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BBQ Train Ride Locations: A Complete Guide

Published: May 1, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The United States, known for its diverse culinary landscape, offers a unique way to explore regional flavors through BBQ trains. These trains combine the love for barbeque with scenic train journeys, providing a culinary travel experience like no other. This guide explores some of the notable BBQ train experiences across the U.S., offering food and travel enthusiasts a flavorful adventure.

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad

The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad is a scenic railway based in Trego, Wisconsin, offering guests a unique train travel experience. Operating since 1997, the railroad provides a variety of excursions, including dinner trains, bed-and-breakfast trains, and scenic tours through the Northwoods area.

The route showcases the natural beauty of the region, with views of lakes, forests, and wildlife. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad is also known for preserving historic railcars, offering a nostalgic journey that combines relaxation with a glimpse into railroading history. It has become a popular attraction for tourists and rail enthusiasts alike.

BBQ Train

The railroad's Spring BBQ Dinner Train offers St. Louis Style BBQ Ribs, Beef Brisket, Chicken Kiev, and Vegetable Primavera.

Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad

The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad is a heritage railway located in upstate New York, offering scenic train rides through the picturesque Susquehanna River Valley. Operated by the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society, the railroad features vintage locomotives and passenger cars, providing an authentic railroading experience.

Passengers can enjoy themed excursions, including seasonal rides like the popular fall foliage trips and holiday-themed journeys. The railroad plays a key role in preserving the region's railroading history, linking the community with its rich transportation heritage, while offering educational and recreational experiences to visitors of all ages.

BBQ Train

During select dates each spring and summer they host special trains featuring Brooks bbq chicken.

Chehalis Centralia Railroad

The Chehalis Centralia Railroad, a heritage rail line in Washington State, offers nostalgic trips through scenic landscapes in historic steam and diesel locomotives. Operated by dedicated volunteers, the non-profit Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum preserves the rich railroading history of the region.

Visitors can experience themed excursions, including holiday events and dinner trains, providing a blend of education, entertainment, and adventure. The railroad travels along a portion of the former Milwaukee Road line, showcasing the natural beauty of the Chehalis Valley. It serves as both a tourist attraction and a historical preservation effort, celebrating the golden age of rail travel.

BBQ Train

Each Father's Day the railroad hosts a special bbq train for dads, hosted within their "Chehalis River Valley" 1920s dining car.

Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, located in Boone, Iowa, offers a picturesque journey through the scenic landscapes of Iowa. Established in 1983, it operates on a historic track once vital for coal transport. The railroad features a collection of vintage diesel and steam locomotives, providing a nostalgic travel experience.

Guests can explore various excursions, including dinner trains and seasonal rides, such as the popular Pumpkin Express. Managed by the Iowa Railroad Historical Society, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad serves both as a tribute to rail history and a captivating attraction for visitors seeking to enjoy Iowa's natural beauty.

BBQ Train

Each spring the railroad hosts barbeque trains featuring pulled pork, smoked chicken, and smoked ribs.  The train operates cars once used on Union Pacific's fabled streamliners the City of Los Angeles and City of San Francisco.

North Shore Scenic Railroad

The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers a captivating journey along the majestic Lake Superior shoreline in Minnesota, connecting Duluth and Two Harbors. Operated by the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, this heritage railroad encapsulates a rich history, providing passengers with an opportunity to relive the golden age of train travel.

The scenic ride showcases breathtaking views, rugged cliffs, and dense forests, making it a popular attraction for tourists and train enthusiasts alike. With a variety of themed excursions, including elegant dinner trains and family-friendly rides, the railroad ensures a memorable experience infused with educational insights on the region’s historical significance.

BBQ Train

During a few select dates in the summer the railroad hosts barbeque trains in SkyView dome car featuring Famous Daves BBQ.  The trip lasts about 2 1/2 hours.

Leadville Railroad

The Leadville Railroad offers a scenic journey through the heart of the Colorado Rockies, capturing the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of the region. Operating on a historic track originally built in the late 19th century, the train provides an authentic experience of railroading from the past.

Passengers are treated to stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley, towering mountains, and remnants of old mines. The journey is enriched with narration that shares tales of the area's mining heritage and vibrant culture. The Leadville Railroad is a unique attraction, blending natural beauty, history, and adventure.

BBQ Train

The railroad offers their Devil's Tail BBQ Special during select dates during the summer, features several different meats and lasting nearly 3 hours.

Planning Your BBQ Train Adventure

When planning a BBQ train journey, consider the following tips for an optimal experience:

Book Early: These excursions can be popular, especially during prime seasons.

Check Schedules: BBQ trains might operate seasonally or on specific days.

Dietary Needs: Inquire about dietary accommodations in advance if needed.

Combine with Local Exploration: Consider combining your train adventure with visits to local attractions.

Dress Comfortably: For long train rides, ensure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

BBQ trains offer a unique way to experience the culinary and geographic diversity of the United States. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or just looking for a unique travel experience, these journeys provide a memorable way to explore regional flavors, historic routes, and stunning landscapes. So all aboard for a flavorful adventure that combines the best of American BBQ and beautiful train rides!