1. Home
  2.  ›
  3. Fallen Flags
  4.  ›
  5. Grand Trunk Western

Grand Trunk Western Railroad: Map, Roster, History

Last revised: November 11, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The Grand Trunk Western (GTW) was one of three notable U.S. properties owned by Canadian National (others being Central Vermont and Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific).  

Despite a network of less than 300 miles its hotly contested Detroit - Chicago market was a vital artery for CN in reaching America's railroad capital.  

Until Grand Trunk Corporation's creation in 1971 the GTW was a double-edged sword.  It moved considerable high-value freight, notably autos and auto parts, but its short-haul nature proved a bane in generating respectable income.

Its earliest predecessor was put into service before the Civil War serving the Detroit area.  Later, under Canadian-control, a direct link into Chicago was established by outmaneuvering the mighty Vanderbilts.  

At the turn of the 20th century these patchwork of railroads achieved a common name, Grand Trunk Western.  By the early 1920's it found itself under Canadian National's wing, a Canadian government creation.

During the early 1990's, CN opted to restructure its American enterprises resulting in the loss of GTW's corporate image.  Today, it remains a paper corporation only of CN's American holdings.

Photos

Grand Trunk Western GP38AC #6213 (ex-Detroit, Toledo & Ironton #213) and GP38-2 #5833 at Blue Island, Illinois; June 24, 1989. American-Rails.com collection.

History

For purposes of this article, we will highlight the Grand Trunk Western Railroad which should not be confused with the Grand Trunk Railway (GTR) although the two carriers do share historical ties. The GTR predates even Canadian National and eventually blossomed into a network stretching from the Great Lakes to Quebec.  

The company's history is complex although to understand GTW's lineage a basic understanding of the Grand Trunk Railway is needed.  It was Canada's version of America's eastern trunk lines (Baltimore & Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York Central, and Erie), envisioned to link Northeastern/New England ports with Chicago.  

Grand Trunk Railway of Canada

On November 10, 1852 the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada (GTR) was incorporated with intentions of connecting Portland, Maine with Detroit, Michigan via Montreal and Toronto.  Once this task had been completed routes to both Chicago and New York City were eyed.  

The latter initiative was never accomplished although a Windy City connection carried more success.  Grand Trunk Western's immediate heritage begins when the Chicago, Detroit & Canada Grand Trunk Junction Railroad (CD&CGTJ) was formed on March 16, 1858 to connect Detroit with Port Huron, a distance of 60 miles.  It opened a little over a year later on November 21, 1859.  

As Don Hofsommer's book, "Grand Trunk Corporation: Canadian National Railways In The United States, 1971-1992" notes it was soon leased by GTR for the purpose of forming a Detroit-Chicago corridor.

Expansion

Grand Trunk interests quickly realized that reaching Chicago would require a monumental battle with the Vanderbilts who sought to restrict competition across Michigan.  

While smaller carriers like the Wabash, Pere Marquette, and Nickel Plate Road also reached the Chicago and Detroit market, New York Central dominated the region through its Michigan Southern (Lake Shore & Michigan Southern) and Michigan Central subsidiaries.  

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad logo. Author's work.

They also controlled the strategic Canadian Southern (CASO) linking Detroit with Buffalo, New York via southern Ontario.  The Vanderbilts, especially the Commodore, were ruthless in their aim to spread NYC's influence throughout the Northeast and Midwest.  

This cutthroat approach was also instilled in his son, William, who was running the empire when the Grand Trunk made its push towards Chicago.  In a surprising turn of events he was ultimately outfoxed in attempting to block its entry.  

To do this he acquired the small Chicago & North Eastern (C&NE), believing this road of just 49 miles (opened in 1877) connecting Flint and Lansing was a key asset.  His intuition proved correct but the Canadians countered by slyly picking up a series of disconnected railroads surrounding the C&NE. 

These included the Port Huron & Lake Michigan in 1879 (running between Port Huron with Flint it first opened in 1871 and totaled 66 miles); Peninsular Railroad of Michigan (opened between 1869 and 1872, at 115 miles in length it connected Lansing with South Bend, Indiana); and the Peninsular Railroad Company of Indiana (extending west from South Bend it opened 45 miles to Valparaiso by 1873).

Detroit, Toledo & Ironton caboose #122, now in Grand Trunk Western markings, at the DT&I's yard in Flat Rock, Michigan; September, 1982. Note the scale test car. American-Rails.com collection.

Cutoff from friendly connections and with nowhere else to turn Vanderbilt capitulated and sold out to the Canadians.  

As Patrick Dorin notes in his book, "The Grand Trunk Western Railroad: A Canadian National Railway," all of these properties were first operated as the Chicago & Lake Huron Railroad, which became the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railway in 1880.  

Service opened to Chicago via the Chicago & State Line Extension's completion on February 8th running 47 miles from Valparaiso to Elsdon (Chicago).  

The GTR later gained access to one of the city's six great terminals, Dearborn Station, when it helped establish the Chicago & Western Indiana (The GTR also held ties in the Belt Railway of Chicago, Chicago's and the country's first belt line system.).  

With a through route now established, attention pivoted to expanding its reach across the Wolverine State.   Much of the growth came via the Great Western Railway which was acquired on August 12, 1882.  

This was another Canadian flag that served southern Ontario and competed with the Canada Southern between Niagara Falls and Windsor.  It also owned a notable U.S. property, the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railway (DGH&M), itself a merged system.  

Grand Trunk Western 4-8-4 #6323 (U-3-b) hustles an eastbound freight across a wood pile bridge at Drayton Plains, Michigan (just north of Pontiac), circa 1950. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.

The DGH&M's lineage includes the Detroit & Pontiac (opened in 1844 it operated 26 miles between its namesake cities) and Detroit & Milwaukee (constructed from 1855 to 1870 it operated a rather substantial network of 163 miles between Pontiac and Grand Haven).  

More additions followed that decade:

  • The Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon Railway (running 96 miles from Ashley to Muskegon) was added in 1888.

  • Cincinnati, Saginaw & Mackinaw (a 54-mile operation connecting Durand with Bay City) in 1890.

  • Michigan Air Line (Richmond to Jackson, 105 miles).

  • Pontiac, Oxford & Port Austin (completed in 1883 it maintained 100 miles from Pontiac to Caseville).

  • Chicago, Kalamazoo & Saginaw (finished in 1901 it was a short branch running 11 miles from Pavilion to Kalamazoo). 

While this growth was ongoing a crucial infrastructure project was completed in 1891, the St. Clair River Tunnel.  It was the first bore of its kind ever completed in North America and provided an all-rail link between the Grand Trunk and its Michigan properties, running beneath the river between Sarnia, Ontario and Port Huron, Michigan. 


Passenger Trains

The International Limited: (Montreal - Detroit - Chicago)

Inter-City Limited: (Montreal - Detroit - Chicago)

Maple Leaf: (Montreal - Detroit)


43161208_1997577443867516_4363639034174504960_n.jpgGrand Trunk Western GP9 #4916 with train #22 (Muskegon - Detroit) at Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in April, 1962. Rick Burn photo.

At its zenith the Grand Trunk Railway was an impressive operation, maintaining its own 800-mile corridor from Portland, Maine to Sarnia while also linking Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto.  In addition, it controlled the Central Vermont along with the Michigan roads.  

To streamline its operations in the Midwest GTR formed the Grand Trunk Western Railway on November 22, 1900.  Despite a network that already totaled more than 1,000 route miles, after reaching Chicago GTR's promoters sought their own transcontinental extension to more effectively compete against the Canadian Pacific and Canadian Northern.  

At A Glance

Headquarters
Detroit, Michigan
States Served
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois (Chicago), Ohio (Toledo)
Dates Of Operation
November 21, 1859 - December 31, 1991
Formation Date
November 22, 1900
Genesis
Detroit & Canada Grand Trunk Junction Railroad (March 16, 1858)
Route Miles
1,153 (1952)
Track Gauge
4 Feet, 8 ½ Inches
Principal Lines

Port Huron, Michigan - Durand - Battle Creek, Michigan - South Bend, Indiana - Griffith, Indiana - Chicago

Port Huron - Detroit - Toledo, Ohio

Detroit - Pontiac - Durand - Muskegon, Michigan

Durand - Grand Haven, Michigan

Grand Rapids - Muskegon

Durand - Bay City, Michigan

Richmond - Pontiac - Jackson, Michigan

Pontiac - Imlay City - Caseville/Bad Axe, Michigan

Pavilion - Kalamazoo

Muskegon - Milwaukee, Wisconsin (car ferry service across Lake Michigan)

Slogan
The Good Track Road
Reporting Mark
GTW
Successor
Canadian National Railway

To do this the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway was incorporated on October 24, 1903.  The vehicle behind all of this growth was Charles Hays, an American who held experience in operating American railroads. Alas, he was tragically killed when the Titanic sank on April 14, 1912.  

This event, coupled with the financial Panic of 1907 and a 1910 strike, ended the Hays dream of transforming GTR into Canada's preeminent coast-to-coast carrier.  

In his book, "Canadian National Railway," author Tom Murray notes the process of establishing what became the Canadian National Railways (as originally spelled, the "s" was later dropped) required several years.  Its heritage began in May of 1915 when the Canadian government took over the National Transcontinental Railway.

Formation

It already controlled the Intercolonial and Prince Edward Island Railways and next brought in the financially troubled Canadian Northern (Quebec City - Vancouver) in December of 1918.  The Canadian National Railways was formally created on June 6, 1919 under which all the above properties were placed.  

In January of 1923 the Grand Trunk Railway and its affiliates joined the new conglomerate, thus forming the modern Canadian National system.  

As a means of further corporation simplification the Grand Trunk Western Railroad (GTW) was born on November 1, 1928 to operate all rail assets between Detroit and Chicago.

This included the Grand Trunk Western Railway; Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee; Chicago, Detroit & Canada Grand Trunk Junction; Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon; Pontiac, Oxford & Northern; Detroit & Huron; Michigan Air Line; Chicago & Kalamazoo Terminal; Bay City Terminal; and Grand Rapids Terminal.  

The new GTW also held its longstanding interest in terminal carriers Belt Railway of Chicago, Chicago & Western Indiana and Detroit & Toledo Short Line while also maintaining car ferry service between Muskegon and Milwaukee via the Grand Trunk-Milwaukee Car Ferry Company.

Grand Trunk Western 4-8-4 #6313 with a railfan special at Imlay City, Michigan during the 1950's. Author's collection.

Interestingly, much of Grand Trunk Western's corporate existence was a financial struggle.  For reasons already mentioned, it moved high-value freight and was a key artery for Detroit's auto makers.  However, its short-haul nature made profits difficult to procure.  

It may have fallen into bankruptcy during the depression era save for its parent's protective wing.  Traffic rebounded strongly with the onset of World War II although difficulties returned afterwards.  For many years Canadian National paid almost no mind to its subsidiary's problems, perhaps in part due to its own troubles.  

Since it was a publicly-owned corporation any annual losses were simply covered by taxpayers.  As a result, nothing changed and a "business as usual" approach settled over CN and its affiliates.  With no incentives to do so there was little innovation and management carried a blasé attitude.  

By the mid-1960's CN finally took serious steps at improving both its own situation as well as GTW's.  The idea of outright sale to a large American Class I was mulled but ultimately CN's headquarters in Montreal decided a new team led by Robert Bandeen would hopefully point the carrier in a new, and more profitable, direction.  

Timetables

779239581264236735826902890937.jpg
859105827328590823678980948909.jpg

One tactic involved placing all U.S. properties under one holding company.  The Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific was the most lucrative of the three and could help mask GTW's problems.  This gave rise to the Grand Trunk Corporation in 1971; officially, GTW, Central Vermont, and DW&P were placed within it on July 31st that year.  

The move immediately paid dividends as GTC posted a net income of $3.9 million for 1972.  Another significant boon was the retirement of money-losing passenger services when Amtrak launched on May 1, 1971.  

By then, GTW was hemorrhaging more than $2 million annually to maintain these trains and was happy to pay Amtrak's required entrance fee to rid itself of such services (final runs were made April 30th).  

As Bandeen and his group worked to further cut red ink efforts were aimed at eliminating anything which did not garner a profit.  In December of 1973 GTW got out of the commuter business when it turned over its Detroit - Pontiac services to the Southeastern Michigan Transportation Authority (SEMTA).  

There was also the issue of the Lake Michigan car ferries.  Until January 1, 1954, GTW worked in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Muskegon to run these into Milwaukee, interchanging there with the Chicago & North Western, Soo Line, and Milwaukee Road.

System Map

Through the late 1960's the ferries still provided more than 800,000 tons in annual freight with an added incentive of bypassing congested Chicago.  

Unfortunately, operating the boats (City of Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, and Madison) was labor intensive and extremely expensive.  After several attempts, GTW was finally given Interstate Commerce Commission authorization to discontinue the boats.  

The final run occurred on October 31, 1978 when the City of Milwaukee tied up in Muskegon early that morning.  The decade also witnessed a handful of abandonments including Jackson - Lakeland (35 miles) and Coopersville - Grand Haven (15 miles).  

Other improvements included the purchase of new diesel road-switchers from Electro-Motive, implementation of centralized traffic control (CTC), and laying heavy welded-rail.  In 1975 the railroad began marketing itself as the "Good Track Road" and introduced a new red, white, and blue livery featuring a stylized "GT."  

While much effort was placed on cutting costs management simultaneously worked hard to encourage business.  This effort also paid off through the introduction of new trailer-on-flatcar (TOFC) service, oil trains, and handling food products.  

Grand Trunk Western SD40 #5926 and GP38-2 #5700 lead autoracks through Durand, Michigan on May 22, 1993. Author's collection.

By the end of the 1970's, GTW was posting its first stand-alone net profit in several decades.  The 1980's proved a turning point.  With carriers struggling and federal regulations loosened the merger movement swept across the United States.  

As this was ongoing GTW watched carefully for a way to grow through acquisition.  Its first purchase occurred in 1980 by picking up the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton.  

It was a regional system that offered additional customers in the Detroit area (notably Ford's gigantic River Rouge Complex), interchanges across Ohio, and access into Cincinnati via Conrail trackage rights.   

68020whyt571890391u175901095.jpgA handsome Grand Trunk Western F3A, #9014, wearing CN’s early livery, lays over between assignments in Chicago during July, 1964. Roger Puta photo.

Attempted Milwaukee Road Acquisition

It then took an extremely bold measure in 1982 by trying to acquire the slimmed down and bankrupt Milwaukee Road.  

The deal was to involve GTW assuming the entirety of Milwaukee's $250 million debt.  While this fabled granger no longer reached the Pacific coast it still provided great opportunities throughout the Midwest at Louisville, Kansas City, and the Twin Cities.  

From a network and public standpoint the combined railroads made the most sense offering a system that stretched from Detroit to America's Heartland.  It appeared the marriage would happen until Chicago & North Western and Soo Line both submitted bids between the summer of 1983 (C&NW) and early January of 1984 (Soo). 

Steam Roster

Road Number(s) Wheel Arrangement Class Builder Date Built/Notes
2664-26832-8-0N-4-dAlco1907-1911
26842-8-0N-4-eAlco1911
3515-35192-8-2S-1-GAlco1918
3516 (2nd)*0-8-2S-1-gAlco1918
3720-37242-8-2S-1-hAlco1918
3740-3747**2-8-2S-3-bAlco1923
3748-37572-8-2S-3-cAlco1924
5627-56314-6-2K-4-aAlco1924
5632-56344-6-2K-4-bBaldwin1929
6037-60414-8-2U-1-cBaldwin1925
6312-63364-8-4U-3-cAlco1942
6405-64104-8-4U-4-bLima1938
7474-74980-6-0O-18-bLima1920
7519-75210-6-0O-18-dLima1923
7522-75260-6-0O-19-aLima1919
8300-83040-8-0P-5-aAlco1923
8305-83190-8-0P-5-bAlco1924
8320-83290-8-0P-5-cLima1927
8340-83490-8-0P-5-eBaldwin1927
8370-83810-8-0P-5-gBaldwin1929

*  Rebuilt from 2-8-2 #3516.

** #3740 renumbered #4076, #3742 to #4078, #3744 to #4079, and #3745 to #4080.

Diesel Roster

Road Number(s) Model Type Builder Date Built/Notes
73BoxcabJ.G. Brill Company1926, Acquired 1934
78-79SCElectro-Motive1938, Ex-#7800-7801
1000-1003CS-9Alco1979-1980, Rebuilt S-4s
1500-1503SW1200Electro-Motive1955
1509-1519SW1200Electro-Motive1957-1960
1950-1951RS-1Alco1957
4134-4139GP9Electro-Motive1958-1959
4427-4441GP9Electro-Motive1954
4539-4546GP9Electro-Motive1957
4552-4557GP9Electro-Motive1957
4600-4629GP9RElectro-MotiveRebuilt GP9s
4700-4707GP18Electro-Motive1960
4900-4901GP9Electro-Motive1954
4907-4922GP9Electro-Motive1957
4930-4933GP9Electro-Motive1958
4950-4952GP18Electro-Motive1960
5700-5708GP38-2Electro-Motive1972
5709-5734GP38-2Electro-Motive1972, Ex-Missouri Pacific
5800-5811GP38ACElectro-Motive1971
5812-5836GP38-2Electro-Motive1977-1980
5844-5849GP38-2Electro-Motive1977, Ex-Pittsburgh & Lake Erie
5850-5861GP38-2Electro-Motive1978, Ex-Rock Island
5900-5929SD40Electro-Motive1969-1970
5930-5937SD40-2Electro-Motive1975, Ex-Missouri Pacific
6200-6204GP38Electro-Motive1966-1969, Ex-Detroit, Toledo & Ironton
6250-6254SD38Electro-Motive1969-1971, Ex-Detroit, Toledo & Ironton
6400-6404GP40Electro-Motive1968, Ex-Detroit, Toledo & Ironton
6405-6425GP40-2Electro-Motive1972-1973, Ex-Detroit, Toledo & Ironton
7010-7016SW9Electro-Motive1952-1953
7017-7019SW1200Electro-Motive1955
7225-7232SW900Electro-Motive1956
7262-7268SW900Electro-Motive1958
7900-7914NW2Electro-Motive1941-1942
7966-7974NW2Electro-Motive1947-1948
8026-8027S-4Alco1953
8034-8035S-4Alco1955
8082-8090S-4Alco1955
8091-8111S-2Alco1942-1946
8119-8121S-2Alco1947, Ex-Canadian National
8162S-4Alco1951, Ex-Central Vermont
8196-8205S-4Alco1956
9006-9027F3Electro-Motive1948

The above roster information is courtesy of "The Grand Trunk Western Railroad: A Canadian National Railway" by Patrick Dorin and Don Hofsommer's, "Grand Trunk Corporation: Canadian National Railways In The United States, 1971-1992."

Grand Trunk Western caboose #79185 brings up the tail end of freight departing north out of Conrail's Stanley Yard in Moline, Ohio (near Toledo) on a July evening in 1990. American-Rails.com collection.

When both included cash incentives GTW's leverage collapsed.  By the time their bidding war had ended C&NW's offer ballooned to a staggering $781 million with Soo close behind at $571 million (Soo was ultimately declared the winner by bankruptcy Judge Thomas McMillen).  

Final Years

With this defeat, GTW and Grand Trunk Corporation settled into a regional role over the next decade. In the early 1990's CN opted to further simplify its American holdings by largely eliminating their identities through the creation of "CN North America" in December of 1991; Grand Trunk Corporation was then folded back into CN as of January 1, 1992.  

As Mr. Hofsommer's book points out the move integrated marketing and operations for purposes, as the railroad put it, of "introducing a single system [for] seamless transportation."  

A few years later, in 1995 CN itself was spun-off as a private, independent company that no longer carried any ownership under the Canadian government (ironically, most of its stock was purchased by American investors).  

While the GTW had failed in its Milwaukee Road purchase CN eventually did reach new markets in the Midwest by purchasing Illinois Central in 1998.  

The legendary "Main Line of Mid-America" provided access to Omaha as well as a corridor running the spine of America to New Orleans.  Today, GTW remains a paper corporation although no longer carries a separate identity.

Recent Articles

  1. DM&IR Railroad Timetables (March, 1940)

    May 15, 26 12:25 AM

    9501283417236512y4t157928600739.jpg
    Highlighted here is the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range's timetable listing from the March, 1940 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways."

    Read More

  2. Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Timetables (January, 1930)

    May 15, 26 12:17 AM

    189235098176235121y268135798067.jpg
    Featured here is the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad's timetable listing from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways."

    Read More

  3. The Wreck of PRR's "The Federal" At Washington Union Station

    May 15, 26 12:09 AM

    81273621362634627358269666.jpg
    On the morning of January 15, 1953 Washington Union Station became the scene of one of the most spectacular yet miraculously non-fatal train wrecks in American railroad history.

    Read More

  4. Detroit & Mackinac Timetables (January, 1930)

    May 14, 26 04:13 PM

    90203482364t21351254237689073084.jpg
    Featured here is the Detroit & Mackinac Railway's brief timetable listing from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways."

    Read More

  5. Friends of the 261 to Host Exclusive Charity Dinner

    May 14, 26 02:34 PM

    9172417246216527568897.jpg
    Friends of the 261, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and operating historic rail equipment, invites the public to celebrate railroading heritage with a special evening charity dinner…

    Read More

  6. BNSF Unveils "America250" Heritage Locomotives

    May 14, 26 02:06 PM

    1826317264512541526367587267.jpg
    BNSF Railway today rolled out three specially painted locomotives honoring America’s 250th birthday, featuring bold red, white, and blue liveries and the official America250 logo.

    Read More

  7. Wisconsin 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides

    May 14, 26 12:18 PM

    124981724762157892785298689667.jpg
    Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply relish a night of theatrical entertainment, Wisconsin's murder mystery dinner trains promise an unforgettable adventure.

    Read More

  8. Missouri 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides

    May 14, 26 12:17 PM

    12942137552783589268689676.jpg
    Missouri, with its rich history and scenic landscapes, is home to one location hosting these unique excursion experiences.

    Read More

  9. Maryland - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides

    May 14, 26 12:15 PM

    891731525124721752896887667.jpg
    You can enjoy whiskey tasting by train at just one location in Maryland, the popular Western Maryland Scenic Railroad based in Cumberland.

    Read More

  10. California - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides

    May 14, 26 12:13 PM

    75142371258712978185723872566.jpg
    There is currently just one location in California offering whiskey tasting by train, the famous Skunk Train in Fort Bragg.

    Read More

  11. Oregon 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides

    May 14, 26 11:43 AM

    19i271723471247127417815196566.jpg
    For those looking to explore this wine paradise in style and comfort, Oregon's wine tasting trains offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience the region's offerings.

    Read More

  12. Virginia 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides

    May 14, 26 11:29 AM

    1897247146124712579892586806.webp
    Wine tasting trains in Virginia provide just that—a unique experience that marries the romance of rail travel with the sensory delights of wine exploration.

    Read More

  13. South Shore Line Timetables (August, 1952)

    May 14, 26 11:25 AM

    767126421564625769877.jpg
    Included here is the Chicago, South Shore & South Bend Railroad's timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide."

    Read More

  14. Chicago & Illinois Midland Timetables (March, 1933)

    May 13, 26 07:15 PM

    7541243513612475278687990808.jpg
    Included here is the Chicago & Illinois Midland's two-page listing from the March, 1933 edition of the "Official Guide of the Railways."

    Read More

  15. Scenic Dinner Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    May 13, 26 01:57 PM

    5680nxtlqzpo43208590.jpg
    Dinner trains have become a popular attraction in recent years. Here, you can find dates and locations for these events in 2025.

    Read More

  16. Railroad Museums In The USA (2026): A Complete Guide

    May 13, 26 01:56 PM

    2859213582365273612423578289689327.jpg
    Find out about all of the many railroad museums that operate around the United States, which work to keep alive our nation's history with trains.

    Read More

  17. Pennsylvania "Father's Day" Train Rides

    May 13, 26 12:53 PM

    871247124621427889368907907098.jpg
    This state offers a unique way to celebrate Father's Day with unforgettable train rides that combine history, stunning landscapes, and a dash of nostalgia.

    Read More

  18. New York "Father's Day" Train Rides

    May 13, 26 12:52 PM

    55069085274_33fdc82ad1_k.jpg
    If you’re looking to make this day memorable, consider taking a scenic train ride with your dad through the beautiful landscapes of New York State.

    Read More

  19. Texas Father's Day Train Rides

    May 13, 26 12:50 PM

    81827162352155556627582966.jpg
    In Texas, Father's Day can be made unique by combining the nostalgia and charm of train rides with the grandeur of the Texas landscape.

    Read More

  20. Alabama - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides

    May 13, 26 12:49 PM

    1249781235723587298382906986.jpg
    There is currently one location in the state offering a murder mystery dinner experience, the Wales West Light Railway!

    Read More

  21. Pennsylvania - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides

    May 13, 26 12:38 PM

    13995229310_eed685382b_b.jpg
    For whiskey aficionados and history buffs alike, a train ride through the Keystone State offering such spirits provides a unique and memorable experience.

    Read More

  22. Tennessee 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides

    May 13, 26 12:35 PM

    918274317624612642613578269677.jpg
    One of the most unique and enjoyable ways to savor the flavors of Tennessee’s vineyards is by train aboard the Tennessee Central Railway Museum.

    Read More

  23. North Carolina 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides

    May 13, 26 12:32 PM

    1i823123412536152478192598756.jpg
    A noteworthy way to explore North Carolina's beauty is by hopping aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and sipping fine wine!

    Read More

  24. Reading & Northern Showcases "America250" Caboose

    May 13, 26 12:04 PM

    723472375238698789080988.jpg
    The Reading & Northern has unveiled repainted PRR N-8 caboose #94850 in "America250" colors. The car made its first run on May 8, 2026.

    Read More

  25. Chicago & Eastern Illinois Timetables (August, 1952)

    May 13, 26 11:50 AM

    116723759128343127656266887196890278.jpg
    Covered here is the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide."

    Read More

  26. Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Timetables (March, 1940)

    May 13, 26 12:03 AM

    099563865738380099391561038.jpg
    Featured here is the Roarin' Elgin's single page timetable listing from the March, 1940 issue of the "Official Guide Of The Railways."

    Read More

  27. Algoma Central Railway Timetables (March, 1940)

    May 12, 26 11:51 PM

    21734712362136562378689667.jpg
    Highlighted here is the Algoma Central Railway's single page timetable listing in the March, 1940 edition of the "Official Guide."

    Read More

  28. Akron, Canton & Youngstown Timetables (March, 1940)

    May 12, 26 10:45 PM

    1923812361243142576876967.jpg
    Featured here is the Akron, Canton & Youngstown's brief timetable listing in the "Official Guide" from the March, 1940 edition.

    Read More

  29. Minnesota 'Dinner Train' Rides At Duluth

    May 12, 26 12:47 PM

    18723172462148715782587856866.jpg
    One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot.

    Read More

  30. Maryland 'Dinner Train' Rides At Walkersville

    May 12, 26 12:45 PM

    9717213414287565239866.jpg
    While WSRR runs a variety of seasonal and special trains, one of its most appealing “date night” offerings is the Valentine’s Dinner Train, a romantic two-hour ride built around classic railroad ambia…

    Read More

  31. Utah 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides

    May 12, 26 12:43 PM

    0182431872456124625782568926897.jpg
    This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah!

    Read More

  32. Rhode Island 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides

    May 12, 26 12:41 PM

    9127341246125828753263582539866.jpg
    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.

    Read More

  33. Nevada 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides

    May 12, 26 12:20 PM

    8330755849_7f68f6e0b6_o.jpg
    While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, you can sip this delight by train in Nevada at the Nevada Northern Railway.

    Read More

  34. New Hampshire "Wine Tasting" Train Rides

    May 12, 26 12:18 PM

    8176125318759762934646.jpg
    This article details New Hampshire's most enchanting wine tasting trains, where every sip is paired with breathtaking views and a touch of adventure.

    Read More

  35. New Jersey 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides

    May 12, 26 12:17 PM

    91872372141281598657866.jpg
    If you're seeking a unique outing or a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion, wine tasting train rides in New Jersey offer an experience unlike any other.

    Read More

  36. West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)

    May 11, 26 08:23 PM

    65102012591623512641657296838.jpg
    Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide."

    Read More

  37. Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)

    May 11, 26 04:27 PM

    157010268715616586829079090857.jpg
    Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide."

    Read More

  38. RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)

    May 11, 26 02:21 PM

    8727528392938253626347282097.jpg
    Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide."

    Read More

  39. Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides

    May 11, 26 12:20 PM

    192874124126541624612998783526.jpg
    The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences.

    Read More

  40. Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides

    May 11, 26 12:19 PM

    981724151256765123518759865986.jpg
    This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure.

    Read More

  41. Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides

    May 11, 26 12:14 PM

    9237236268598626876777.jpg
    With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie.

    Read More

  42. Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides

    May 11, 26 12:11 PM

    912734812478923958785289666.jpg
    This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience.

    Read More

  43. Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides

    May 11, 26 12:09 PM

    6169506375_2b49d6078c_o.jpg
    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.

    Read More

  44. Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides

    May 11, 26 12:06 PM

    49905649598_70c1e624eb_k.jpg
    In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides.

    Read More

  45. Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)

    May 11, 26 10:06 AM

    679234091274621579283482896079.jpg
    Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide."

    Read More

  46. Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA

    May 11, 26 09:50 AM

    580090q8fhl115463111owut.jpg
    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…

    Read More

  47. Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)

    May 11, 26 09:25 AM

    813248123527865876789798087908.jpg
    Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways."

    Read More

  48. Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides

    May 10, 26 01:01 PM

    816237126465126825789389268798989.jpg
    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…

    Read More

  49. Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides

    May 10, 26 12:58 PM

    97ty1261242983589269778.jpg
    Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State.

    Read More

  50. New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks

    May 10, 26 12:51 PM

    12631523616852389987787.jpg
    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.

    Read More