https://www.american-rails.com/railroads-blog.html Visit the American-Rails.com blog to check out the latest new articles or updates to the site. Subscribe here. en-us railroads Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:39:15 -0400 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:39:15 -0400 american-rails.com https://www.american-rails.com/railtrafficweek26.html6e6f7276cee8d9a7d42c537ab6f459d4Despite the Independence Day holiday (which fell on a Saturday), U.S. freight railroads delivered an impressive performance, posting an 8.7% year-over-year increase in total traffic
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:39:00 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/pawpawpreserve.htmld6942cbb078c7a7653f9b50f7a00257eAfter decades of quiet abandonment, a dedicated preservation effort by the Allegany Preservation Society Limited (APSL) is racing to secure its future— having already raised approximately 90 percent of the funds needed to purchase the property from CSX.
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:44:17 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/msotamystrainsscnc.html132a4e0c7995303bdb3366b61221d893Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey.
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:05:56 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/ggeromursscenic.html5f1865bda0b5e4c9a9e697576f2c6f7aIn the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride.
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:32:52 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/verwnessnctrns.html426b87e85a6be00a1234e24d3d34e94fKnown for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides.
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:29:57 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/nnbrrwinesscenic.html3deab2fd629a77676258c846f0af7bcdIt may the smallest state but Rhode Island is home to a unique and upscale train excursion offering wide aboard their trips, the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad.
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:23:33 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/colcentleadvmr.htmlafa917bc52308b534b6c2a8d65c4e1dfNestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 12:41:29 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/1880trainwinetastesd.htmlb4e4d9b30326a8729504f808b21e07b0While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular 1880 Train at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips!
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 12:34:49 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/ohowinescuytrainsscnei.html681bb2c326d95ff7f94c7eff98ba5819Among the intriguing ways to experience Ohio's splendor is aboard the wine tasting trains that journey through some of Ohio's most picturesque vineyards and wineries.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 12:30:43 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/krmwinecheese.htmlfd4fa2ff52ef8d4a78785783b0121945The Kentucky Railway Museum has become a beloved destination for railfans and casual visitors alike, offering not only a rich collection of preserved equipment but also a variety of themed excursions that bring the romance of rail travel to life.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 12:27:31 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/up4014colorado.html4723a32bef949782dd11a23cbdbc9dbaAs Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 nears the end of its epic 2026 Coast-to-Coast America 250 tour, it will make several appearances in eastern and northern Colorado before returning home to Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 11:56:42 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/upkansas4014.html5783450924bf0484df4ede7dcbf64ee3Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 will traverse the Sunflower State with a mix of whistle stops and a major public display day in Hays as it continues its westward America 250 journey.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 11:44:29 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/4014missouri.html99439605fefb2ecef4e82930aa58cff0Missouri railfans are in for a treat as Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 makes several high-profile stops across the Show-Me State in late July.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 11:35:36 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/up4014illinois.htmla9e9a5c2f9ffc1795e92960d1cbf19b4Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 will make two quick but memorable whistle stops in central Illinois on Saturday, July 18, as it heads west on its America 250 Coast-to-Coast tour.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 11:24:26 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/up4014indiana.html3aa4b2a73cbd3d617a49380f803497f0The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, will make one public appearance in Indiana on its westward return leg of the historic 2026 Coast-to-Coast America 250 tour.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 11:14:53 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/up4014ohio.html3fb571b09d772c9fab40a6aca3d7efdfThe legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 is coming back through Ohio in mid-July 2026. After its eastbound passage through the east the massive 4-8-8-4 will make whistle stops in Struthers, Rocky River, and Continental, plus a major public display day in Fostoria.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 10:43:44 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/npzs4664.html1eb1bf398c8351d50292f2bb651c4564Between 1936 and 1944, the NP acquired 47 Challengers in three subclasses (Z-6, Z-7, and Z-8), making it the second-largest owner of the type after the UP.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 00:35:59 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/npz5.htmlbb84111fff130620d7690ebe3741aa70In the twilight of the steam era, the Northern Pacific Railway pushed the boundaries of locomotive engineering with its Class Z-5 2-8-8-4 "Yellowstone" type steam locomotives. Thu, 9 Jul 2026 00:14:43 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/np.htmlc7394c5807e0d1f76c6f5a322911795fThe Northern Pacific Railway opened the Pacific Northwest and was created when President Abraham Lincoln. It was merged into BN in 1970.
Thu, 9 Jul 2026 00:12:06 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/maicecreamtrns.htmla7794f80ac48b458430ed42318e584c7The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum is operating its popular Hoosac Valley Explorer Ice Cream Train throughout the summer of 2026.
Wed, 8 Jul 2026 11:58:09 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/ebticecream.html5686c38eb4d48dfc40df36d661048904The East Broad Top Railroad (EBT) in south-central Pennsylvania is offering its popular Ice Cream Trains (also called Ice Cream Sunday) on select dates throughout the 2026 season.
Wed, 8 Jul 2026 11:17:20 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/connicecreamtrains.htmla8f0f497e50fe79c355829c78c9e982aThe Railroad Museum of New England (RMNE) and the Naugatuck Railroad are bringing back one of Connecticut’s sweetest summer traditions: The Connecticut Ice Cream Train.
Wed, 8 Jul 2026 10:59:03 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/vgaaletrainsbing.html83fd00c9dfda71610cd7f2ed94811646Among Virginia Scenic Railway's lineup, Ales & Rails stands out as a fan-favorite for travelers who want the gentle rhythm of the rails paired with guided beer tastings, brewery stories, and snacks designed to make each pour shine.
Wed, 8 Jul 2026 09:38:22 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/vacommonstaundins.html91c677d2928207e73bf91576561f2faaIf you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you.
Wed, 8 Jul 2026 09:30:01 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/hoodrvroregondinns.html6f1c17aeccd9fcdcf0d91c3aa1eb0210The Mt. Hood Railroad is the moving part of that postcard—a century-old short line that began as a working railroad.
Wed, 8 Jul 2026 09:26:31 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/cttbobbbqtrns.html6c5db02886b2b89d3f2c68fe347b25a2While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ & Bourbon Special.
Tue, 7 Jul 2026 12:57:30 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/mdlandsecenicswhksy.htmlbd6d4f99f5c4d9f2748a89ccd70f5086You can enjoy whiskey tasting by train at just one location in Maryland, the popular Western Maryland Scenic Railroad based in Cumberland.
Tue, 7 Jul 2026 12:49:21 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/pennswinestrainskeystn.html10bf179859efcd0759f5d4633edb984aWine tasting trains are a unique and enchanting way to explore the state’s burgeoning wine scene while enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes.
Tue, 7 Jul 2026 12:02:32 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/ognwinessamscenictrns.html9d9524f667e3997d5ca37e9ec3f55920For those looking to explore this wine paradise in style and comfort, Oregon's wine tasting trains offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience the region's offerings.
Tue, 7 Jul 2026 11:24:09 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/vgastnbckignbrnchrr.html054e55c66e3a0897f681aadea4c60c0eWine tasting trains in Virginia provide just that—a unique experience that marries the romance of rail travel with the sensory delights of wine exploration.
Tue, 7 Jul 2026 11:12:33 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/wiscmurdinstrainsnrmgb.htmle17793525f55cc4f62751d9b388a3060Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply relish a night of theatrical entertainment, Wisconsin's murder mystery dinner trains promise an unforgettable adventure.
Tue, 7 Jul 2026 11:08:57 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/walesalabamamutrains.htmld9bb07338863b8a2680862bb88e8d192There is currently one location in the state offering a murder mystery dinner experience, the Wales West Light Railway!
Tue, 7 Jul 2026 09:56:12 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/wmsrcumberlandwdinsscenics.htmlb0fef68d5ee0209cc6c5ad9a9c0bb222The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out.
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 11:55:07 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/capecodmasschusrr.htmlc0c86e6025ebb89899e3d543bd22a951The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) has carved out a special niche by pairing classic New England scenery with old-school hospitality, including some of the best-known dining train experiences in the region.
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 11:52:57 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/4014pa726.html7eef1a6bb5737a5dcd176e722bcdf5afThe world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific No. 4014 “Big Boy,” is still very much on the move across Pennsylvania this week as part of its landmark Coast-to-Coast 2026 tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary (America250).
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 11:09:46 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/portsmntridins.htmlc1fed365963f632112fc5dafe1dcf938Despite its small size, Rhode Island is home to one popular dinner train experience where guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of Aquidneck Island.
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 10:52:18 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/portlandmnedinns.html68adc77b96bedc396fd25f6b0ba487e7While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink are a key part of the fun
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 10:12:44 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/elydinnernevadas.htmled07d76de73c80a300b113cd7528bcc5If you’ve ever wished you could step through a time portal into the hard-working world of a 1900s short line the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely is about as close as it gets.
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 09:50:25 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/abilenekansasdinners.html319e31e1abed2169a1d4f344f2dc4656If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers.
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 09:47:08 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/vtgrnmntndins.html45bdea31da4296242e626aa0602f09faThere is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad.
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 09:42:17 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/kydinsbardsrjcr.html67da222cc1bd73ca57cb787af2b197edThe essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history.
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 09:39:52 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/botracknewarkmain.html52fb7bbfece978afd4cd0fc499c65567Centered on Newark, Ohio, the division comprised mostly single-track lines radiating from a major yard and shop complex. It was never a high-speed mainline like the B&O’s routes to Chicago or St. Louis but was essential for coal, local freight, and some passenger service.
Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:09:51 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/spac92884.html5550a3bf6d0b03b24229050c2ebfd109While the railroad is legendary for its fleet of cab-forward 4-8-8-2s (Classes AC-4 through AC-12), it also fielded a small but impressive group of conventional articulateds: the twelve 2-8-8-4 “Yellowstone” type locomotives of Class AC-9.
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 20:18:20 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/calgoldwhiskeytrains.html48fc8d57e883b3f2d082353372cdf91cThere is currently just one location in California offering whiskey tasting by train, the famous Skunk Train in Fort Bragg.
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 14:50:49 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/arkamtrainsdinner.htmlde63911c0d6aeedf0982304af251b3ffIf you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad delivers in a way few modern operations can.
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 12:47:12 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/dixiealabamawhisk.htmlca1ddf87a80292a0a0aabf9ae91146c6With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie.
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 11:39:00 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/tnvineyardtrains.html8be6963c84f483f4df8c77ae9344310eOne of the most unique and enjoyable ways to savor the flavors of Tennessee’s vineyards is by train aboard the Tennessee Central Railway Museum."
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 11:33:07 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/greatsmokyncwines.html8302d0b5494708e4add1ee072889ff28A noteworthy way to explore North Carolina's beauty is by hopping aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and sipping fine wine!"
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 10:56:46 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/ndavdwinestour.html3c67ee1549f04235d3134aacbeb1542eWhile it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, you can sip this delight by train in Nevada at the Nevada Northern Railway.
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 09:01:06 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/nshirewinesscenic.html5ee20ecd7ef3b351ac2034ddad50e865This article details New Hampshire's most enchanting wine tasting trains, where every sip is paired with breathtaking views and a touch of adventure.
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 08:55:30 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/uthmusscenicdinstrns.html30116de8e32d7d41b8aa7a240bdf2001This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah!
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 08:49:26 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/rislandscenictrainsmustrns.html61f35503f043197ef3e1ee28dfd45909Let's dive into the enigmatic world of murder mystery dinner train rides in Rhode Island, where each journey promises excitement, laughter, and a challenge for your inner detective.
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 08:44:31 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/njseyertrainswines.html8d6c70b060aceca775b858eaa5f4d42cIf you're seeking a unique outing or a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion, wine tasting train rides in New Jersey offer an experience unlike any other.
Sat, 4 Jul 2026 12:03:50 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/wsdhinhgdinstrainsscenic.html80a7a618cf453432248659374f2eadeaThis article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience.
Sat, 4 Jul 2026 11:58:54 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/vsrstanbucktrains.html2fe006af1aa1b405229ac4089cc8c2f4Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley with guided bourbon tastings and Southern barbecue-inspired cuisine.
Sat, 4 Jul 2026 11:51:50 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/whiskeypascenictrains.html390765c83bf091a1bdfa6565f51e005dFor whiskey aficionados and history buffs alike, a train ride through the Keystone State offering such spirits provides a unique and memorable experience.
Sat, 4 Jul 2026 11:43:41 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/mcgnwhiskeyscencintrains.html6f3edef84090192611fb2d998f8a3fe0There's a unique thrill in combining the romance of train travel with the rich, warming flavors of expertly crafted whiskeys.
Sat, 4 Jul 2026 11:37:24 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/tnsseewhsikeytrains.htmlba9b1a8c40a82af4530c3e95d237b470Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State.
Sat, 4 Jul 2026 11:28:02 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/ohiocvsrdinstrainsscenic.html530434f73760e17dea20a6b4c4be280aWhile the railroad is well known for daytime sightseeing and seasonal events, one of its most memorable offerings is its evening dining program—an experience that blends vintage passenger-car ambience with a relaxed, celebratory night out.
Fri, 3 Jul 2026 13:24:59 -0400 https://www.american-rails.com/vgastaundinstrains.htmlce76b988125834773722907ea3fbaa58If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you.
Fri, 3 Jul 2026 13:18:05 -0400