Vintage steam and diesel locomotives take passengers across the celebrated rails of the Piney Woods Route between the quaint East Texas towns of Palestine and Rusk on a 50-mile roundtrip adventure. This quintessential day trip, only a few hours from the metropolitan communities of Dallas and Houston, will create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Join us for our Easter Lunch Train where you will enjoy a 4-hour round-trip journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas. We will depart from our Palestine, TX Rail Depot and traverse the tracks through the Piney Woods over to our Rusk, TX Rail Depot.

The captivating story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole. The adventure is even more fun when families and friends show up in their pajamas!

The main depot is located at 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, TX 75801 – this is the departure location. We have a second depot is located at 535 Park Road 76, Rusk, TX 75785 – this is where most of our excursions travel to for the layover.

Seven different accommodations are offered to savor the Texas State Railroad experience: Caboose, Presidential Car 1511, Presidential Car 42 (Couches), Presidential Car 42 (Table and Chairs for Two), Observation Dome, First Class, Open-Air Coach.

The quality selection of home décor, clothing, hats, accessories and souvenirs representing the Railroad, Palestine and East Texas is irresistible. Jewelry, sculpture, children’s toys, apparel and books round out a medley of merchandise to memorialize the ride.

The Texas State Railroad Campground is located in the beautiful East Texas town of Rusk and is a great spot for a fun southern escape! We offer campsites with water only, water and electricity, or full hookups with 50-amp service and sewer.

In 1909, thanks to a Rusk native, Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell, prison crews completed the railroad to Palestine and commerce in the Piney Woods region flourished. The rural rails of the route between Rusk and Palestine were forged.

The captivating story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole. The adventure is even more fun when families and friends show up in their pajamas!

Palestine, TX 75801. Rusk Depot 535 Park Rd 76 Rusk, TX 75785. Name * First. Last. Email * Message * Submit. Billing/Mailing Address: Texas State Railroad 1027 S. Main St. Joplin, MO 64801. Billing/Mailing Address: Texas State Railroad 1027 S. Main St. Joplin, MO 64801. General Manager. Greg Udolph 855-632-7729 . Freight Service and Equipment ...