Valentine’s Day train rides
Sometimes doing something together and on the spur of the moment is the best. Because even the best laid plans can go awry, trust me I know.
So … here is a quick, last-minute guide to some of the 2024 Valentine’s Day-themed train rides in the U.S. — just in case you feel like trying something more adventurous yet still very intimate.
And whether or not you are celebrating this holiday as a couple, there are plenty of opportunities below for a “Galentine’s Day” or “Guys Night Out” too. Enjoy.
This list is not all inclusive.
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
“Sweetheart Special”
Location: Alabama
Dates: Feb. 10 & 11
Enjoy 1.5 hours (round trip) train ride through the woods. Guests will visit Ozan Winery for wine tastings and pairings. Note: Wear appropriate walking shoes for an outdoor terrain.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
“Romancing the Rails” (Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. & Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m.)
“Love Train” (Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.)
“Oops, I Forgot” (Feb. 17 at 4 p.m.)
Location: Arkansas
Dates: Above
Enjoy a scenic tour through the Ozark Boston Mountains. Premium cars include a hot meal. Coach cars can add on a meal.
Verde Canyon Railroad
“Chocolate Lovers’ Special”
Location: Arizona
Dates: Feb. 10, 11, & 14. Various times
Enjoy a scenic train ride through Arizona’s red rock canyon with “decadent chocolates and romance-themed cocktails.”
River Fox Train
“Valentine’s Day Train”
Location: California
Dates: Feb. 13, 14, & 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a romantic dinner with love songs playing in the background.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
“Romance on the Rails”
Location: Colorado
Dates: Feb. 9 to 11 (9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Enjoy a day traveling on a vintage train through the Cascade Canyon. “Love Basket” available for purchase.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
“Valentine’s Trains”
Location: Colorado
Dates: Feb. 10, 11, & 14. Various times
First-class menu available. This ride includes a three-course lunch or dinner for you and that special someone.
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
“Valentine’s Dinner Train”
Location: Connecticut
Dates: Feb. 10 (6 p.m.), Feb. 11 (12 p.m.), Feb. 14 (6 p.m.), Feb. 17 (6 p.m.) & Feb. 18 (12 p.m.)
Enjoy a 2- to 2.5-hour excursion on a vintage train with a four-course meal while gazing at the Connecticut River Valley area. Note: Currently all sold out accept Feb. 18.
Historic SAM Short line Railroad
“Romantic Valentine’s Dinner Train”
Location: Georgia
Dates: Feb. 10 & 17 (5:30 p.m.)
Specialty packages available including dinner and drinks.
Nickel Plate Express
“Lonely-Hearts Club Valentine’s Express”
Location: Indiana
Dates: Feb. 14
Cocktails, conversations, mingling with other singles — all on a 75-minute excursion in Noblesville. “Embrace your single status” on a train ride this year.
Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad
“Valentine’s Train”
Location: Kansas
Date: Feb. 10 (6 p.m.)
Amanda Collins of Amanda’s Bakery and Bistro will be preparing the dinner for this evening.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
“Valentine’s Day Excursion”
Location: Kentucky
Date: Feb. 9 & 10
This 2.5 hour, 35-mile round trip includes a four-course meal, beverages, & … live music in the depot and on board the train. Keepsake wine glasses included.
Western Maryland Scenic
“Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train”
Location: Western Maryland
Date: Feb. 10 to 14th (Sold Out)
Three-course romantic dinner on an excursion through the Allegheny Mountains.
Cape Cod Central Railroad
“Romance on the Rails”
Location: Massachusetts
Date: Feb. 14
Five-course dinner and 3-hour train ride at night through the Cape Cod area. Beverages available for purchase. Also for “Galentine’s Day” or “Guys Night Out.”
Cape May Seashore Lines
“Valentine’s Express”
Location: New Jersey
Date: Feb. 9 to 11 (multiple times available)
Enjoy a 75-minute ride with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and refreshments. This is a BYOB event. Coach passengers will not be served food or have refreshments.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
“Valentine’s Day Dinner Train”
Location: Ohio
Date: Feb. 10 & 11
This is a 3-hour excursion through historic southeast Ohio back-country. Chef Alfonso Contrisciani will be preparing a four-course dinner.
Colebrookdale Railroad
“Valentine’s Dinner Train”
Location: Pennsylvania
Date: Feb. 10, 11, 14, 16, & 17 (dinner time departures)
This is a 2-hour round trip with a dinner option.
New Hope Railroad
“Valentine’s Excursion”
Location: Pennsylvania
Dates: Feb. 10, 11, & 14. Various times
Food and beverages available for this 1-hour excursion in the wooded foothills of Bucks County.
Tennessee Central Railway Museum
“Valenshines Moonshine Sippin’ Excursion Train” (Feb. 10, 3 hours)
“Valentine’s Wine Train” (Feb. 17, 6.5 hours — sold out)
Location: Tennessee
Dates: Above
Four different types of Ole Smoky Shine samples, and snack bags available for purchase. The “Valentine’s Wine Train” has live music and wine tastings.
Tennessee Valley Railroad
“Valentine Train Ride”
Location: Tennessee
Dates: Feb., 10, 11, & 13 (sold out)
A 2-hour excursion with a four-course dinner served in historic dining cars.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
“Sweetheart Wine Train”
Location: Texas
Date: Feb. 14
Sweet and savory bites available with wine. Complimentary rose and souvenir wine glass.
And don’t forget a gift! Read, “A Valentine’s Day gift guide for the contemporary model railroader.”
