Texas State Railroad in Palestine and Rusk, Texas

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Palestine and Rusk, Texas · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesExcursions run on a seasonal schedule; book ahead

The Texas State Railroad carries passengers behind vintage steam and diesel locomotives on a 50-mile round trip through the Piney Woods between depots in Palestine and Rusk, on a line the State of Texas founded in 1883.

  • Line founded by Texas in 1883
  • 25 miles through the Piney Woods
  • Steam and diesel excursions
  • Restored FP9 diesels 125 and 126
  • Depots in Palestine and Rusk
  • 50 years as a tourist railroad

Texas State Railroad at a glance

Hours
Runs on scheduled excursion dates only; check the online schedule
Admission
Fares vary by trip and seating class; prices are listed when you book online
Train rides
Piney Woods Express (about 4 hours, Palestine to Rusk and back), Rusk Turntable Excursion (about 1.5 hours), steam and diesel trips on set dates
Seasonal events
THE POLAR EXPRESS, Texas State Railroad 50th Birthday Celebration, Piney Woods Express Steam Excursion
Plan for
About 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the trip
Best for
Families, rail fans and day trippers from Dallas or Houston
Best ages
All ages; shorter trips suit toddlers best
Accessibility
An ADA-compliant coach is available on some trips but must be reserved through the reservations desk.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Texas State Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Palestine and Rusk.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

From a prison smelter line to the Piney Woods Route

The Texas State Railroad began in 1883, when the State of Texas founded the line to haul raw materials for an iron smelter at the state prison in Rusk. The work of building it was done by inmates. The railroad, also known as the Lone Star and Eastern Railroad, eventually stretched about 25 miles between Rusk and Palestine, and regular service on it ended in 1921.

The line found a second life as a tourist railroad, and in 2026 it marks 50 years of carrying passengers for the pleasure of the ride. The railroad is celebrating that milestone alongside America's 250th anniversary with a Piney Woods Express steam excursion and a commemorative coin for riders. Today it is promoted as the official railroad of Texas, and travel guides note that the 25-mile route crosses 24 bridges and has appeared in more than 30 movies, television shows and documentaries.

The railroad's diesel fleet tells its own story. The Piney Woods Express Diesel trips are pulled by restored FP9 passenger units 125 and 126, models General Motors built for passenger service, and the railroad stresses that these engines are not just for show. Steam locomotives handle the steam excursions. At both ends of the line, the depots let riders learn about the communities that built the railroad before or after the ride.

Two depots and four hours in the pines

Most trips begin at the Palestine Depot on Park Road 70. The full Piney Woods Express is a four-hour round trip: the train leaves Palestine, runs 25 miles through the forest to the Rusk Depot, and gives riders a layover of roughly an hour and 20 minutes before heading back. On board you get refurbished coaches with several seating classes, food and adult beverage service, and historic narration along the way.

At the depots you can read about the towns that built the line, get something to eat and visit the gift shop. For a shorter outing, the Rusk Turntable Excursion runs about an hour and a half round trip from the Rusk Depot, with a concession car selling snacks and drinks, and the railroad describes it as good for all ages.

Don’t miss

  1. FP9 locomotives 125 and 126Restored passenger diesels from General Motors' FP7 and FP9 family, and the power behind the Piney Woods Express Diesel trips.
  2. The steam excursionsVintage steam locomotives pull select trips, including the 50th Birthday Piney Woods Express steam run from Palestine.
  3. Palestine DepotThe main boarding point and starting place for THE POLAR EXPRESS, with food and a gift shop.
  4. Rusk Depot and turntable tripThe other end of the line and home of the shorter Rusk Turntable Excursion.
  5. The Piney Woods RouteTwenty-five miles of East Texas forest, crossing 24 bridges according to travel guides.

Choosing the right trip for little riders

The four-hour Piney Woods Express is a long day for small children, so families with toddlers often do better on the Rusk Turntable Excursion, which lasts about an hour and a half and has a concession car on board. The railroad calls that trip great for all ages.

THE POLAR EXPRESS is the big draw for kids. It departs from the Palestine Depot, families are encouraged to come in pajamas, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies while reading the story aloud, and Santa boards at the North Pole to hand each child a silver sleigh bell. You can add the official book, gift wrapped, when you book.

Plan your visit: tips for Texas State Railroad

  • Confirm which depot your trip leaves from: Palestine is 789 Park Road 70, Rusk is 535 Park Rd 76.
  • Reserve the ADA-compliant coach by phone at (855) 632-7729; it cannot be added on arrival.
  • Trips are sometimes suspended for severe weather, so check for notices before you leave home.
  • Buy THE POLAR EXPRESS book when you reserve if you want it gift wrapped for your child.

THE POLAR EXPRESS leaves the Palestine Depot for the North Pole each holiday season, with pajama-clad families, hot chocolate and cookies, a reading of Chris Van Allsburg's story, carols on the way home and a silver sleigh bell from Santa himself. In 2026 the railroad is also celebrating 50 years as a tourist railroad with a steam excursion, family games and an evening concert at the Palestine Depot. For more holiday options statewide, see our guide to Christmas train rides in Texas.

Keeping the Piney Woods Route running

The railroad's crews keep restored diesels like FP9s 125 and 126 and its steam locomotives in service for each season of excursions. The best way to support the line is to ride it, shop the depot gift shops, and sign up for the railroad's ECLUB newsletter for event news. Questions go to the reservations desk at (855) 632-7729.

More East Texas rail stops

The Historic Depot Museum in Henderson and the Texas & Pacific Railway Museum in Marshall are each roughly 54 miles away, and the Historic Southern Pacific Depot in Nacogdoches is about 55 miles off. Build a longer trip with our guide to train museums and rides across Texas.

Every train museum in Texas

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of a dad lifting Rally the corgi up the big stairs of a red train car
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

A four-hour ride through the Piney Woods starts with the same small hurdle every time: climbing those tall steps into a vintage coach. In our book, Rally's short corgi legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. I think about all the little legs boarding at the Palestine Depot with a parent's hand under them. If your child likes picture books about trains, I keep a list of train books for toddlers.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Texas State Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Texas State Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

Where does the Texas State Railroad leave from in Palestine?

The Palestine Depot is at 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, Texas 75801, and it is the main boarding point for the Piney Woods Express and THE POLAR EXPRESS. The railroad's other station, the Rusk Depot, is at 535 Park Rd 76, Rusk, Texas 75785. Check your ticket to see which depot your trip departs from.

Can I board at the Texas State Railroad Rusk Depot?

Yes, some trips use the Rusk Depot at 535 Park Rd 76 in Rusk. The Rusk Turntable Excursion leaves from there and lasts about an hour and a half round trip, and Piney Woods Express trains from Palestine lay over at Rusk. Your booking will show the departure depot, so double check before you set out.

How much are Texas State Railroad tickets?

Fares depend on the excursion and the seating class you choose, and the railroad does not post one standard price. Current prices appear when you book at texasstaterailroad.net. For questions about seating options or group rates, call the reservations desk at (855) 632-7729 before you buy.

Are there Texas State Railroad ticket discounts?

The railroad sometimes offers promo codes for special events. For example, it advertised $5 off general admission to its 50th Birthday Celebration with a checkout code. There is no standing discount program posted online, so sign up for the railroad's ECLUB email list to hear about offers, or call (855) 632-7729 and ask.

What is the Texas State Railroad schedule?

The railroad runs on set excursion dates rather than daily hours, and the calendar changes each season. The Piney Woods Express is a four-hour round trip between Palestine and Rusk, and the Rusk Turntable Excursion lasts about 1.5 hours. See the current schedule on the Plan Your Adventure page at texasstaterailroad.net before you plan your day.

When does the Texas State Railroad run steam trains?

Steam runs on selected dates on the railroad's calendar, while other trips use the restored FP9 diesels. In 2026, the 50th Birthday Celebration featured a round-trip Piney Woods Express steam excursion from Palestine, leaving at 11 am and returning at 3 pm. Check the excursion listings online to find upcoming steam departures.

Is there a Texas State Railroad train running today?

Only on scheduled excursion dates. The railroad does not run every day, and trips can be suspended for severe weather, as happened on several June 2025 dates. Look at the calendar on texasstaterailroad.net or call (855) 632-7729 the same morning to confirm before you drive to Palestine or Rusk.

How long is the Texas State Railroad train ride?

The full Piney Woods Express takes about four hours round trip, covering 25 miles each way between Palestine and Rusk with a layover of roughly an hour and 20 minutes at Rusk. The shorter Rusk Turntable Excursion lasts about 1.5 hours. Choose the shorter trip if you are riding with toddlers.

Does the Texas State Railroad have THE POLAR EXPRESS?

Yes. THE POLAR EXPRESS departs from the Palestine Depot for a trip to the North Pole each holiday season. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies while reading the story, Santa boards with his elves to hand out a silver sleigh bell, and everyone sings carols on the ride back.

How do I buy Texas State Railroad Polar Express tickets?

THE POLAR EXPRESS tickets are sold through the excursions page at texasstaterailroad.net. When you reserve, you can also add the official book, gift wrapped, so your child can read along with the chefs on board. Holiday dates are popular, so book early, and call (855) 632-7729 with questions.

What do people say in Texas State Railroad reviews?

The railroad has a TripAdvisor listing where riders post reviews of the Piney Woods trips, the depots and THE POLAR EXPRESS. Common points to consider are the length of the four-hour trip, the seating class you choose, and the food and narration on board. Read a range of recent reviews before choosing your excursion.

Is there a Texas State Railroad campground?

The railroad's own website does not list a campground. The route runs through a state park, according to the Visit Palestine listing, but camping details are not posted by the railroad. Contact the reservations desk at (855) 632-7729 or ask local visitor bureaus in Palestine or Rusk about nearby camping options.

Is there a Texas State Railroad route map?

The line runs about 25 miles through the Piney Woods of East Texas between the Palestine Depot on Park Road 70 and the Rusk Depot on Park Road 76, crossing 24 bridges according to travel guides. The railroad's website lists both depot addresses, so you can map the route between them before your trip.

What locomotives does the Texas State Railroad use?

The railroad runs both vintage steam and diesel locomotives. The Piney Woods Express Diesel excursion is powered by restored FP9 passenger units 125 and 126. General Motors built 481 locomotives in its FP9 and FP7 lines for passenger work, and the railroad keeps its pair in active service rather than on display.

Is the Texas State Railroad wheelchair accessible?

An ADA-compliant coach is available on trips such as the Rusk Turntable Excursion, but it must be reserved directly through the reservations desk rather than online. Call (855) 632-7729 when you plan your trip so the railroad can set aside space and tell you about boarding at your depot.

Is there food on the Texas State Railroad?

Yes. The Piney Woods Express includes food and adult beverage service on board, and the Rusk Turntable Excursion has a concession car with snacks and drinks for purchase. Both depots also have food and a gift shop. Specific menus and what is included depend on the trip and seating class you book.

When was the Texas State Railroad built?

The State of Texas founded the railroad in 1883 to haul raw materials for a smelter at the prison in Rusk, and inmates built the line. Regular service ended in 1921. The railroad later became a tourist line and celebrated 50 years of carrying passengers in 2026.

Has the Texas State Railroad been in movies?

Yes. Travel guides note that the route between Palestine and Rusk has appeared in more than 30 movies, television shows and documentaries over the years. The railroad does not list the titles on its own site, but its vintage equipment and Piney Woods scenery have made it a popular filming location.

What events does the Texas State Railroad hold?

Besides THE POLAR EXPRESS and regular steam and diesel excursions, the railroad held a 50th Birthday Celebration in 2026 with a steam trip, a commemorative coin, games, face painting, vendors, a cornhole tournament and an outdoor concert at the Palestine Depot. Check the excursions page for the current event list.

What train museums are near the Texas State Railroad?

The Historic Depot Museum in Henderson and the Texas & Pacific Railway Museum in Marshall are both about 54 miles away, and the Historic Southern Pacific Depot in Nacogdoches is about 55 miles. The Hearne Depot Museum is roughly 85 miles off, and the Historic Jefferson Railway is about 101 miles away.

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Kelsey Cecil
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