The Grapevine Vintage Railroad operates the only 19th-century steam locomotive in Texas. Based at the restored 1888 Cotton Belt depot in downtown Grapevine, the railroad runs over 21 miles of former Cotton Belt track into the famous Fort Worth Stockyards Station. It also includes a 6-mile branch line running south from the mall across the Trinity River.
Choices
A 90-minute ride takes you from Grapevine to the Stockyards, and the 1½-hour layover allows ample time for exploring the Stockyard’s many offerings. The Trinity River 1-hour excursion passes through Trinity Park and the Fort Worth Zoo along a segment of the famous Chisholm Trail. Vinny, a former AT&SF Electro-Motive GP7, provides the motive power for the train. Trains carry four 1925-era day coaches featuring 19th-century décor, plus a pair of open-air excursion coaches.
When to go
Regular excursions run from March through December. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, they operate Friday through Sunday. Frequency is reduced to two days (Saturday and Sunday) during the rest of the season. One-hour fun trains operate on Saturdays. The line offers numerous special events including train robberies and wine tastings, as well as holiday trains.
Good to know
The Grapevine to the stockyards round-trip excursion has assigned seating. Puffy, an 1896 Cooke 4-6-0 steam locomotive, shares train-hauling duties with Vinny, the GP7 diesel, depending on availability.
Worth doing
True to its name, Grapevine is home to numerous wineries with regular tours and a special Grapefest celebration in September.
Don’t miss
During the Trinity River trip, the train crosses both channels of the river, goes through Trinity Park, and stops in a switchyard before returning to the Stockyards. During the trip, a narrative of the history of Fort Worth and the railroad is provided.
Getting there
The city of Grapevine is adjacent to the northwest corner of DFW Airport. Three highways (114, 121, and 360) intersect at Grapevine, with I-30 being a few miles south of the airport and I-35E a few miles east
Location: 636 Main Street, Grapevine, TX
Phone: 817-410-3185
Website: gvrr.com
E-mail: Form on website
