I’ve been fascinated with train travel since I was a child. Back in the late sixties as a 5 year old I was put on a train with my aunt to make the trip from Nebraska to Washington State. Unfortunately, I was sick the entire time so they took me off the train, I believe at the first stop, and sent me back to Omaha. I understand I finally made that trip via car and I’ve been in Seattle since 1966.
That was sadly the last train trip I’ve ever taken. On the west coast they’re not a part of our everyday routine like they are in many areas in the NE. However, just because I haven’t ridden on one doesn’t mean I’m not fascinated with travel by rail. I am! When our kids were small, we spent many hours watching trains pass by down at the Seattle Waterfront and at Golden Gardens Park and as adults we don’t miss a chance to check out and take photos with trains of all sizes, shapes, and ages.
My husband is a huge fan of trains as well, probably more so than myself, and one of these days the two of us are going to take a trip by rail. Until then, we like to check out railway museums and special events and there’s a big event coming up soon!
National Train Day is happening on May 12, 2012 and select cities will be having great activities for families! If you’re in NYC, LA, Chicago, or Philadelphia you have the chance attend an event with interactive exhibits, live entertainment, kid’s activities, tours of Amtrak train cars – freight, commuter, and private – as well as amazing model train sets, and more.
National Train Day Video
Don’t worry if you’re not in or near these cities – there are hundreds of smaller events around the country for you to check out on the 143rd anniversary of the creations of the 1st transcontinental railroad. With the placement of one “golden spike” on May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways were tied together.
Sadly we’re not in any of the cities having the large National Train Day celebrations so we’ll check for a local event. For those of you in the selected cities I’d recommend going and taking the kids – check out these fun activities just for them in the Kid’s Depot!
National Train Day Kid’s Depot Activities |
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Chicago
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Los Angeles
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Philadelphia
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New York City
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National Train Day – See More on a Train Contest
As part of this great event, upload your photo or video to the National Train Day Gallery – it’s your entry for a chance to win a fabulous Grand Prize of an all-expense paid Amtrak Vacations Rail Package for two! Some of the suggested vacations are to the Grand Canyon, San Francisco or New Orleans. There are other prizes available as well including an Amtrak ticket or a DSLR camera to record your fabulous vacation.
National Train Day – Social Media Links
Enter to Win!
Win two fun and educational toys – Stakadoos (create a train with this fun building set!) and Elemenosqueeze – to Celebrate National Train Day! ARV is $60!
Please wait for the Rafflecopter widget to load fully to enter. These fun prizes will be won by one lucky reader. They were provided by a 3rd party and we were not compensated for hosting this giveaway.
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I would love to but they’re so expensive
I have really never been on a train except for a short trip downtown Chicago
I went to visit my sister in San Diego and I took the train to Los Angeles to visit my aunt and uncle!
We have taken the four hour train ride in both Tennessee and North Georgia when visiting the mountains.
I’ve never took a trip on a train. I’ve been on them at a train museum before.
I have taken a train up the coast of Calif. to Santa Barbara.
I’ve never taken a trip by train. I’ve been on the subway, but never a real train ride, lol.
I have always wanted to take a trip by train.
My son is obsessed with trains!
I’ve never been fascinated with trains. But you definitely sparked my interest! Love the site,
Thanks Scott! I hope you’ll visit again.
I take a train every week to the city for work. It would be fun to take a trip just for pleasure.