Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Grapevine, TX

Grapevine, Texas began in the 19th century, with the first white settlers arriving in the 1840's. Before this time the land was used by Native Americans. As people moved west and the government felt reservations were needed, the Native Americans of Texas were placed on reservations leaving the land free for white settlers. Grapevine was a popular region requiring a railroad to move goods to the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad was built along the Cotton Belt Route. Today visitors to Grapevine can take a ride along the historic route and envision what it was like in the past with cotton being harvested in Grapevine, and then shipped to Fort Worth and beyond.

The railroad had two locomotives to help move the train. The first was Puffy, an 1896 steam locomotive. It is the oldest steam engine still operating. The second is a 1953 GP-7 diesel engine. For visitors the train engines pull 1920's and 1930's era Victorian coaches. It is possible to take a step back in time on these train cars to the days when train travel was used to move towards the west and progress.

The schedule will vary throughout the year. In summer months the trains run more often for the influx of visitors Texas will see. In winter the trains run Friday through Sunday. The train departs at 1pm to head to the Stockyards arriving at 2:30pm. The train will then depart the Stockyards at 4:45pm and arrive back at Grapevine by 6:15pm. Adult passengers are $20, seniors $18, and Children 3 to 12 are $10. There is also the Trinity River Run that departs the Stockyards at 3:15pm and arrives back at 4:15pm. It is a round trip run. Tickets for this train are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for children 3 to 12. On the Grapevine trip it is possible to purchase a one way ticket.

The Historic Grapevine Railroad works with a few hotels in Fort Worth and Grapevine for package deals. The railroad also has annual events that they host. For example in winter there is the North Pole Express. There is also a New Vintage Jazz Wine Train, Sweetheart Express for Valentine's Day, Spring Fling for a day out with Thomas the Train, and much more. For every holiday there is usually a train special like on Mother's Day. In summer, The Great Train Robberies will begin with a dinner theater style show.

Groups, birthday parties, field trips, cab rides, charters, and caboose parties can be planned. These gatherings do require reservations. It is necessary to book months in advance to ensure no other bookings or tickets have been sold. The parties can be localized to one train car. There are special group rates depending on whether a meal will be part of the party or not.

Before or after the Grapevine Vintage Railroad trip travelers can explore the Historic Main Street District in which the railroad is located. Shops, restaurants, and more entertainment are nearby the railroad.