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Whiskey Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: July 7, 2025

By: Adam Burns

America’s love affair with whiskey has a storied past deeply entrenched in the country's culture and history. The journey of whiskey in the U.S. is as much about the rich flavors and aromas as it is about the tradition, craftsmanship, and tales passed down through generations.

One unique way to immerse oneself in the whiskey world while simultaneously experiencing a slice of Americana is enjoying these spirits by train. These excursions offer a sensory journey through lush landscapes and historical corridors, often pairing scenic vistas with curated whiskey tastings.

Kentucky’s Bourbon Excursion: My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country, is a fitting place to start when exploring whiskey train adventures. The "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train," departing from Bardstown, offers a historical and flavorful experience.

This vintage train ride - featuring 1940s era passenger cars - travels through the scenic Kentucky countryside allowing passengers to savor a three-course meal expertly paired with an array of bourbons.

As you roll past picturesque landscapes, the onboard guides relay the history of bourbon, its craftsmanship, and its significance in American culture. Each journey on this train culminates in a richer appreciation for the nuances of fine bourbon and the land that produces it.

Strasburg Railroad's "Whiskey On The Rails"

The Strasburg Railroad, located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the United States, having been established in 1832. Originally built to haul goods and passengers, it has transformed into a popular heritage railway offering scenic train rides through the picturesque Amish countryside.

With its meticulously restored steam locomotives and vintage passenger cars from the early 20th centuyry, the railroad offers a nostalgic journey into history. Visitors can enjoy themed excursions, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.

One of their popular adult venues is the "Whiskey On The Rails" event held at the end of August.  It features crafts from Stoll & Wolfe of Lititz, Pennsylvania which produces bourbon, rye whiskeys, vodka, and gin.

The Strasburg Railroad is renowned for preserving railroad heritage and providing a unique, family-friendly experience that celebrates Pennsylvania's rich railroading past.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad "Spirits on the Rail"

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a unique and scenic train journey through the picturesque landscapes of Western North Carolina. Operating since 1988, the railroad features both steam and diesel locomotives, taking passengers on memorable rides through the Great Smoky Mountains and along the Tuckasegee and Nantahala Rivers.

With themed excursions, including the popular "Polar Express" and "Pumpkin Patch Express," it appeals to families and rail enthusiasts alike. Departing from the historic town of Bryson City, the excursions vary in length and offer diverse experiences from open-air gondola rides to first-class dining options, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of train travel.

Their "Spirits on the Rail" event is held in late August featuring tastings of various bourbons along with a delicious 4-course meal.

A Slice of American Tradition on Rails

From the rolling bluegrass hills of Kentucky to the verdant mountains of Vermont, whiskey train rides in the U.S. provide more than just a journey through flavor. They are a celebration of regional craftsmanship, blending culinary delights with rich historical narratives.

These train rides offer an unparalleled opportunity to relish the craftsmanship of America's whiskey producers while enjoying the country's natural beauty and heritage. Whether you are a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or simply seeking a unique travel experience, a whiskey train ride is a journey worth undertaking. Explore, sip, savor, and embrace the legacy of America’s whiskey on rails.