One of the top innovations that enabled the growth, expansion, and consolidation of the United States was the development of the railroads. While passenger trains have long largely gone out of fashion in the United States, there are plenty of historic train rides all around the country. Some of these train rides are only short rides, while others are much more complete adventures.
Here are ten of the most historic train rides in the United States to add to the bucket list, each of which is rooted in history and offers stunning scenery.
Go to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania (famous for its large Amish population), and visitors can find the Strasburg Rail Road. The Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest public utility in the state (technically a commonwealth) and has been operating since 1832.
The railroad still has five operational steam locomotives (plus more in various stages of restoration), and visitors can enjoy historic rides today.
Perhaps the best way to go to the Grand Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway. This train was completed in 1901, and today, it operates as a family-friendly attraction with a Wild West-themed experience.
See the kids entertained with acted 'train robberies' and 'shootouts' on a fun day out along this route. It runs 64 miles from Williams to Grand Canyon Village, offering entertaining experiences and gorgeous scenery along the way.
The Klondike Gold Rush was the last and greatest of the gold rushes in history. Thousands of people scrambled to cross over the mountain ranges of Alaska to get to the gold fields of Dawson City in Canada's Yukon Territory.
Soon, a train was built through the mountains from Skagway to Canada. Today, a section of the railroad has been restored and offers a great throwback to the Klondike Gold Rush, enabling travelers to learn about this event's history and retrace the steps of those who lived throughout this significant time in US history.
Take a tour through the redwoods of Northern California on the historic "Skunk Train" (it was once notorious for its smell from the train's fumes). Today visitors can still ride in the old railroad cars without the smells of the past.
Relax and enjoy the ride as it takes passengers through varying scenery, including over trestle bridges, through tunnels, and along the Noyo River Canyon.
Related: A Visit To Fort Bragg: See The Stunning Glass Beach, The Skunk Steam Locomotive, And More
Winding its way through the stunning San Juan National Forest of Colorado is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 45-mile-long track runs from Durango to Silverton and was first opened in 1882. The railroad has real Wild West stories and offers a trip back in time for passengers who can learn about this period in time and the people who lived it.
See the gold mines at the end, capping off an excellent authentic experience for tourists.
The Polar Express takes over during the winter holiday season from the historic trains in the Catskills offering rides for hikers. The Polar Express is Christmas-themed and a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Passengers are encouraged to wear their pajamas and really get into the festive atmosphere. The Polar Express is one of the best ways to enjoy the Catskills in the winter. It's also among the best Christmas experiences in the US, hands down.
Related: The Catskill Mountain Railroad Is One Of The Most Scenic Winter Rides
In the Appalachians, travelers can find plenty of abandoned old coal-mining trains. A few of them have been preserved, and today, they are great family-friendly activities. Ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad and discover some of the stunning landscapes of West Virginia as well as the coal mining heritage of the region.
Today, this route is one of the most historic train rides in America that enables passengers to enjoy the area's rich history as well as its beautiful scenery.
The Conway Scenic Railroad is one of the more historic railroads still offering tours to tourists today in New Hampshire. Today, visitors can ride on historic streamlined passenger cars while departing from a 19th-century Victorian-style station.
Passengers have the choice of two train tours - Heritage Rides and Scenic Railroad Excursions.
One of the more historic trains in the US to take in Utah is the Heber Valley Railroad. The rides on this heritage train last for less than three hours and go from Heber City and Vivian Park.
Along the way, passengers enjoy some of Utah's most spectacular scenery while being pulled by vintage trains. Interestingly, the flagship train is No. 618 - a 1907 vintage steam locomotive complete with restored vintage coaches.
Related: Fancy An Old Timey Train Trip In The Wild West? Consider Heber Valley Railroad In Utah
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is so stunning that President Teddy Roosevelt that it bankrupts the English language. It is a real Wild West railroad famous for the "Royal Gorge War" which involved real fights between rival railroad companies to build the first railroad there.
Ride through the "Grand Canyon of Arkansas" and explore one of America's heritage trains.