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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 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, & 28
December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, & 27
December 1, 2, 8, & 9 - School Runs
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!
Tickets
Monday - Thursday & Sundays
Coach:
$19 Child (ages 2-11) and $34.00 Adult
Climate Controlled:
$23 Child (ages 2-11) and $38.00 Adult
Infants 2 & under ride free in lap
Fridays & Saturdays
Coach:
$23 Child (ages 2-11) and $38.00 Adult
Climate Controlled:
$27 Child (ages 2-11) and $42.00 Adult
Infants 2 & under ride free in lap
First Class Seating
Climate Controlled - Limited Seating
Enjoy the event in our First Class 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 whipped 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.
*Multiple parties wishing to book First Class seating must call the reservation office to book in order to guarantee the group sits together. Please call 1-888-987-2461.
Tickets
$41 Child (ages 2-11) and $59.00 Adult
Private Parlor Car
*Booking for this private car is only available by calling 1-888-987-2461.
Enjoy the event in our new Private Parlor Car. Perfect for groups & families! Holds a maximum number of 18 people. One car available per scheduled ride. More details to come!
Ticket
$1200 Total (max of 18 people).
The Lone Ranger® Train Ride Event
Departing the Rusk Depot
June 12 & 19, 2010
11:00am & 2:00pm
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 and brings the old West to life. As bandits take charge of the train and try to rob the gold from the baggage car, the masked rider and his faithful companion, Tonto, save the day! At the lunch layover, enjoy the many family-oriented activities. There will be live musical entertainment, western-themed activities, kid's western or Lone Ranger costume contest, hay ride, and much more! Special gift will be passed out to the kids. Total event lasts approximately 2.5 hours. New this year! - The train will stop at the Maydelle Turntable for the shootout, activities & lunch layover.
Tickets
Coach & Open Air:
$19 Child (ages 2-11) and $34.00 Adult
Climate Controlled:
$23 Child (ages 2-11) and $38.00 Adult
Infants under 2 ride free
Day Out With Thomas™ : The Celebration Tour 2010
Departing the Rusk Depot
TICKETS ON SALE!
October 15, 16, 17 & 22, 23, 24
10:00am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm & 3:15pm
Saturdays additional ride at 4:00pm
Take a 30 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine™, meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy live storytelling, live musical entertainment, temporary tattoos, food vendors, & Much, Much More! Families will enjoy hours of fun during this special event!
Click the TicketWeb logo below to book now!
* 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.
© 2010 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.
The Little Engine That Could™ Rail Tour Event
Departing the Palestine Depot
July 17 & 24, 2010
11:00am & 1:00pm
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.
New this year: Kids bring your bathing suits for water activities!
Tickets
Be a kid again pricing for adults!
Coach & Open Air: $19 ages 2 & over
Climate Controlled: $21 ages 2 & over
Infants under 2 ride free
Peanuts™ - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
Departing the Rusk Depot
October 3, 8, 9, 10, 29, 30 & 31, 2010
Fridays & Sundays - 11:00am
Saturdays - 11:00am & 1:45pm
Take a train ride to the "Great Pumpkin Patch"! There you will meet Snoopy, pick your own pumpkins & decorate them, visit trick or treat street, enjoy live musical entertainment, hay ride, food vendors, and more!
New this year! - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express will depart from the Rusk depot and the event will take place at the New Corn Maze. A portion of the corn maze will be open for the event.
Children are encouraged to wear costumes for this fun event! Total event lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
*Please wear appropriate socks and shoes to protect little feet.
Tickets
Coach & Open Air:
$24 Child (ages 2-11) and $41.50 Adult
Climate Controlled:
$26 Child (ages 2-11) and $44.50 Adult
Infants under 2 ride free
Peanuts™ - The Valentine Express
Saturdays, February 6 & 13, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
11:00am to 3:30pm
Tickets
Coach:
$19 Child (ages 2-11) and $36.50 Adult
Climate Controlled:
$21 Child (ages 2-11) and $39.50 Adult
Infants under 2 ride free
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.
Peanuts™ - The Easter Beagle Express
PEANUTS © United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
April 1, 2, & 3
*This event will depart from both depots - check below for details & schedule.
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 Rusk 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!
Thursday, April 1
Enjoy the event during our Maydelle Turntable Special Diesel Excursion departing the Rusk Depot. This special event will depart at 11:00am and return to the Rusk Depot at 12:30pm. Lunch & the special event activities will take place upon return to the depot.
Friday, April 2
Enjoy the event during our Maydelle Turntable Special Diesel Excursion departing the Rusk Depot to the Maydelle Turntable. This special event will depart at 11:00am and return to the Rusk Depot at 12:30pm. Lunch & the special event activities will take place upon return to the depot.
Saturday, April 3
Enjoy the event during our Pineywoods Steam Excursion with Engine 300 departing the Palestine Depot. The train departs at 11:00am and returns to the Palestine Depot at 3:30pm. Enjoy the special event activities during the lunch layover at the Rusk Depot.
Tickets
April 1
Coach & Open Air:
$19 Child (ages 2-11) and $36.50 Adult
Climate Controlled:
$21 Child (ages 2-11) and $39.50 Adult
Infants under 2 ride free
April 2 & 3
Coach & Open Air:
$23 Child (ages 2-11) and $40.50 Adult
Climate Controlled:
$25 Child (ages 2-11) and $43.50 Adult
Infants under 2 ride free
*lunch included with ticket price on April 1 & 2
Dinner Trains
Freedom BBQ Dinner Train
Departing the Rusk Depot
Saturday, July 3
6:00pm - Cheese & Cracker Reception
7:00pm - Dinner train departure
Celebrate Independence Day with your family on the Freedom BBQ Dinner Train! Enjoy a buffet style BBQ dinner and peach cobbler for dessert on board the one-hour & 45-minute train ride. After the train returns to the Rusk Depot, families will deboard the train for a fireworks show over the lake and enjoy delicious watermelon! Special guests at this event include Uncle Sam & Betsy Ross!
BBQ Dinner includes brisket, chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and peach cobbler. Watermelon will be served prior to the fireworks show.
Tickets:
$50.00 for Adults (12 & over)
$25.00 for Children (3-11)
Guests 21 and over may bring beer, wine or champagne to enjoy with the meal.
Seating in climate controlled passenger car with tables. Tables seat 4 individuals. Advanced reservations required. Seating is limited.
*By popular demand, we have opened up our combine car for additional seating. We have 18 climate controlled picnic-style seats (not at a table) available for a 15% discount off the regular price. Call
1-888-987-2461 to book this seating. It will not be listed online.
Wild West Dinner Train
Departing the Palestine Depot
Saturday, August 7
5:30pm - Champagne Reception & Entertainment
6:30pm - Dinner train departure
Grab your cowboy hat and wear your boots for an evening of root'n toot'n fun aboard the Wild West Dinner Train! Ticket includes a 2.5 hour train ride, three-course meal served during the ride and entertainment. Enjoy a champagne reception, cheese & crackers, & live musical entertainment prior to departure. Tables seat 4 individuals. Private tables may be requested at an additional cost.
Menu:
Black Bean & Corn Salad
Choice of Marinated Cider Ribeye Steak or Southwest Avocado Chicken Breast
Garlic Red Mashed Potatoes & Sugar Snap Peas and Carrots
White or Wheat Rolls
Choice of Bessie's Buttermilk Chess Pie or Gold Miner's Mud Pie
*Sweet/Unsweet Tea & Water will be served. Couples may bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with the meal. Coffee will be served on the return trip with dessert.
Tickets:
$89.00 per person (21 years or older)
Advanced reservations required. Last date to book is August 5th at 5pm. Seating is limited.
RAILFEST 2010
Palestine Depot
Saturday, September 4th - Festival Activities from 9:00am to 3:30pm
Sunday, September 5th - Pineywoods Steam Excursion
September 4th
Enjoy a fun-filled day of trains, festival activities, music, and more!! Join us for the 2nd Annual RAILFEST at the historic Texas State Railroad!
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Meet Miss Texas 2010
-
40 minute Train Rides with Steam Engine 300 (10:00am, 11:30am & 1:00pm)
-
T&P Steam Engines 201 & 610 on display
-
Photo-op's
- Model Railroad layouts (East Texas & Gulf Rail Modelers Association)
- Palestine Shop tour (10:00am to 1:00pm)
-
Live Steamers (Houston Area Live Steamers)
-
Live Musical Entertainment
-
Retail & Food Vendors
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Motor Car rides
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And fun for the kids: bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting & more!
- MORE DETAILS TO COME!
Meet Miss Texas 2010 Live Musical Entertainment
Miss Texas 2010 Lauren Alexander Backseat Molly
Tickets/Wristbands (to enter the event):
Tickets price includes: parking, train ride, shop tour, live musical entertainment, meeting Miss Texas, & more. Bring additional cash for food & retail vendors & motor car rides.
$25.00 for Adults (12 & Over)
$15.00 for Child (3-11)
Infants under 2 are Free
September 5th
RailFest Maydelle Turntable Special Steam Excursion
Departing the Palestine Depot
9:00am to 11:45am
Tickets:
Coach & Open-Air 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)
BBQ picnic held at the Palestine Depot upon arrival.
Pre-order a BBQ Sandwich Combo: BBQ Sandwich, Chips, Cookie, & a drink - $8.00
Book together & save!
Book your RAILFEST tickets & RAILFEST train ride together and save 10%!
This offer is only available if booked prior to September 4th and only by calling 1-888-987-2461.
Haunted Maze
TSRR Corn Maze - Maydelle, TX
October 28, 29, 30 & 31, 2010
Ever been to a corn maze in the dark? Watch out....the Haunted Maze will bring screams & terror to East Texas! Get ready for the scare of a lifetime!
More details to come soon!
Also, visit the Corn Maze page for detail about our NEW 6-acre corn maze!
Spring Photo Excursion
Sunday, April 11, 2010
7:30am to approximately 3:30pm
Spend a day at the historic Texas State Railroad for the Spring Photo Excursion with Steam Engine 300!
- Enjoy special photo runbys along the route from Palestine to Rusk
- Experience Steam Engine 300 on the Maydelle Turntable
- Tour both Palestine & Rusk Locomotive Shops
- Photo Opportunities with the 242-ton T&P 610 Freedom Train Engine
Tickets
$99.00 Coach & Open-Air Seating
$109.00 Climate Controlled Seating
Breakfast pastries and Hamburger & Hotdog lunch included
*Schedule of photo stops will be given to ticket holders at the ticket window on Sunday, April 11th.
Other Events
Honoring the Armed Forces!
Held at the Palestine Depot
Organized by individuals in the community
May 28-31, 2010
$5.00 per car parking fee
2010 event dedicated to the late Tom Derby
Friday - May 28th
- Military Reenactor set-up
- Military Armament Train Arrives
Saturday & Sunday - May 29th & 30th
- Reenactment Train Rides: 10:00am & 2:30pm - $15 per person (book online or call for reservation) - Take a train ride to the Jarvis Wye and experience a WWII battle from the train. Active Military ride free with identification.
(The 2:30pm train ride on Sunday has been cancelled) - Huey Helicopter rides
- Steam Engine Appearance 12:30pm (Saturday)
- Living History Exhibits (1776 - Present)
- Military Equipment/Vehicle Exhibits & Rides
- Memorial Day Ceremony & 21 Gun Salute 12:00pm (Sunday)
Monday - May 31st
Memorial Day Maydelle Turntable Special Train Excursion 11:00am to 1:45pm - Lunch layover (Cookout and picnic) at the Maydelle Turntable. Advanced reservations recommended. Book online by clicking below or call reservations at 1-888-987-2461. Tickets for this special train ride (Monday only) are $36.50 for Adults (12 & over) and $19.00 for Children (3-11) in coach & open-air. Climate-controlled seating is $39.50 for Adults (12 & over) and $19.00 for Children (3-11). Infants under 2 ride free. Free tickets for Veterans & Active Military are available with identification.
4th Annual Adrian Peterson Day Celebration
Held at the Palestine Depot
Organized by family & friends of Adrian Peterson
Saturday, June 12th
Spend a day with Palestine's own, Adrian Peterson, running back from the Minnesota Vikings #28!
The day begins with the Adrian Peterson Day Parade in Downtown Palestine (Avenue A to Old Town) at 10:00am. After the parade, Adrian will make his way to the Palestine Depot of the Texas State Railroad at approximately 11:00am (or after the parade) for a full day of activities for all ages. There, you can meet Adrian, enjoy music, games (for all ages), food vendors, and appearance of Texas State Railroad's Steam Engine 300 prior to departure at 11:30 and return at 2:30pm. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. A $5 parking fee will be collected at the entrance for all attendees.
Click here for pictures from 2008
Maydelle Centennial Iron Horse Celebration
Held in Maydelle, TX at the Maydelle Depot (located 8 miles West of the Rusk Depot)
Saturday, September 11th
9am to 10pm
Join the community of Maydelle as they celebrate 100 Years in Maydelle, Texas. Enjoy a fun filled day with musical entertainment, the arrival of one of the Texas State Railroad steam engines at the 1890's Maydelle Turntable, a queen contest, live band, karaoke contest, food concessions, displays of 100 years of historical happenings, arts and crafts vendors, and a street dance!
Visit the Maydelle Centennial Website for more information, details, location, & contact information (including a vendor application).
The Texas State Railroad is a participant & sponsor of this wonderful celebration! The Maydelle Celebration is also the opening day for Texas State Railroad's Corn Maze!
