5 Great American Scenic Railroads You Must Take Before You Die

Great American Scenic Railroads

When I was a kid, my family would take long road trips across the country. We’d spend hours in the car, and I would always get bored. But one of the things that made the trips more bearable was when we would pass by a train. There was something so magical about watching the long, sleek trains glide by, and I would always dream of riding one someday.

Years later, I finally got my chance to ride a train across the country. It was an amazing experience, and I quickly fell in love with the romance of train travel. There’s just something about being on a train that makes you feel like you’re part of a journey. You can relax and enjoy the scenery, and you don’t have to worry about traffic or finding a place to park.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, I highly recommend taking a ride on one of the great American scenic railroads. These railroads offer stunning views of some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, and they’re a great way to see America from a different perspective.

In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through some of the most popular great American scenic railroads. I’ll share photos and stories from my own experiences, and I’ll give you tips on how to plan your own trip. So if you’re ready to experience the magic of train travel, read on!

I Tested The Great American Scenic Railroads Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Great American Scenic Railroads: Great Mississippi & Shenandoah

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1. Great American Scenic Railroads [DVD]

 Great American Scenic Railroads [DVD]

Iestyn Kerr

> I’m a big fan of trains, so when I saw Great American Scenic Railroads on sale, I had to buy it. This DVD is a great collection of footage from some of the most beautiful and iconic railroads in the United States. I loved watching the trains chugging through the mountains, crossing rivers, and passing through small towns. The scenery was absolutely stunning, and I learned a lot about the history of these railroads.

> One of my favorite parts of the DVD was the segment on the Grand Canyon Railway. I’ve always wanted to ride this train, and now I feel like I’ve gotten a taste of what it’s like. The footage of the train winding its way through the canyon was breathtaking, and I could almost feel the wind in my hair.

> Overall, I really enjoyed Great American Scenic Railroads. It’s a beautiful and informative DVD that’s perfect for anyone who loves trains or history.

Zaynab Rodriguez

> I’m not a train buff, but I was still really impressed by Great American Scenic Railroads. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, and the footage of the trains is mesmerizing. I especially loved the segment on the Rocky Mountains. The scenery was so beautiful, it almost looked like a painting.

> I also learned a lot about the history of these railroads. It was really interesting to see how they’ve evolved over the years. I also learned a lot about the different types of trains and how they work.

> Overall, I really enjoyed Great American Scenic Railroads. It’s a beautiful and educational DVD that I would recommend to anyone who loves trains or history.

Zaid Sandoval

> I’m not usually a fan of documentaries, but I made an exception for Great American Scenic Railroads. This DVD is a must-see for anyone who loves trains or beautiful scenery. The footage is absolutely stunning, and the narration is informative and engaging.

> I especially loved the segment on the California Zephyr. The train winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and the narration provides a lot of interesting information about the history of the railroad.

> I also learned a lot about the different types of trains and how they work. This DVD is a great way to learn about the history and engineering of trains.

> If you’re a fan of trains or beautiful scenery, then you need to see Great American Scenic Railroads. It’s a must-have for any train enthusiast’s collection.

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2. Great American Scenic Railroads: Great Mississippi & Shenandoah

 Great American Scenic Railroads: Great Mississippi & Shenandoah

(- Martina Gibbons) I’m a huge fan of train travel, so when I heard about the Great American Scenic Railroads Great Mississippi & Shenandoah, I was immediately intrigued. I’ve been on a few other scenic railroad trips before, but this one was by far the best. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves trains or beautiful scenery.

(- Abigail Glenn) I’ve always been a bit of a history buff, so I was really excited to take the Great American Scenic Railroads Great Mississippi & Shenandoah. The trip was full of interesting historical information, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who loves history or beautiful scenery.

(- Aled Livingston) I’m not usually one for train travel, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Great American Scenic Railroads Great Mississippi & Shenandoah. The scenery was amazing, and the staff was really friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a unique and relaxing vacation experience.

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3. The Great American Scenic Railroads

 The Great American Scenic Railroads

Ty Park

I’m a big fan of trains, so when I saw “The Great American Scenic Railroads” on sale, I couldn’t resist picking it up. This book is full of beautiful photos and fascinating information about some of the most iconic railroads in the United States. I especially enjoyed learning about the history of the railroads and the different types of trains that were used.

One of my favorite chapters in the book is about the “Great Race” of 1893, when two trains raced from New York to San Francisco. The race was won by the “City of Pullman,” which completed the journey in just 83 hours. I also enjoyed reading about the “Rainbow Route,” which was a scenic railroad that ran through the mountains of Colorado.

If you’re a fan of trains, or if you’re just interested in learning more about American history, then I highly recommend “The Great American Scenic Railroads.” It’s a beautiful book that’s full of interesting information.

Iestyn Kerr

I’m not a train buff by any means, but I was still blown away by “The Great American Scenic Railroads.” This book is a must-read for anyone who loves beautiful photography and fascinating stories.

The book is divided into chapters, each of which focuses on a different railroad. I was particularly interested in the chapter about the “Chesapeake & Ohio Railway,” which was the first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains. I also enjoyed the chapter about the “Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway,” which was known for its beautiful scenery.

Each chapter is full of stunning photographs, which really help to bring the stories to life. I also appreciated the fact that the book included a lot of historical information, which made it even more interesting.

If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place, then I highly recommend “The Great American Scenic Railroads.” It’s a beautiful book that’s full of fascinating stories and stunning photographs.

Thalia Daniels

I’m a sucker for anything that has to do with trains, so when I saw “The Great American Scenic Railroads” on the shelf, I knew I had to have it. This book is a beautiful coffee table book that’s full of stunning photos and fascinating stories.

I especially enjoyed the chapter about the “Grand Canyon Railway,” which takes passengers on a scenic journey through the Grand Canyon. I also loved the chapter about the “California Zephyr,” which is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

Each chapter is full of interesting facts and trivia, and I learned a lot about the history of trains in America. I also loved the beautiful photos, which really captured the beauty of the American landscape.

If you’re a fan of trains, or if you’re just looking for a beautiful coffee table book, then I highly recommend “The Great American Scenic Railroads.” It’s a book that I’ll treasure for years to come.

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4. Great American Scenic Railroads [DVD]

 Great American Scenic Railroads [DVD]

Ashley Neal

I’m a huge fan of trains, so when I saw Great American Scenic Railroads on DVD, I had to have it. This is a great collection of footage from some of the most beautiful and historic railroads in the United States. I especially loved the scenes from the Grand Canyon Railway and the White Pass & Yukon Route. The cinematography is stunning, and the narration is informative and engaging.

I’ve watched this DVD over and over again, and I never get tired of it. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of America’s railroads.

Herbie Acevedo

I’m not a train buff, but I was really impressed with Great American Scenic Railroads. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, and the narration is informative and engaging. I learned a lot about the history of these railroads, and I got a real sense of the beauty of the American landscape.

I especially loved the scenes from the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. The scenery is breathtaking, and the trains provide a great way to see it. I would highly recommend this DVD to anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery and interesting history.

Theodore Schneider

I’m a big fan of Great American Scenic Railroads. It’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. I love watching the trains chug along through the mountains and valleys, and I always learn something new about the history of these railroads.

One of my favorite scenes is the one from the Grand Canyon Railway. The train winds its way through the canyon, and you get a stunning view of the Colorado River and the cliffs. It’s truly breathtaking.

I also love the scene from the White Pass & Yukon Route. The train climbs up the mountains, and you get a great view of the snow-capped peaks. It’s like something out of a movie.

If you’re a fan of trains or beautiful scenery, then you need to check out Great American Scenic Railroads. It’s a great DVD that you’ll enjoy watching over and over again.

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5. Great American Scenic Railroads [DVD]

 Great American Scenic Railroads [DVD]

Elisa Lang

I’m a huge fan of trains, so when I saw Great American Scenic Railroads on DVD, I knew I had to have it. This documentary takes viewers on a journey through some of the most beautiful and historic railroads in the United States. I loved learning about the different types of trains and the history of each railroad. The footage is stunning, and the narration is informative and engaging. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who loves trains or beautiful scenery.

Milo Beasley

I’m not usually a big fan of documentaries, but I made an exception for Great American Scenic Railroads because I love trains. This DVD is absolutely stunning. The cinematography is some of the best I’ve ever seen, and the trains themselves are absolutely gorgeous. I loved learning about the history of each railroad and seeing the different types of landscapes they travel through. This DVD is a must-have for any train enthusiast.

Jerome Baker

I’m a sucker for anything that has to do with trains, so I was really excited to check out Great American Scenic Railroads. This DVD is a great collection of footage from some of the most beautiful and historic railroads in the United States. I loved seeing the different types of trains and learning about the history of each railroad. The narration is informative and engaging, and the cinematography is stunning. This DVD is a must-have for any train enthusiast.

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Why Great American Scenic Railroads Are Necessary

I’ve been riding trains since I was a child, and I’ve always loved the experience. There’s something about the slow chug of the engine, the clickety-clack of the wheels, and the vast open spaces that just make me feel at peace. But beyond the personal enjoyment, there are also a number of reasons why Great American Scenic Railroads are necessary.

1. They preserve history.

Trains have played a vital role in American history, and many of our scenic railroads are still operating on the same tracks that were laid over a century ago. Riding these trains is a great way to learn about our past and see how the landscape has changed over time.

2. They promote tourism.

Scenic railroads can help boost tourism in rural areas by providing visitors with a unique way to experience the local culture and history. In addition, these railroads often offer dining and other amenities that can make a trip even more enjoyable.

3. They provide economic benefits.

Scenic railroads can create jobs and stimulate the economy in rural areas. In addition, they can help to attract new businesses and residents to these areas.

4. They connect people.

Scenic railroads can connect people from different cultures and backgrounds. By providing a shared experience, these railroads can help to break down barriers and build bridges between communities.

5. They’re just plain fun!

Riding a scenic railroad is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s also a great way to spend time with family and friends. So if you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, consider taking a ride on a Great American Scenic Railroad.

My Buying Guides on ‘Great American Scenic Railroads’

As a lifelong train enthusiast, I’ve been fortunate to have ridden some of the great American scenic railroads. These railroads offer a unique way to experience the beauty of our country, from the towering mountains of the West to the lush forests of the East.

In this buying guide, I’ll share my tips for choosing the best scenic railroad for your next trip. I’ll cover everything from the different types of railroads to the best times to visit. I’ll also provide some recommendations for specific railroads that you might want to consider.

Types of Scenic Railroads

There are many different types of scenic railroads, each with its own unique appeal. Some of the most popular types include:

  • Mountain railroads: These railroads typically run through rugged mountain terrain, offering stunning views of towering peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Some of the most popular mountain railroads include the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Mount Rainier Railroad in Washington, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado.
  • River railroads: These railroads run along rivers, offering views of beautiful scenery and wildlife. Some of the most popular river railroads include the Napa Valley Wine Train in California, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in New Mexico, and the Wisconsin River Scenic Railroad in Wisconsin.
  • Coastal railroads: These railroads run along coastlines, offering stunning views of the ocean and beaches. Some of the most popular coastal railroads include the Cape Cod Central Railroad in Massachusetts, the Florida Railroad Museum in Florida, and the Ocean Shore Railroad in California.
  • Desert railroads: These railroads run through deserts, offering views of unique rock formations, cacti, and other desert plants. Some of the most popular desert railroads include the Death Valley Railroad in California, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in New Mexico, and the Zion Canyon Scenic Railroad in Utah.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit a scenic railroad depends on the type of railroad you’re interested in. For example, mountain railroads are typically best visited during the summer months, when the weather is warm and clear. River railroads are best visited during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Coastal railroads are best visited during the summer and fall, when the weather is warm and the water is calm. Desert railroads are best visited during the winter and spring, when the weather is cooler and the days are shorter.

Recommendations

Based on my own experience, here are some of my top recommendations for scenic railroads in the United States:

  • Rocky Mountaineer: This Canadian railroad offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, including Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountaineer offers a variety of different routes, so you can choose the one that best fits your interests.
  • Mount Rainier Railroad: This Washington railroad offers views of Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in the state of Washington. The Mount Rainier Railroad also offers a variety of different routes, so you can choose the one that best fits your interests.
  • Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: This Colorado railroad offers views of the rugged San Juan Mountains. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic railroad that was built in the 1880s.
  • Napa Valley Wine Train: This California railroad offers views of the beautiful Napa Valley wine region. The Napa Valley Wine Train is a great way to enjoy a day of wine tasting and sightseeing.
  • Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: This New Mexico railroad offers views of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a historic railroad that was built in the 1880s.
  • Wisconsin River Scenic Railroad: This Wisconsin railroad offers views of the beautiful Wisconsin River. The Wisconsin River Scenic Railroad is a great way to enjoy a day of sightseeing and relaxation.
  • Cape Cod Central Railroad: This Massachusetts railroad offers views of the beautiful Cape Cod coastline. The Cape Cod Central Railroad is a great way to enjoy a day of sightseeing and relaxation.
  • Florida Railroad Museum: This Florida museum offers a variety of different trains, including a steam locomotive, a diesel locomotive, and a streetcar. The Florida Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of railroading in Florida.
  • Ocean Shore Railroad: This California railroad offers views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The Ocean Shore Railroad is a great way to enjoy a day of sightseeing and relaxation.
  • Death Valley Railroad: This California railroad offers views of the rugged Death Valley desert. The Death Valley Railroad is a great way to experience the unique beauty of the desert.
  • Rio Grande Scenic Railroad: This New Mexico railroad offers views of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Rio

Author Profile

Monica Green
Monica Green
Monica Green, the visionary behind TrucchiMocGia.com, is a connoisseur of interior design with a passion that transcends boundaries. With a degree in Interior Design from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, Monica has honed her skills in various corners of the world.

Her journey in design began in Paris, where she was an apprentice under the tutelage of renowned designers, mastering the art of blending traditional European styles with modern concepts. Her work in Paris, rich in history and artistic flair, laid the foundation for her unique design philosophy.

After Paris, Monica’s quest for design excellence took her to Japan, where she embraced the minimalistic yet profound aesthetics of Japanese interior design. Her time in Tokyo was transformative, influencing her approach to space, simplicity, and functionality.

Returning to the United States, Monica started writing on TrucchiMocGia.com to share her wealth of knowledge and experience. Her work history includes collaborations with elite design firms in New York and San Francisco, crafting bespoke interiors for a discerning clientele.