All Aboard These 9 Georgia Train Rides

By no means have we made our rounds to every train adventure in Georgia, but of those we have visited, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is our family favorite. Our kids prefer the open-air car for the ride to McCaysville, where we straddle the Georgia/Tennessee line for a photo and enjoy lunch by the river. This train ride made our list of Georgia Adventures Every Kid Must Experience.

Catch a ride on the 1940s open-air train for a ride around the base of Stone Mountain. Your ride is free with an Adventure Pass into the park.

At the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw, you’ll find a plethora of artifacts from the Civil War, including much about the use of railroads during that time period. The best part? This is home to "The General," the train made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.

Pack a picnic and spread out on the safe and comfy Locust Grove Train Watching Platform to watch more than 40 trains pass through each day.

Visitors are free to roam the Southeastern Railway Museum grounds in Duluth, closely examining more than 90 pieces of transit equipment. Several cars beckon to be explored from inside. Be sure to see the website for multiple family-friendly events throughout the year. My toddler loves the Mommy and Me program.

Ride a vintage SAM Shortline train from Cordele to one of several stops, including Leslie, Georgia, home of the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum and Plains, made famous by Jimmy Carter. An overnight at Lake Blackshear Resort will make it a weekend to remember.

Although adults are welcome, the Georgia Coastal Railway in Kingsland sets its sights on introducing kids to railway adventure. Try the Good Ole Train Ride or the Shipwreckers Pirate Train through woodlands and marsh.

Walk through Albany’s historic Union Station and view a steam locomotive at the Thronateeska Heritage Center. Don’t miss the Model Railroad Exhibit inside one of the train cars. If you are looking for a family adventure in Albany, here are a few other optimal stops.

The Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah, a national historic landmark, includes an operational turntable. Visitors can explore railcars and take guided tours. Rides are also available on steam or diesel trains.