Grapevine, TX
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
4.3· 1,825 Google reviews
At a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-23- TypeHistoric diesel-powered excursions in 1920s coaches from Grapevine and Fort Worth
- LocationGrapevine, TX
- Rating4.3 ★1,825 Google reviews
- UpcomingSat, Aug 29
About Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau operates family excursions and themed trains over the historic Cotton Belt route. The 90-minute Bear Creek Short Line begins and ends in Grapevine, the longer Cotton Belt Route connects Grapevine with the Fort Worth Stockyards and time to explore, and the 45-minute Trinity River ride departs the Stockyards. Current regular service uses restored 1920s coaches behind vintage diesel locomotives; the 1896 steam locomotive Puffy is out of service for restoration.
Choose a Grapevine Rail Experience
Choose the visit that fits your groupFamilies and visitors seeking a shorter Grapevine departure
Bear Creek Short Line
Take a 90-minute round trip from Grapevine in first or touring class.
Full-day visitors and Stockyards travelers
Cotton Belt Route
Ride from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards, explore, and return later in the day.
Transportation fans and guided-tour travelers
Planes and Trains
Combine Grapevine Main Station, railroad history, a one-hour ride, shuttle, and Founders Plaza.
Families, history travelers, and picnic stops
Historic Nash Farm
Continue the local history story at a working 19th-century farmstead nearby.
Upcoming Events
Complete official date check
2026 special-event calendar
Every future date after August 23 comes from current official 2026 event pages. The late-fall Cotton Belt and Trinity listings publish an October 24-November 22 date range with dates varying, so the range is preserved without inventing individual operating dates. Check the live official calendar ↗
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingSeveral nearby lots are free; the ADA-accessible Main garage is free for 90 minutes and then $1 per hour
- AccessibilityCall 817-410-3185 before booking to confirm boarding, seating, and mobility accommodations for the selected train
- Bear Creek90-minute Grapevine round trip; 2026 first class $14 and touring class $12
- Cotton BeltGrapevine-to-Stockyards day excursion; 2026 prices currently $22-$36
- Trinity River45-minute excursion departing Historic Stockyards Station in Fort Worth
- Same Day SalesOnline sales end at 8:30 a.m.; day-of booth tickets are not guaranteed
- BoardingBoard at the location named on the selected event; most Grapevine departures use 705 S. Main Street
- FoodNo outside food or drinks on regular excursions; concessions are sold onboard
- ChildrenBear Creek requires a ticket from the fourth birthday; younger children ride on an adult's lap
- StrollersStrollers and car seats are not allowed aboard Bear Creek; limited platform storage is at the passenger's risk
- EquipmentEquipment may change; Puffy is under restoration and is not promised on current rides
- TimezoneAll published times are local Central Time
Find the Depot
The Trains
Four 1925 first-class day coaches provide air conditioning, ceiling fans, upholstered walkover seats, and water closets. Two 1927 Wabash coaches provide padded bench seating; the touring coach is air-conditioned, while the economy coach is open-air in warm weather and fitted with windows and heat in cooler weather. Regular weekly service uses the 1953 GP7 Vinny or 1957 FL9 diesels. The 1896 Cooke locomotive Puffy is currently out of service for restoration, and equipment can change.
History
The Cotton Belt era established the depot and rail connection that shaped Grapevine.
Cooke built steam locomotive No. 2248, later known as Puffy.
The four current first-class day coaches were built.
The GP7 now known as Vinny was built.
The two FL9 locomotives were built.
Heritage excursion service began welcoming passengers during the 1990s.
See full history
Cotton Belt rail service helped connect Grapevine farms with markets beginning in the late 1800s. The surviving Cotton Belt depot dates to the railroad era that shaped the town. Grapevine's excursion operation began carrying visitors in the 1990s and now uses restored passenger equipment to interpret that history. Puffy No. 2248 was built by Cooke in 1896, Vinny No. 2199 was built as a GP7 in 1953, and the two FL9 locomotives date to 1957.
Around the Depot
Historic Nash Farm is an independent 5.2-acre working farmstead at 626 Ball Street, about 0.9 road mile and three minutes from the Cotton Belt Depot before traffic. Regular self-guided access is free Tuesday-Sunday, while special programs may require separate tickets.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Compare the attraction location with your airport or lodging before deciding whether a rental car fits the trip.
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Tours & Activities near Grapevine
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
Is Grapevine Vintage Railroad steam powered?
Not on current regular service. Puffy, the 1896 steam locomotive, is out of service for restoration; vintage diesel locomotives are used.
How long is the Bear Creek ride?
The official listing describes a 90-minute Grapevine round trip.
Does the Cotton Belt Route return to Grapevine?
Yes. It travels to the Fort Worth Stockyards, allows exploration time, and returns later the same day.
When do same-day online sales end?
At 8:30 a.m. Day-of booth inventory may be available but is not guaranteed.
Can I bring food or a stroller?
Regular listings prohibit outside food and drinks. Bear Creek does not allow strollers or car seats aboard.
Where should I park?
Use the official parking page. The Main garage at 255 E. Dallas Road has ADA spaces and elevators; other nearby lots are free.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Needs vary by historic coach and event. Call 817-410-3185 before booking for current boarding and seating details.
When is the North Pole Express?
The published 2026 calendar lists 32 dates from November 27 through December 30, excluding December 24 and 25.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 23, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official railroad hub for current products, schedule windows, address, phone, and equipment status
- Official Bear Creek listing for exact dates, fares, duration, classes, boarding, and policies
- Official Cotton Belt listing for exact dates, fares, timings, Stockyards layover, and policies
- Official special-events page for exact 2026 themed-train dates
- Official North Pole dates page for all 2026 operating dates, times, check-in, and door-close rules
- Official seating page for coach dates, climate control, seating, and restroom details
- Official history page for locomotives, coach fleet, and current Puffy status
- Official parking page for free lots, Main garage rates, and ADA parking