Looking for family friendly fall and Halloween themed events in Texas?
Take the kids and enjoy a ride aboard the fun-filled Pumpkin Patch Express of the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, Texas!
This Halloween special train excursion is beloved by kids of all ages!
Also Read: Plan a ride on the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, Texas
Where is the Texas State Railroad?
Did you know, the Texas State Railroad is the official railroad of Texas?!
The historic railway is located in the Piney Woods region of Eastern Texas.
The 25 mile train track connects Palestine and Rusk and was built by the Texas Prison System in 1896.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Palestine, Texas
About the Pumpkin Patch Express, Palestine
The Pumpkin Patch Express special event train is a perfect way to celebrate the Harvest season for families.
The Pumpkin Patch train excursion is held on weekends in late October.
The train leaves twice a day at 10 am and 1 pm; check the website for schedule and to book the tickets.
The short train ride lasts about 30 minutes, starts at Rusk Depot, and promises lots of fall fun!
The duration of the ride is perfect for the short attention span of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Pumpkin Patch Express Car Options
The 1920s trains are pulled by either the vintage diesel locomotive or the steam powered engine.
Visitors can book first class or coach including the open air cars for the ride.
All cars have attendants that distribute water and fruit juice among the passengers, narrate information about the railroad, and describe things to do at the Pumpkin Patch.
The train also has a concession car that sells snacks and beverages.
Pumpkin Patch Train Ride Experience
Both the Rusk Railroad Depot and the vintage train are decorated for the occasion with fall-themed décor.
The rail cars sport Halloween themed streamers and banners; adorable stickers of friendly ghosts, cats and jack-o-lanterns adorn the train car windows.
The train ride is very festive.
The car attendants are amazing with the children and play a variety of games with them during the ride.
They also hand out trick or treat bags and pumpkin decorating kits to the children.
Kids can come to the event in their Halloween costumes and even enjoy trick or treating at the Pumpkin Patch.
Texas State Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch
Texas State Railroad’s Piney Woods Pumpkin Patch is a large, fun-filled event.
Kids can enjoy a variety of activities including trick-or-treating, hay rides, bouncy houses, Pumpkin Patch photo ops, treasure hunt amongst corn harvest, and more.
Children can also pick out their pumpkins, decorate them with stickers, and take them home.
It is fun to see dozens of little Spiderman, Batman, Tinker Bell, and Disney princesses participating in the activities.
The Pumpkin Patch Express train ride is very well managed and a hit with kids.
The Polar Express at Texas State Railroad
Texas State Railroad also organizes a special themed train ride for Christmas.
Aboard the Polar express, children get to meet Santa Claus and read the famous story book.
This is one of the best things to do in East Texas during the holiday season.
You can read more about the entire Polar Express Palestine train ride experience here.
Are you planning to visit the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, Texas?
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