train excursions kentucky

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• Kentucky Train Rides

Kentucky Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide

Last revised: December 11, 2023

By:  Adam Burns

Railroading in Kentucky is an interesting affair; to the east bituminous coal and the rugged Appalachian Mountains dominate the landscape while the much flatter Mississippi River Valley is situated to the west. 

Here, main lines of the north-to-south Illinois Central and Gulf, Mobile & Ohio passed by on their way to Chicago and New Orleans. 

Overall, the Bluegrass State was largely served by the Louisville & Nashville although several other carriers, like those mentioned, also penetrated its borders. 

Today, popular rides include the upscale  My Old Kentucky Dinner Train  (hosted by short line freight system, RJ Corman) as well as the bucolic Big South Fork Scenic Railway. 

You can also visit the Kentucky Railway Museum; while perusing their collection be sure and catch a train ride! ( Sometimes hosted by an operational steam locomotive. ) 

Included within this guide are available museums that work hard to preserve Kentucky's railroad history. 

Please note!   The information here pertains only to Kentucky scenic train rides related to vacation and tourism destinations.  If you are interested in intercity/long distance rail travel please visit  Amtrak's website .

State Rail History

According to the book, " The Lexington And Ohio Railroad, A Pioneer Adventure ," by Dr. T.D. Clark of the University of Kentucky (written in 1933), the state's history with trains began with the Lexington & Ohio Railroad's incorporation on January 27, 1830. 

It held " the powers of constructing a railroad from Lexington to one or more points on the Ohio River, these to be selected by the president and board of directors. " 

Only shortly before, the state had formed the Lexington & Frankfort Turnpike Company for essentially the same purpose. 

However, as Dr. Clark points out, cities along major navigational waterways were economically surpassing landlocked towns without such conveniences. 

Lexington was one such municipality; during the late 18th century it was one of the two most important cities along the Western Frontier (Pittsburgh being the other). 

However, that had changed by the 1820's.  The boiler and improved waterway transportation allowed Louisville, situated along the Ohio River, to enjoy evermore business. 

As a result, Lexington's leaders quickly realized they needed some way to correct this and settled on a railroad as the answer. 

The first segment of the L&O, built with limestone stringers upon which strap iron from England was attached, opened in 1832.

By 1834 the line had reached the capital of Frankfort (29 miles) but intentions of reaching either Louisville or a secondary, eastern connection with the Ohio River, were never realized. 

In 1835 the railroad's first steam locomotive, named " Daniel Boone ," was placed into service but continued struggles led to the state's takeover of the property in 1842. 

It finally reached Louisville in 1851 and the L&O would eventually wind up as part of the Louisville & Nashville's growing system. 

The L&N blossomed into one of the most successful railroads of all time; following its chartering on March 5, 1850 " ...to build a railroad between Louisville, Kentucky, and the Tennessee state line in the direction of Nashville " it never experienced a bankruptcy. 

It would eventually grow into a nearly 5,000-mile network serving Chicago, New Orleans, and every major city in Kentucky and Tennessee. 

According to John Stover's book " The Routledge Historical Atlas Of The American Railroads ," Kentucky's rail mileage peaked at over 3,900 during the 1920's. 

Today, the Association of American Railroads states this number has declined to just over 2,600 miles, operated by twelve railroads. 

The KRM, mentioned above, does a very nice job of preserving Kentucky's railroads although only offers short excursions.

The Blue Grass Scenic Railroad & Museum is perhaps the state's hidden treasure, running trains between May and October through the beautiful north-central foothills.

It may not offer luxurious accommodations but folks can take quite a long ride for a very reasonable price. If you have the money, however, the elegance of the  My Old Kentucky Dinner Train  offers a trip to remember. 

• Big South Fork Scenic Railway

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway, based in Stearns, Kentucky operates a 16-mile round-trip excursion through the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area on ex-Kentucky & Tennessee Railway trackage.

The normal operating season is April through October while the railroad offers a number of special events throughout the year. 

The K&T is a historic short line freight hauler that is still in service today.  It was originally formed in 1902 as the Kentucky & Tennessee Railroad, a division of the Stearns Coal & Lumber Company to move coal and timber. 

It became the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway in 1904.  By 1923 it had extended as far west as Bell Farm with operations based in Stearns along the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (Southern Railway) main line. 

The K&T became a popular venue for railfans by maintaining steam locomotives in service until 2-8-2's #10 and #12 were finally retired in February, 1964.

• Blue Grass Scenic Railroad & Museum

The Blue Grass Scenic Railroad & Museum is located in Versailles with a mission to highlight Kentucky's colorful history with railroads. 

The organization was launched in 1976 by a local model railroad group that began collecting unwanted equipment (passenger and freight cars). 

After having these pieces stored at various locations the group eventually found a permanent home along Highway 62 near Versailles. 

The museum really took flight in the late 1980's when it acquired about 5.5 miles of a former Southern Railway branch that once linked Lexington with Lawrenceburg, originally built as the Louisville Southern Railroad. 

Today, this segment also plays host to freight trains operated by RJ Corman's "Central Kentucky Lines." 

There is no admission to visiting the museum although tickets must be purchased to ride the train, which runs from April through October.

• Historic RailPark & Train Museum

This museum is located in Bowling Green and offers both self-guided and guided tours of the property. 

It is a magnificent facility, housed inside the town's restored Louisville & Nashville depot, a limestone structure (featured stone from the former White Stone Quarry located in Warren County) that opened on October 2, 1925. 

There are numerous interactive and static displays to peruse which range from a theater to information on how the Railway Post Office system functioned.  

There is also a working model layout to see and some rolling stock on-hand. 

The latter includes:

• Louisville & Nashville E8A #796 (manufactured by Electro-Motive in May, 1951)
• Railway Post Office Car #1107 (L&N)
• A Southern Pacific dining car
• Pullman/L&N car "Towering Pine" 
• L&N office car #353
• U.S. Army hospital car #89456
• Jim Crow segregation car #109 (L&N)
• Caboose #6497 (dressed in L&N paint but originally of Chessie System heritage)
• Kentucky Railway Museum

The Kentucky Railway Museum, based in New Haven has a history that dates as far back as the late 1940s.  Its true beginnings occurred in 1954, thanks in part to the Louisville & Nashville's efforts!

Since that time the museum has grown steadily and today features a large collection of rolling stock. 

They also maintain an operating steam locomotive, ex-Louisville & Nashville 4-6-2 #152 (donated by the railroad back in the 1950's), which occasionally pulls excursion (the organization also maintains an operational diesel, a former Santa Fe CF7).

The museum is able to host this trips thanks to a segment of former L&N trackage, acquired some years ago from CSX Transportation. 

In addition to standard excursions, KRM offers numerous specials throughout the year including train robberies, dinner trains, murder mysteries, and plays host to " A Day Out With Thomas " the famous tank engine. 

• Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation

This organization was formed in early 2016 when it announced on February 7th that year plans to restored Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 #2716 back to operating condition. 

These Class K-4 "Kanawha's," as the C&O referred to them, were legendary steamers manufactured by American Locomotive and Lima Locomotive between 1943 and 1947. 

On May 19, 2018 the organization received a major breakthrough when it announce a partnership with CSX Transportation to acquire nearly 50 acres of the railroad's former Louisville & Nashville's car shops and yard in Ravenna, Kentucky. 

There are eventual plans for this site to become a major tourist attraction although the timing of when that will occur remains in unknown.  For more information please visit the group's website .

• My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

The  My Old Kentucky Dinner Train  has become one of the most popular and upscale railroad excursions in the country. 

It is owned and maintained by RJ Corman, a short line that oversees several routes in Kentucky as well as West Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

The company began in 1973, founded by Rick Corman as a salvage/recovery business meant to help railroads during cleanup of derailments and accidents. 

The dinner train covers a distance of about 18 miles between Bardstown and Limestone Springs Junction over an ex-Louisville & Nashville branch.

The train was started in 1988 originally using four passenger cars and two historic FP7 model diesel locomotives.  The latter streamlined units were originally built for the Southern Railway.  

• Nostalgia Station Toy Train Museum

This small museum is part of the Blue Grass Scenic Railroad & Museum  and is based inside the town of Versailles's restored Louisville & Nashville wooden depot, completed in 1911.  Inside the building are a collection of static displays and model railroad equipment.

• Paducah Railroad Museum

This museum is located in the town of Paducah, featuring a large collection of historic items ranging from signals to typical depot equipment (train bulletins, wooden benches, etc.). 

The building within which all of this is displayed, is a freight house completed by the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy in 1925. 

The two-story brick building handled less-than-carload business on the first floor while the second held offices for the Division Superintendents. 

The NC&StL was a Tennessee institution but also enjoyed access to Paducah by way of the Louisville & Nashville-owned Paducah, Tennessee & Alabama and Tennessee Midland, leased by the Dixie Line in 1896. 

The CB&Q's entry is perhaps more interesting, consisting of the railroad's furthest eastern reach and only access into Kentucky.  The freight house passed from owner to owner after being sold in 1975. 

The current museum has been opened since April, 1996, operated by the Paducah Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

• Railway Museum Of Greater Cincinnati

The metropolis region known as Cincinnati was once home to numerous railroads, ranging from the Pennsylvania, Baltimore & Ohio, and New York Central to the Southern, Norfolk & Western, and Louisville & Nashville. 

The city's largest railroad museum has an impressive collection of rolling stock on its property (filling an entire yard) that includes a lot of B&O and PRR equipment although there are other railroads featured as well. 

Their more notable pieces include Pennsylvania SW1 #9408, Pennsylvania E8A #5888, and a 44-ton switcher manufactured by General Electric. 

They are located in the suburb of Covington, Kentucky just across the Ohio River from the Queen City and are open year-round on Saturdays for tours.  If you would like to learn more about this organization please visit their website.

SteamLocomotive.com

Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. 

It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website. 

It is quite staggering and a must visit!

© Copyright 2007-2024 American-Rails.com. All written content, photos, and videos copyright American-Rails.com (unless otherwise noted).

1-833- KYSTEAM

1-833-597-8326, bourbon train.

Kentucky Bourbon Train - Bourbon tasting and railroad experience

Rail Car Tasting Room

Take a leisurely ride across our 40-acre campus in a vintage 100-year-old open-air car and learn about the history of the rail yard - and what the future holds for our rail-based tourist attraction. A mobile tasting room will be set up in the open-air car as riders will sample local bourbons and re-live the glory years of railroading

A ticket reserves you a seat on the brief excursion hauled by vintage diesel locomotive #1100. Bourbon menu will be provided ahead of schedule. 

Dates: TBD. On sale this June!

21 years and over

COMING SOON

Bourbon Caboose Charter

Charter your own private caboose! Ride in style across our 40-acre campus in a completely restored C&O caboose and learn about the history of the rail yard - and what the future holds for our rail-based tourist attraction. The limited 8-person private charter will feature a tour of our ground and an in-depth history of our area's railroading heritage. The 2.5-hour event will feature light hors d'oeuvres and an extensive curated bourbon tasting list, pre-approved for your group. 

TICKETS ON SALE SOON

21 year and over

COMING SOON!

Past events.

KY Bourbon Train Trips

Ride behind a 90-year-old steam locomotive on the first-ever excursions of the Kentucky Bourbon Train -  through our historic railroad campus. Open-air seats in our historic rail car branded for new The Kentucky Bourbon Train will allow you to hear, feel and smell the sounds of old-time steam railroading - and experience what was commonplace in the days of steam railroading. Each ticket guarantees you a seat and a tasting of area bourbons (list TBD).

One and a half-hour trip, beginning at 1 pm, Sunday, September 12th, 2021.

Adults 21+ only

1-833-KY STEAM   (1-833-597-8326)

EXTENSION 802 

Don't feel comfortable donating online? We get it! You can donate by calling our toll-free number and either speak with our operator or leave a message and we will call you back!

Have a Donation, but want to keep it confidential? No Problem

For in-kind contributions, email [email protected]

For monetary donations, email [email protected]

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sat - Sun 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• (1.31 mi) A Storybook Inn
• (1.56 mi) The Woodford Inn
• (1.44 mi) Rose Hill Inn
• (5.77 mi) The Kentucky Castle
• (1.93 mi) Charred Oaks Inn
• (1.74 mi) Ricardo's Grill & Pub
• (7.50 mi) Heavens to Betsy! Bakery & Deli
• (9.35 mi) Wallace Station
• (8.32 mi) Heirloom Restaurant
• (6.97 mi) The Stave

Availabilities open through September 2024! Our calendar shows our most updated availability.

• bestseller!

BOURBON EXCURSION

Quick Details

• Users Ages: Ages 21+
• Clock Duration: 2.5 Hours

Relax while you enjoy a 2½ hour excursion through the beautiful Central Kentucky countryside, a gourmet four-course meal, a tasting of bourbon hosted by a master distiller and unique souvenirs!

• 2.5 hour, 35-mile roundtrip excursion
• Gourmet, four-course dinner prepared fresh onboard by our dedicated culinary team
• Bourbon tasting paired with your meal, guided by a master distiller
• All non-alcoholic beverages, including after dinner coffee and tea

Excursion Information

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train features two beautifully restored 1940’s vintage dining cars, which are pulled by two 1950’s F-unit locomotives. Before your journey begins, take a moment to browse our gift shop full of unique mementos or sit back and enjoy a specialty cocktail from our depot bar stocked with premium wine, beer, and liquor, including more than 35 types of bourbon.

Embark on your journey from our historical depot nestled in Bardstown, Kentucky, named Most Beautiful Small Town in America by Rand McNally and USA Today in 2012 and in 2014 America’s Best Small Town by Fodor’s Travel Guide in 2014! Throughout the journey, the train travels through the breathtaking Kentucky countryside, traveling by sites such as Jim Beam distillery, Jesse James’ safe house, and the Jackson Hollow Trestle in the Bernheim Forest.

While My Old Kentucky Dinner Train’s patrons travel across the beautiful natural scenery and historical sites during the two and a half hour excursion, they are invited to embark on a culinary journey equally remarkable. The delicious prix fixe meal is prepared fresh while en route by our culinary team.

Throughout the evening, master distillers guide the patrons on a bourbon journey equally exciting and memorable. Learn about the history and crafting of the bourbon, and engage all of your senses while you enjoy the perfectly paired bourbon with your fine dining meal!

Dinner Menu (Seasonally Rotated) →

Additional information.

• Check-in begins one hour prior to excursion time
• Excursions depart promptly at time listed
• Excursions depart from and return to the depot in Bardstown, KY
• The four course dinner is served throughout the evening
• Full-service bar available at the depot and while on board
• Additional appetizers and celebratory flower arrangements or desserts may be purchased in advance
• For more information, visit our FAQ page or call our reservations team

RELATED RIDES

• Clock 2.5 Hours
• Users Ages 5+

Dinner Excursion

This two and a half-hour excursion is great for a romantic evening or for anyone celebrating a special occasion. Dine on delicious gourmet meal options for adults and children.

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Scenic Train Rides in Kentucky

Find your perfect train ride in kentucky today.

Kentucky scenic train rides can be found on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway operating from the end of March through December. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train operates year-round using 1940’s dining cars. The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad & Museum operates several theme scenic train rides from April through the December holidays. The Kentucky Railway Museum operates scenic excursions on 17 miles of former Louisville & Nashville track and is home to L&N #152 , a 4-6-2 Pacific type steam locomotive that is also the official steam locomotive of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Did you know? Kentucky has 11 steam locomotives, with most of them on display around the state. Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad 2-8-4 No. 2716 is on display in New Haven . The RJ Corman Central Kentucky Lines’ Chinese QJ Class 2-10-2 No. 2008 pulls occasional excursions and light freight hauling around the Lexington area. Kentucky’s first railroad was the Lexington & Ohio, opening in 1834. Total track routes for the state of Kentucky are a little over 2600 miles and the 2 major freight haulers transit through the “Blue Grass State” today are the CSX and NS, linking the South and the Midwest. High volumes of coal originate from the eastern areas of the state. Amtrak’s Cardinal and the City of New Orleans routes pass through Kentucky and the folklore legend “Casey” Jones was born in Cayce, Ky.

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

The R. J. Corman Railroad Company operates the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train over a 15 mile year-round rail excursions that include both lunch and dinner trips. Special event trains include a Mystery Train , a Valentines Train , a North Pole Express as well as other event trains. Four course meals are server aboard the dinner train, that features elegant vintage 1940s dining cars, offers a place to enjoy relaxed conversation, along with the fine cuisine and gracious service. A ride aboard the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is a chance to experience a wonderful bygone era. There are also two restored depots along the line, at Deatsville and Limestone Springs. The area is also rich in Civil War history. Directions

Bowling Green

Historic railpark & train museum.

Self guided interactive museum, theater and model train exhibit.

Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati

The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati a collection of railway equipment and over 70 railway cars, including large Pullman cars, several switchers from the seven railways that served Cincinnati along with a a Pennsylvania Railroad E8A diesel locomotive. Museum is open year-round.

Kentucky Railway Museum

Housed in a replica of the original New Haven station, the Kentucky Railway Museum has more than 50,000 railroad items, including over 120 pieces of rolling stock and engines. Among the diverse locomotives is the museum’s centerpiece, the 1905 Rogers built ex- L&N 4-6-2 No. 152. A 90 minute train rides take you over 22 miles of former Louisville & Nashville track. Open year round with excursion train rides running from April through December. Open air and air conditioned coaches are available. Museum offers dinner trains, murder mystery trains, train hold ups and Santa Trains. Locomotive cab and caboose rides are also available. Kentucky Railway Museum, in conjunction with Family Modular Lines, operates a large model train building. The 3,000 square feet exhibit space includes displays and operating layouts such as HO scale, N-scale, S-scale & G gauge from a variety of time periods. After pulling excursions in Indiana, C&O 2-8-4 No. 2716 was returned to the Kentucky Railway Museum in March 2001 and was placed under a shelter there, where it remains today. Directions

Paducah Railroad Museum

The Paducah Railroad Museum displays equipment and memorabilia from various railroads, including the three roads that served Paducah, the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy as well as the Illinois Central. The Puducah Railroad Museum also includes a model railroad layout. Open weekends.

Big South Fork Scenic Railway

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway train travels over the former Kentucky & Tennessee Railway making a 16 mile round trip into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. This trip is full of spectacular scenic vistas, lush vegetation and mountain streams as it descends 600 feet into the gorge before stopping for a short layover at a 1937 Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp, a NPS outdoor interpretive site. Your ticket also includes admission to the McCreary County Museum in Stearns. Scenic train rides run from April through October. Round trip times vary between 3 to 3 1/2 hours in length. All trains depart on Eastern Time and run rain or shine. Railway also offers diesel locomotive cab rides, caboose rides, as well as a Rivers and Rails package that includes a 12 mile train ride and a 5 mile canoe ride. October themed train rides include a Trick or Treat Train for Tots and a Haunted Halloween Train . Directions

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Museum

The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad & Museum operates a 6-mile round trip scenic train ride through the heart of the Kentucky Bluegrass region. Railroad features several diesel locomotives and 1920’s and ’30’s vintage coaches. Railroad museum includes indoor and outdoor displays. Special event trains include major holiday themes as well as a Mystery Train , a Halloween Train and a Santa Train . The near by Nostalgia Station Toy Train Museum is located in a 1911 L&N depot and contains an extensive collection of 20th century toy trains. Trains run rain or shine. Directions

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About the author.

Long time train and railroad enthusiast. Retired from computer service and repair. Currently write and develop websites for tourist railroads in the US.

• Scenic Rail Excursions

Enjoy A Scenic Train Ride And Spend The Night In A Renovated Train Station At This Little-Known Kentucky Railroad

Sarah McCosham

I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books. I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.

More by this Author

All aboard! Today we’re taking a trip back in time — literally — with an overnight adventure sure to stoke any locomotive lover’s wanderlust. From a ride along the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad to an overnight stay at a renovated train station VRBO , this train-themed trip in Kentucky is as unique as it is fun — and educational, too!

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Explore The Haunts And Hauntings Of Old Louisville In Broad Daylight On This Only-In-Kentucky Tour

Here's Why There's Half A House Standing On A Busy Street In Louisville, Kentucky

Have you gone for a ride on this little-known Kentucky railroad before? The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum is a hidden gem in Kentucky that, when paired with a night in a real, live train station, makes for the ultimate adventure on the rails.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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you need to know

Bsfsry 2024 information, join us for our round trip adventure on the historic kentucky & tennessee railway line . the non-stop 45 minutes trip down and 45 minutes back (1.5 hour total) excursion will include a narration and history of the area. (we are no longer stopping at camp barthell), coal miner's lunch.

Add this lunch to your trip to keep those hunger pains subsided while imagining what it was like to be here over 100 years ago mining coal.

Schedules and Pricing

• Local Rate: $15.00
• Adult: $23.00
• Child: $18.00
• Senior: $25.00
• Veteran/Active Duty: FREE

Military Family Members : $18.00 veteran/active duty must be present

Group Rate : $15.00 per person group of 20 or more

Standard Schedule

• April: Thursday through Sunday
• May – October 13th: Wednesday through Sunday
• October 15th-November 3rd: Tuesday through Sunday
• Weekdays: 11am
• Saturday: 11am & 2:30pm
• Sunday: 2pm

Cab Rides with Engineer

• 2 people Max each regular excursion under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $100 each person. Contact ticket office to reserve: 606-376-5330. No children under the age of 6 permitted

Special Events Downtown

• Fireworks July 6th, 2024

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Inside Our Train Cars

Comfortable seating.

Please keep in mind the following items:

• All departures are according to Eastern Time Zone.
• We are providing enhanced sanitization and cleaning to each train car and depot.
• Small lunch size coolers allowed on the train for regular trips.
• Restrooms are available on the train. For a less bumpy restroom experience, consider using our facilities at the Stearns Depot.
• Pets on leash are allowed. (Regular trips only.)
• Trains operate  rain  or  shine , so please dress accordingly for the weather.
• VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
• Picnic tables are available at the Stearns Depot as well as at the Barthel Coal Mining Camp.
• Concessions: the Coal Miner lunches have to be pre-purchased there are no walk-up lunch sales, picking up a snack at either of our concessionaires, or by bringing food with you.
• The train is handicap accessible. If you need extra assistance, we are happy to help with advance notice.
• We are sorry, but no personal checks are accepted.

Food Options

Here at Big South Fork Scenic Railway, we’ve got a heaping helping of southern hospitality just waiting for you- The Coal Miner’s Lunch! For just  $14, you get a handmade half ham half turkey sandwich, chips, a moon pie, and a drink of your choice!  The lunches have to be pre-purchased there are no walk-up lunch sales

Make sure you ask about lunch when you order your tickets!

Located in the Depot!

We are a veteran owned and operated restaurant located in historic downtown Stearns, Kentucky. We are driven to provide our guests with an exceptional experience and value by using high quality ingredients, many sources from the local region, and by providing superb service on a personal level.

Live music and special performances are coming soon!

• Chartered trains-  have an extra-large group? We offer non-scheduled scenic train trips for groups of 100 or more.
• Meeting space-  ideal for off-sites, breakout sessions, or team building.
• Catering capabilities-  enjoy lunch on the train, or arrange with our on-site restaurant staff to cater other meals once you’re done with your ride.

Our physical address is:

We’re closer than you think!  Interested in a day trip? Great for a weekend getaway! McCreary County is nestled in the heart of the Cumberland Plateau, and is Kentucky’s Gateway to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. We’re only 30 minutes from the Lake Cumberland/Burnside area, so if you’re visiting the lake, come see us!

Give yourself some time to tour the downtown area of Stearns while you’re here! The Museum is just one block from the train depot and well worth a visit. Check out our local shops and vendors for a piece of Appalachia to take home with you.

FROM CINCINNATI, OH:   Driving time is 3½ hours.  Follow I-75 south then follow directions from Lexington.

FROM LEXINGTON, KY:   Driving time is 2½ hours.  Take I-75 south to exit 62 (Renfro Valley), then follow RT 461 south until it intersects RT 80. Take RT 80 west for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto RT 914 (Somerset Bypass) and follow it until it ends at US 27. Turn left onto US 27 and follow it south for 30 miles until you get to the traffic light at the intersection of RT 92 west, just south of Whitley City, KY. Turn right onto RT 92, travel 1 mile, cross the bridge over the Norfolk Southern and K & T Railroads and the Stearns historic district and depot will be on your right.

FROM SOMERSET, KY:   Driving time is 1 hour.  Take US 27 south and follow for 30 miles until you get to the traffic light at the intersection of RT 92 west, just south of Whitley City, KY. Turn right onto RT 92, travel 1 mile, cross the bridge over the Norfolk Southern and K & T Railroads and the Stearns historic district and depot will be on your right.

FROM CUMBERLAND FALLS, KY:   Driving time is 45 minutes.  Take RT 90 west until it junctions with US 27. Turn left following US 27 south for 10 miles to the the traffic light at the intersection of RT 92 west, just south of Whitley City, KY. Turn right onto RT 92, travel 1 mile, cross the bridge over the Norfolk Southern and K & T Railroads and the Stearns historic district and depot will be on your right.

FROM KNOXVILLE, TN:   Driving time is 1½ hours.  Take I-75 north to exit #141 (Oneida/Huntsville). Take RT 63 west to the junction with US 27. Take US 27 north crossing over the Kentucky state line. Turn left at the traffic light at the intersection onto RT 92 west, travel 1 mile, cross the bridge over the Norfolk Southern and K & T Railroads and the Stearns historic district and depot will be on your right.

Distance To Nearby Major Cities (Miles)

Rail Explorers

Take a tour with Rail Explorers and experience the magic of the railroad like never before! Ride the rails on our pedal-powered 'Rail Explorers' - a unique activity suitable for everyone.

Currently operating in 6 spectacular locations across the US - where do you want to rail explore today?

The breathtaking Amador Central Railroad traces the contours of rolling hills revealing panoramic views from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains all the way to the Coastal Ranges. Just 45 minutes south of Sacramento, surrounded by gold rush towns steeped in history, wineries, and warmed by the northern California sun. This is Gold Country - the Heart of the Mother Lode.

Cooperstown, NY

Cooperstown, featuring the world famous Baseball Hall of Fame is also home to the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad. Ride "The Home Run" - a 12 mile round trip through the farm lands and forests alongside of the Susquehanna River. Or choose the 'Southpaw Slider' an 8 mile round trip to the Forest Glen Turnaround and back again.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Division operates along the Old Colony Railroad, built in 1862. The rails meander alongside spectacular Narragansett Bay offering riders unique views that include Jamestown, the Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island Lighthouse, and coastal woodlands. Riders on the Southern Circuit are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy at Bayside Station during the 20 minute turnaround.

The Catskills, NY

Experience the magic of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside the Esopus Creek through the beautiful woods of the Catskill Mountains. Under a canopy of maple and birch, with the river rushing by and the mountains in the distance, this tour is an unforgettable experience. Bring a drink and a snack to enjoy at the turnaround.

Bluegrass, KY

Rail Explorers is in the horse capital of the world (& we are in the heart of Bourbon country too!) Just 15 minutes from Lexington, Rail Explorers operate with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad & Museum in Versailles, KY. On this 10 mile round trip ride you’ll travel through thoroughbred horse farms & deep limestone cuts to the turnaround on the cliffs above the Kentucky River. Enjoy the view of the Wild Turkey Distillery and Young's High Bridge built in 1889.

Rail Explorers have partnered with the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad to bring the first Rail Explorers Experience to the Midwest. Riders can enjoy beautiful views of the Des Moines River Valley, where is it is not uncommon to see a convocation of bald eagles along the riverbank. The ride’s showstopper is the 750’ long, 156’ high “Bass Point Creek High Trestle”. Riders crossing this bridge have panoramic views of the valley and experience the thrill of soaring high above the creek below.

Rail Explorers Gift Cards

Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with Rail Explorers. Choose a gift card which can be redeemed for either a Tandem Explorer (2 riders) or Quad Explorer (4 riders) at any Rail Explorers location.

Browse gift cards

Family activity and access for everyone

The Rail Explorers are easy to pedal, the terrain is mostly flat and the ride is relaxing and enjoyable. Everyone can enjoy this activity: couples young and old, groups of friends, and families of all ages and abilities. The pedal powered Explorers provide a smooth and comfortable adventure suitable for all.

Guided but Solitary

At Rail Explorers safety is our first priority, so all tours have a trained guide at the front and in the last Explorer. Tours depart on a set schedule, but all riders are spread out, with up to 500ft between you and those in front and behind. The front and rear guides ensure that everyone arrives safely, but the distance between the bikes allows everyone to go at their own pace and enjoy the magic of riding the rails in solitude.

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• Evening Excursion

North Pole Express

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours

KENTUCKY RAILWAY MUSEUM IS LOCATED IN THE EASTERN TIME ZONE.

Event dates are December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, & 22

Join us for a nostalgic Christmas adventure aboard a historic train ride to pick up Santa! On our journey to the North Pole, enjoy a train excursion while listening to the sounds of the season. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa boards the train and travels with us on our way back to New Haven. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ultimate experience. Upon arriving back at the station, you have the opportunity to visit with Santa and take your child’s photo with him in the depot!

The entire family can enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate when they visit Claus’s Kitchen Caboose before the train excursion. (No food or drink other than bottled water is able to be taken on the train. Some of our coaches have been reupholstered, prompting this change.) We do recommend that you arrive an hour prior to the train departure time to enjoy your cookie and hot chocolate and the small activities we have available for the kids!

CANCELLATION POLICY:  MUST CANCEL BY OCTOBER 31  IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND.

Coach 1616 requires using steps to board.

Coach 1105 has 1 wheelchair accessible area for a wheelchair to lock in place.

Have questions about seating? Give us a call at 800-272-0152!

What to Bring:                                                             

• Holiday Spirit

WEATHER POLICY

It is the policy of The Kentucky Railway Museum to remain open during most periods of inclement weather, however, where extraordinary circumstances warrant, due to weather or other unforeseen interruption, The Kentucky Railway Museum reserves the right to close the facility.

Related Tours

• DAYTIME EXCURSION
• Ticket Holiday Train
• Hour Glass 1 hours

Santa Claus Express

Meet Santa, enjoy a train excursion with the sounds of the holiday season and make new holiday memories!

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