
  Tickets: $25 per person including Shop Tour and Night Photo Shoot.

Sunday, May 6

• Photo Excursion - Special Mixed Freight/Passenger consist from Rusk to Palestine and return.
  9:00am departure to approximately 3:30pm
  Enjoy a full day of railroading with photo runs including some location that are not accessible from the highway. Seating in the Lone Star Class with Combine and Open Air coach for observation.
  Tickets: $99 per person
• Locomotive Shop Tour
  4:00pm to 5:30pm
  Another chance to explore the locomotive shop in Rusk that houses TSRR's engines and rolling stock. Special photo opportunities as the operating crew switches and "ties up" the excursion consist.

Tickets: Included with Photo Excursion ticket

 

Call 888-987-2461 to book tickets!

 

 

 

Memorial Day Armed Forces Event

Held at the Palestine Depot

May25, 26 & 27, 2012

 

Take a step back in military history to celebrate our armed forces
during this fun weekend full of exciting events!

 

• Military Living History Exhibits, Reenactments, Veterans Memorial Ceremony, & Huey Helicopter Rides
  Saturday May 25 - 9:00am to 3:30pm
  Veterans Memorial Ceremony will take place on Saturday at 1:45pm
  Tickets: Open to the public - $5 parking fee at Palestine Park. Tickets for the helicopter rides are sold separately at the event.

 

 

• Historic Military Transport One-Way Train Ride- Complimentary to Veterans, Active Military, and their Families, based on availability. Limited seating.
  Friday – 10:00am to 11:30am – Departs the Rusk Depot.

       This is a historic Military Armament Train traveling one-way to the Palestine Depot for the weekend event. Seating in premium

       Lone Star Class includes iced tea and snack. Transportation arrangements back to Rusk must be made by person(s) purchasing

       tickets.
       Sunday – 1:00pm to 2:30pm – Departs the Palestine Depot.
       This is a historic World War II Military Armament Train returns one-way to Rusk. Last chance to enjoy the historic train as the

       equipment is returned to its hom at Rusk. Military vehicles and the General Patton car will be stored and conserved for next year's

       event.
       Tickets: $35 adult, $20 Children ages 2 and over- Lone Star Class- Includes iced tea and snack.

       Remember- Limited complimentary seats are available to veterans, active military personnel, and their families- Book now to insure

       your space and bring proof of status to pick up tickets.

• WWII Mock Battle Train Ride to the "German Village of Rheinhausen"
  Saturday - 11:00am and 3:30pm
  Sunday – 11:00am
  Take a train ride to the "German Village of Rheinhausen" on the military transport train consist and watch a battle unfold from your seat. During the ride to the mock battle, take time to walk through the train to an historic mock-up of General Patton's Car.
  

       Tickets: $35 Adults, $20 Children ages 2 and over- Lone Star Class- Includes iced tea and snack.

                    $25 Adults, $10 Children ages 2 and over- Open Air Coach

 

• 1940's USO Show Dinner & Dance
  Saturday - 5:00pm - 10:00pm
  Experience a fun evening filled with 1940's swing band music, dancing, and great food! Come dressed in casual wear or join the re-enactors in dressing up in period costume!
  Dinner Menu Includes: Chef's Special Gourmet SOS, dessert, and soft drink.
  Tickets: $35 Adults and children ages 2 and above

 

SPECIAL! Patton Package

Purchase the Patton Package for only $60 per person by calling 1-888-987-2461. This special package includes USO Show Dinner & Daytime Mock Battle train ride. This pass is only sold by calling the reservation office - not available online.

 

 

 

Peanuts™ - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express

Departing the Rusk Depot

 

October 6-7, 12-14, 19-20 & 27, 2012

 

Meet Snoopy, pick your own pumpkin, visit trick or treat street & more!

Kids don't forget to wear your costumes!!  Lunches are not included on special events.

 

We haven't forgotten about the adults either, each family will recieve a Trick-or-Treat Bag with discounts and coupons from local merchants in Rusk and Palestine, TX.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets

Coach:

$20 Child (ages 2 -11) and $40 Adult

Lone Star Class:

$45 Child (ages 2-11) and $69 Adult

 

 

 

The Polar Express™ Train Ride

Departing the Palestine Depot

 

2012 Dates coming soon!

 

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!