If you are looking for a unique way to see the Austin area, you should consider a visit to the Austin Steam Train Association Museum. This nonprofit organization restores and operates vintage steam locomotives and train cars. It has more than 30 vintage cars and two vintage locomotives, including a 1916 steam locomotive and a 1960 diesel locomotive. The museum also offers train rides on the Hill Country Flyer, Bertram Flyer, North Pole Flyer, Sunset Express, Vodka Train, and Wine Train. You can visit this amazing museum at 401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100, Cedar Park, TX 78613.
The AUSTIN STEAM TRAIN ASSOCIATION MUSEUM is located at 401 E WHITESTONE BLVD C-100, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613. The museum is open daily from 11am until 10pm. Admission is free. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile or kilometer.
The museum’s volunteers are an integral part of its success. More than 125 volunteers work for the museum and are certified to perform specific tasks. Most of them have specialized training in their areas of expertise. The executive director, Alicia Vaughn, was inspired by her love of trains ten years ago. She previously worked in marketing and nonprofit administration. She became the museum’s executive director in January. The museum is working to restore a historic steam locomotive and a 1960 diesel locomotive that is due to come back to the fleet in late 2022 or early 2023. The museum generates 75% of its operating budget from ticket sales.
This museum has a unique collection of antique steam locomotives and offers rides on them. You can also explore historic buildings from the 19th century and observe native wildlife. There are even special events that happen here, such as a 4th of July celebration and the Rail of Lights Christmas train. During the holiday season, you can even see alligators on a train ride.