The Texas State Railroad established in 1881 and is a real treasure in East Texas. We should all take a ride! The historic railroad offers train excursions with a relaxing ride through the beautiful piney woods. The Texas State Railroad is celebrating its 16th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces for the Memorial Day weekend starting Friday, May 23 until Sunday, May 25 at the Palestine depot.

This year’s event has been expanded to three days and will feature the traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and its accompanying Cost of Freedom Tribute. At 80 percent the size of the original wall in our nation’s capitol, this replica contains every name engraved on the original. The purpose of this annual event is to pay tribute to all branches and all eras of service to our country.

The Patriot Train departs at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day for a short (approximately one hour) round-trip run to the Jarvis Wye and back.

Tickets prices are as follows:

  • Lone Star Premium Price: $30 for adults, $20 for children 2 to 12 (children under age 2 ride for free!) and $27 for seniors.
  • Standard Price: $20 for adults, $15 for children 2 to 12 (children under age 2 ride for free!) and $18 for seniors.

The Texas State Railroad also wants to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the military with a FREE ride on this special train that will be decked out in red, white and blue!

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