ABILENE, KS
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
4.6· 506 Google reviews
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationABILENE, KS
- Rating4.6 ★506 Google reviews
- UpcomingSat, Mar 20
About Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad carries passengers aboard vintage railcars along the historic Rock Island branch, traveling a 5.5‑mile (8.9 km) round‑trip between Abilene and Enterprise in Kansas. The journey weaves past the 1887 Rock Island depot, a replica 1800s milling operation, and open prairie, while narrators recount the railroads that shaped the state’s agribusiness economy. Steam, diesel and dinner‑train services operate from May through October, with a Polar Express special in December.
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- SeasonMay – October
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible parking
- HoursMonday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The ASV runs a 5.5‑mile (8.9 km) branch between Abilene and Enterprise, offering a roughly 10‑mile round‑trip that includes a stop at the replica Hoffman Mill. Its roster features the 1919 ATSF 3415, a 4‑6‑2 “Pacific” steam locomotive that returned to service in May 2009, a 1945 ALCO S‑1 diesel, and the 1940 General Electric 44‑ton center‑cab engine numbered ASV 34 (“Ike”). Trains are assembled from vintage passenger cars, a caboose and other historic rolling stock for excursions, dinner trains and special events.
History
See full history
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad begins its track heritage in 1886 when the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad laid the line that later becomes the Herington‑Salina subdivision. The nonprofit organization is founded in 1993 to preserve Kansas’s rail legacy, the same year it receives a 1945 ALCO S‑1 diesel donation and two years later acquires a restored 1940 General Electric 44‑tonner that will later be renumbered ASV 34. After nearly four decades as a static exhibit, the 1919 ATSF 3415 4‑6‑2 “Pacific” steam locomotive is restored on November 11 2008 and makes its inaugural run on May 23 2009, becoming the only operational steam locomotive in Kansas. In 2024 the Kansas Legislature designates the railroad as the state’s official heritage railroad and names ATSF 3415 the official state steam locomotive, while also re‑wheeling, updating batteries and brakes, and repainting ASV 34 in a Rock Island maroon‑and‑yellow scheme; the locomotive is dedicated on D‑Day 2025.
Around the Depot
Based in Abilene, Kansas, the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad is an unhurried prairie ride worth a deliberate stop.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Abilene
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad located?
ABILENE, KS 67410
How do I get tickets to Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at http://www.asvrr.org.
When is the next event at Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad?
The next scheduled event is "2026 Pumpkin Harvest Express" on Saturday, March 20, 2027. See the full upcoming-events list on this page.