Like all Elementary and Jr. High school students before and after me, I recall eagerly looking forward to the summer break. For my brothers and me, one event that marked the end of the school year and the start of summer was an annual trip to Rusk to ride the trains.
The event was a pretty full day back then, or at least that’s how I remember it. We traveled through the East Texas county side in an old wooden passenger car and watched as the Piney Woods whisked pass the window. It’s odd the connections the mind makes.
The things I most vividly recall about those rail-road rides are the mundane things, sitting next to the rough wood window sill of the car; the sun shining through every break in the trees and burning my arm, the old wooden floors of the car, even buying cokes and concessions at the bar car.
By the end of the day, I was usually so hot and tired that staying awake on the bus ride home became impossible. The Texas State Railroad (TSRR) was established in 1881 by the state prison system and the rail lines themselves were laid by the inmates.
The line was completed in 1909 and has been operated by different groups throughout its succeeding history. Control of the Railroad was given to the Texas Parks and Wildlife department in 1972 and designated a historical park.
In 2007 private management was assigned although the line remains an historical state park. Riding the train is like stepping back into another time. The cars are well maintained to the period so it’s an opportunity to experience and interact with a piece of history.
The railroad line is offering several semi-regular semi-seasonal excursions. They include the Pineywoods Excursion, the Dogwood Excursions, the Jarvis Wye Special and the Maydelle Turntable Special. In addition to these regular outings there are also seasonal programs geared to families and children.
They are as follows: the Polar Express, the Lone Ranger Rides Again, Day Out with Thomas, (which, judging by the name my son would love this one), the Little Engine that could Rail Tour, the Great Pumpkin is Coming! Pumpkin Patch Express, The Peanuts Valentine Express, The Peanuts Easter Beagle Express and the TSRR Dinner trains (which is for grown- ups only).
The aspect of the Parks / Rail- lines that most interests me most are the Campgrounds located in both Rusk and Palestine. The parks offer visitors the unique opportunity to camp on the railroad grounds. The Rusk park in particular is well developed and offers a variety of activities, including fishing and swimming.
The campsites have power and water, as well as picnic areas and outdoor grills. Restrooms and showers are available for guests as are full hook-ups and dump stations for RV campers. The park in Palestine is somewhat more primitive, but still worthy of some investigation.
For information on scheduled events or campgrounds etc. visit the TSRR web-page at www.texasstaterr.com, or call toll free 1-888-987-2461, to make reservations.