Photo by Steve Groom, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Texas State Railroad State Historical Park
About Texas State Railroad State Historical Park
Riding a vintage steam or diesel locomotive across 25 mi of pine‑covered East Texas, the train departs the Victorian‑style depot at Palestine and travels south through the Piney Woods to the historic depot at Rusk. The heritage line follows the original Texas State Railroad corridor, offering open‑air views of forested terrain and river valleys while historic equipment pulls the passenger cars along the state‑park route.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- TX
- Rating
- 4.5 ★ 1,030 Google reviews
- Upcoming
- Sat, Oct 24
Plan Your Visit
- Parking
- Free lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Good For
- Families
- Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Texas State Railroad runs a 25‑mile (40 km) heritage line between its Victorian‑style depots in Rusk and Palestine, Texas, traversing the Piney Woods of East Texas. Its roster includes five steam locomotives—two of which are currently operational—and three diesel locomotives, which provide motive power for the passenger excursions along the full length of the line.
History
See full history
The Texas State Railroad is created in 1883 by the state of Texas to haul raw materials for the iron smelter at the Rusk penitentiary, using inmate labor. The line reaches Maydelle in 1906 and is completed to Palestine in 1909; regular state service ends in 1921 and the corridor is leased to private operators until 1969. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department assumes ownership in 1972, and the Texas Legislature designates the line the official Railroad of Texas in 2003. Ownership passes to the Texas State Railroad Authority in 2007, which on September 1 2007 leases operations to American Heritage Railways; that lease is abandoned in August 2012, after which Iowa Pacific Holdings assumes the lease and opens freight service to the Union Pacific main line on November 1 2012. The Western Group replaces Iowa Pacific in May 2017, the Texas & Eastern Railroad begins freight service under a lease that month, the RP&P is dissolved in January 2018, and Jaguar Transport Holdings becomes the operator in November 2020.
Around the Depot
The Texas State Railroad State Historical Park is a leisurely ride through the piney woods; set aside the better part of a day.
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.
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Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
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