A true treasure lies in the heart of Grapevine, Texas. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad takes passengers back in time each weekend. Everyone loves a gentle ride on a vintage train - from the little boys who are slightly obsessed with trains, to the Daddy's and Grandpas who love them too!
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad has 2 historic locomotives, Puffy (a 1896 steam engine) and Vinny (a 1953 diesel engine) and 6 beautifully restored Victorian coaches. During the summer, the GVRR offers the Trinity River Run on Fridays, along with their regular Saturday & Sunday runs to the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Friday trips are only one hour long, perfectly timed for those little ones. During the rest of the year, you can enjoy a longer day ride - a perfect way to spend a fall day!
Seating was first come, so get there early to get sets together - especially if you are with a big party. After the train leaves the station, the conductor comes around to punch your ticket. I loved that they will stop to take pictures and visit with your little ones.
The beginning of the ride is through Grapevine. We found it charming that folks were so friendly. At every crossing everyone in their cars waved at the adorable little hands waving at them. Honestly, how could you not wave at these kiddos having a ball?
You have two options on most rides - The open air coaches, one of which includes a snack bar that features popcorn, candy, and bottled drinks. Or you can choose to sit in the air conditioned coach. This one is much cooler, but you loose the sounds and smells of the train ride (maybe you want that?).
The hour long ride was perfect for my crew - we enjoyed a quick ride though what looks to be country, as the majority of the ride is through tree-hidden neighborhoods and suburbs. I just assumed we would be looking at roads, stores, and homes the whole ride. Not so. And that added to the charm.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers fun all year round. Each month, fun events are planned from the Halloween Scream Train in October to the North Pole Express around the Holidays to Easter Bunny Fun Run in April. And I even hear that Thomas the Tank Engine visits each April too. During the summer, the weekend runs are filled with a Train Robbery! All of these events are extremely family friendly and very affordable.
Texas Travel Facts for Grapevine Vintage Railroad:
Location: Grapevine Mills, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, TX 76051
Days: September - November / February-May (Saturday & Sunday only)
Admission:
Round Trip Prices : Adults (13 & up): $28(first class) $20 (touring class)
June-August - (friday, Saturday & Sunday)
Round Trip Prices : Adults (13 & up): $28(first class) $20 (touring class)
Good to know: Prices & times above based on all day trip down to the Ft. Worth Stockyards; Expect 1 1/2 hours each way with a 1 1/2 hour layover; Snack bar is available
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