A smiling young girl looks out a train window with mountains in the background.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

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.

A train travels through the mountains with colorful trees along the route.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia

1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

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 to McCaysville, where we straddle the Georgia/Tennessee line for a photo and enjoy lunch by the river.

A scenic train sits on the tracks with a large stone mountain in the distance.

Train at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia

2. Stone Mountain Park

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.

A train engine sits inside a museum.

The General locomotive at the Southern Museum in Kennesaw, Georgia

3. Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History

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.

A viewing platform sits along train tracks.

Locust Grove Train Watching Platform 

4. Locust Grove Train Watching Platform

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.

The interior of a train museum.

Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia

5. Southeastern Railway Museum

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.

A train runs along the tracks with trees in the background.

Historic SAM Shortline Railroad in Cordele, Georgia

6. SAM Shortline Train

Ride a vintage SAM Shortline train from Cordele to one of several stops, including Leslie, Georgia, home of the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum and Plains, made famous by Jimmy Carter. An overnight at Lake Blackshear Resort will make it a weekend to remember.

Steam puffs from a black train chugging along the tracks.

Georgia Coastal Railway in Kingsland, Georgia

7. Georgia Coastal Railway

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.

A small child looks up at a large train engine sitting in the station.

Thronateeska Heritage Center in Albany, Georgia

8. Thronateeska Heritage Center

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.

A group rides a small cart on train tracks.

Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah, Georgia

9. Georgia State Railroad Museum

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.

Published: January 2024
Written by: Lesli Peterson
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