All Aboard These 9 Top Georgia Train Rides
If you have a little train lover in your family, you’re in luck! Georgia is rich in railroad history. Here are nine of the best train excursions in Georgia for your future engineer.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia
1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge
By no means have we made our rounds to every train adventure in Georgia, but of those we have visited, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is our family favorite. Our kids prefer the open-air car for the ride from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, where we straddle the Georgia/Tennessee line for a photo and enjoy lunch by the river.
Train at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia
2. Stone Mountain Park in Metro Atlanta
Catch a ride on the 1940s open-air train for a ride around the base of Stone Mountain. Your ride is free with an Adventure Pass into the park.
The General locomotive at the Southern Museum in Kennesaw, Georgia
3. Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw
At the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw, you’ll find a plethora of artifacts from the Civil War, including much about the use of railroads during that time period. The best part? This is home to "The General," the train made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.
Locust Grove Train Watching Platform
4. Locust Grove Train Watching Platform in Locust Grove
Pack a picnic and spread out on the safe and comfy Locust Grove Train Watching Platform to watch more than 40 trains pass through each day.
Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia
5. Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth
Visitors are free to roam the Southeastern Railway Museum grounds in Duluth, closely examining more than 90 pieces of transit equipment. Several cars beckon to be explored from inside. Be sure to see the website for multiple family-friendly events throughout the year.
Historic SAM Shortline Railroad in Cordele, Georgia
6. Historic SAM Shortline Railroad in Cordele
Ride a vintage SAM Shortline train from Cordele to one of several stops, including Leslie, home of the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum and Plains, hometown of President Jimmy Carter. Stay overnight at Lake Blackshear Resort to make it a weekend to remember.
Georgia Coastal Railway in Kingsland, Georgia
7. Georgia Coastal Railway in Kingsland
Although adults are welcome, the Georgia Coastal Railway in Kingsland sets its sights on introducing kids to railway adventure. Try the Good Ole Train Ride or the Shipwreckers Pirate Train through woodlands and marsh.
Thronateeska Heritage Center in Albany, Georgia
8. Thronateeska Heritage Center in Albany
Walk through Albany’s historic Union Station and view a steam locomotive at the Thronateeska Heritage Center. Don’t miss the Model Railroad Exhibit inside one of the train cars. If you are looking for a family adventure in Albany, here are a few other optimal stops.
Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah, Georgia
9. Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah
The Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah, a national historic landmark, includes an operational turntable. Visitors can explore railcars and take guided tours. Rides are also available on steam or diesel trains.
