- Home ›
- Dinner Trains ›
- Alabama
Alabama Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Last revised: April 28, 2026
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
-
West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 08:23 PM
Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 04:27 PM
Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 02:21 PM
Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:20 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:19 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:14 PM
With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie. -
Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:11 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:09 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. -
Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:06 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)
May 11, 26 10:06 AM
Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA
May 11, 26 09:50 AM
The Atlantic and Danville Railway (reporting mark AD), often referred to in its early years as the Atlantic & Danville Railroad, stands as a quintessential example of late-19th-century American railro… -
Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)
May 11, 26 09:25 AM
Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
May 10, 26 01:01 PM
Among 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 wit… -
Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:58 PM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks
May 10, 26 12:51 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
West Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:45 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 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:26 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. -
Florida 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:21 PM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida East Coast Timetables (January, 1930)
May 09, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Florida East Coast Railway's listing in the "Official Guide" from January, 1930 when the system still reached Key West. -
Clinchfield Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 09, 26 01:28 PM
Featured here is the Clinchfield's brief listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
California 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:58 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:49 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
New Hampshire 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:32 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
North Carolina 'Dinner Train' Rides At Spencer
May 09, 26 10:26 AM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee 'Dinner Train' Rides At TVRM
May 09, 26 10:16 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania 'Dinner Train' Rides At Boyertown
May 09, 26 10:02 AM
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. -
New York 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 09:54 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Central of Georgia Timetables (August, 1952)
May 08, 26 11:51 PM
Featured is the Central of Georgia Railway's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pittsburgh & West Virginia Timetables (September, 1937)
May 08, 26 11:30 PM
Presented here is the Pittsburgh & West Virginia's public timetables listed in the September, 1937 issue of the "Official Guide." -
Brightline Florida Faces Debt Crisis and Future Uncertainty
May 08, 26 02:50 PM
Florida’s pioneering private high-speed passenger rail service, Brightline, is confronting a severe liquidity crunch that has triggered auditor warnings of “substantial doubt” about its ability to con… -
Reading & Northern Launches Its Own Coffee Brand
May 08, 26 02:28 PM
The Reading & Northern Railroad is thrilled to announce the launch of its very own coffee brand, Iron Horse Coffee Company. It will soon be served on all scenic train rides and in the café car located… -
Reading 4-8-4 2100 To Be Under Steam This June
May 08, 26 02:11 PM
fter more than a decade of intensive restoration by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), the legendary Reading Company 4-8-4 Northern-type steam locomotive No. 2100 will make it… -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:52 PM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:43 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train.
