- Home ›
- Dinner Trains ›
- Alabama
Alabama Dinner Train Rides: A Complete Guide
Last revised: February 22, 2025
By: Adam Burns
There is currently only one location hosting train rides in Alabama, which offers some type of food service or drinks; the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera. More information about their trips may be found below.
Historically, the state was served primarily by two railroads, the Southern Railway and Louisville & Nashville. Both were very well managed, profitable companies for generations and boasted a fine fleet of passenger trains.
Some of the L&N's top named trains, which passed through Alabama on its main line to New Orleans (or operated eastbound from New Orleans into Florida) included the, Gulf Wind (New Orleans - Jacksonville), Hummingbird (Cincinnati - New Orleans), and Pan American (Cincinnati - New Orleans).
Some of the L&N's menu selections on its trains during the 1950s, which highlighted Gulf Coast cuisine, included, Broiled Gulf Coast Fish, soft-shelled crab, Turkey and Ham Croquettes, Fried Pork Chops with Brown Gravy, Roasted Young Turkey with Dressing and Cranberry Sauce, Baked Sugar-Cured Ham, Broiled Sirloin Steak, Gulf Coast Jumbo Shrimp, Fried Tenderloin of Trout, Broiled Spanish Mackerel, and Bayou Cooked Oysters.
By the 1960s, as rail travel waned, the L&N's passenger service declined, as did its dining offerings. However, the railroad was still offering a fine selection at this time.
The Southern Railway continued to maintain a limited, but fine fleet of passenger trains until Amtrak began on May 1, 1971. In fact, the carrier was so proud of its trains it continued to operate its Southern Crescent until 1979 when it finally handed over the service to Amtrak.
Some of its top trains to serve Alabama included the Birmingham Special (Washington, D.C. - Birmingham), Crescent (New York-Washington-Atlanta-Montgomery-New Orleans), Queen & Crescent (Cincinnati - New Orleans), Southerner (Washington-Atlanta-Birmingham-New Orleans), and the Pelican (New York-Lynchburg-Bristol-Knoxville-Chattanooga-Birmingham-New Orleans).
Some of the railroad's top dining selections during the late 1960s included Broiled Fish with Lemon Butter, Roasted Young Turkey with Dressing and Cranberry Sauce, Sirloin Steak, Country Ham Steak with Natural Gravy, and Prime Rib of Beef.
Western Railway of Alabama GP9 #531 leads train 37, "The Crescent," at Opelika, Alabama during February, 1968. Roger Puta photo.Overview
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum has been telling the Alabama's railroad history since 1962 and today offers a wide range of exhibits to see. These exhibits largely focus on the history of railroading in the South which includes diesel locomotives owned by the Birmingham Southern, Memphis Union Station, Alabama Dry Dock & Shipbuilding Company, and others.
In addition, there are passenger and freight cars owned by the Southern, St. Louis-San Francisco Railway ("Frisco"), L&N, Seaboard Coast Line, and Atlantic Coast Line among others.
Finally, along with displays, the Heart of Dixie hosts scenic train rides along a 5.5-mile stretch of the former L&N, originally built by subsidiary Alabama Mineral Railroad. They also operate a 2-foot gauge live-steam attraction over a 1/4-mile loop (previously located at the Birmingham Zoo).
Among their many excursion train rides is the including their Ozan Wine Trains for adults at the Ozan Winery & Distillery. Please note the train's boarding does not take place from the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. More information about the trip can be found at the museum's website.
In addition to wine tasting the trip includes complimentary appetizers. The museum states: "Arrive at Ozan’s Tasting Room for and enjoy an appetizer and wine tasting of locally produced white, specialty, red and dessert wines followed by lunch from Ozan’s own Café Vino. (included is a keepsake wine glass)."
The museum also hosts other special excursions that include wine, or spirit tasting at the Ozan Winery. These include the Sweetheart Special, Mardi Gras Limited, Summer Sunset Date-Night, and Cheers to Christmas.
Recent Articles
-
Montana Dinner Train Rides Near Lewistown!
Jan 08, 26 03:03 PM
The Charlie Russell Chew Choo turns an ordinary rail trip into an evening event: scenery, storytelling, live entertainment, and a hearty dinner served as the train rumbles across trestles and into a t… -
Alabama's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 02:19 PM
There is currently one location in the state offering a murder mystery dinner experience, the Wales West Light Railway! -
Rhode Island's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 01:43 PM
Let'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. -
Florida's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 01:13 PM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
Texas's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 12:30 PM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New York's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 11:32 AM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
California Dinner Train Rides In Sacramento!
Jan 08, 26 11:21 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails. -
New Jersey Dinner Train Rides In Woodstown!
Jan 08, 26 10:31 AM
For visitors who love experiences (not just attractions), Woodstown Central’s dinner-and-dining style trains have become a signature offering—especially for couples’ nights out, small friend groups, a… -
Nevada's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 02:12 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
West Virginia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 02:08 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 01:53 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Michigan's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:36 PM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:33 PM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
South Dakota's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:30 PM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
Kentucky Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:26 PM
If you’ve got a Thomas fan in the house, Day Out With Thomas at the Kentucky Railway Museum is one of those “circle it on the calendar” weekends. -
Michigan's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:10 PM
If you’ve got a Thomas fan in the house, few spring outings feel as “storybook-real” as Day Out With Thomas™ at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. -
Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR!
Jan 07, 26 11:36 AM
Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in. -
Iowa Dinner Train Rides In Boone!
Jan 07, 26 11:06 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum in Boon… -
Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides In North Freedom!
Jan 06, 26 10:18 PM
Featured here is a practical guide to Mid-Continent’s dining train concept—what the experience is like, the kinds of menus the museum has offered, and what to expect when you book. -
Pennsylvania Dinner Train Rides In Boyertown!
Jan 06, 26 06:48 PM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails.
