Strasburg Rail Road - Strasburg, Pennsylvania - authentic old-fashioned railroad rides and attractions

Founded in 1832, the Strasburg Rail Road is steeped in American heritage and history. President Abraham Lincoln rode the Strasburg Rail Road during his inaugural train ride in 1861. The tracks were used for passenger and freight transportation before acting exclusively as a part of the freight interchange of the Pennsylvania Railroad. By the mid-twentieth century, the advent of the highway system decreased the need for locomotive services. The tracks would have fallen into disarray had it not been for the petitions of local industrialists and train enthusiasts.

Today, the Strasburg Rail Road offers train fans the opportunity to take a glimpse into the past with its beautifully restored old-fashioned train cars and engines. Visitors can take a ride on these fully furnished cars and enjoy the views of the Lancaster area farmlands. The Strasburg Rail Road offers several different ride types at varying prices points depending on age. These rides include the President's Car, a Wine and Cheese Train, First-Class Parlor, Coach Class cars, Open Air rides, and L.O. & S. Self-propelled Motor Cars. Each ride offers a unique view of the old-fashioned railroad system and the surrounding Amish countryside.

The biggest attraction for children is the Day Out With Thomas tour. Children, parents, and grandparents can take a ride on a full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine, guided by Sir Topham Hatt. Day Out With Thomas is a tour program that runs at varying times during the year at most heritage railroads throughout the country. The 2009 dates for the Strasburg Rail Road include June 13-21, September 12-20, and December 4-6. Ticket prices are $18 for ages 2 and up. Combo tickets for Day Out With Thomas and a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road are also available for $25 for ages 3 and up. Children 2 and under can ride the regular train for free, but must be paid for at the regular ticket price for the Day Out With Thomas ride.

Before or after a ride on the rails, visitors to the Strasburg Rail Road can make a stop at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which features a collection of railcars and locomotives. There is also the Noon Shop Tour, a look into how the cars are built and refurbished. Visitors can also learn how to operate a pump car and take a tour of an authentic railroad switch tower.

Strasburg Rail Road has several shops that offer everything a train enthusiast could wish for, including books and DVDs dedicated to antique trains and railroads. There is also a store that is completely stocked with Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise.

Combo packs are available including Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Combo Pass, which includes a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road and admission to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and costs $20 for adults 12 and over, $12 for children ages 3-11, and free for children 2 and under. The Rail Road Baron Pass, which costs $55 for all ages and includes a ride on the First-Class Car; unlimited rides on the Coach and Dining and Open Air cars; admission to Noon Shop Tour; unlimited rides on Cagney Train, Pump Car, and Cranky Car; and admission to Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Several other combo packs are available for the Strasburg Rail Road and surrounding Lancaster County attractions as well. For more information call 717-687-7522.