The Strasburg Rail Road is one of Lancaster’s most popular tourist attractions

Hop aboard the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County, PA and experience for yourself one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions. With a wide range of options to choose from, you and your family are sure to find an appealing day trip among the many train schedules awaiting your scenic ride through the rolling, rural hills of Dutch Country.

The Strasburg Rail Road was founded in 1832 and is the nation’s oldest short line railroad. At first, the rail was used primarily as a passenger carrier and freight train and served many prominent purposes. By the 1950s, however, the train was used less and less after other transportation and road developments came into use, and then a series of violent storms brought damage to the Strasburg Rail Road. But thanks to rail fans/enthusiasts, Donald E. L. Hallock and Henry K. Long, a group was formed with an objective to preserve the Strasburg Rail Road. The group obviously was successful, and so was born one of Lancaster’s most entertaining attractions.

The railroad holds several special event schedules and outings for children and adults alike. Popular enjoyments include: A Day Out With Thomas, Santa’s Paradise Express and Trains and Troops—a popular Veterans Day train event. Combo Passes are also available and allow families to select the option of a train ride along with a visit to another area attraction including Dutch Wonderland, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm or the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania which is located at the East Strasburg Station and features over 100 locomotives and rail cars.

Other nearby attractions await your visitation at and around the East Strasburg Station. Children may especially enjoy the Cagney Steam Train which is a miniature version of the railroad. Established around 1915, children will love trying their hand at powering the small cranky car. Families will learn plenty of interesting facts about the area’s heritage, Amish culture and railroad agriculture. If you get hungry the Trackside Café serves up plenty of options.
Source:http://www.examiner.com/x-3819-Baltimore-Day-Trips-Examiner~y2009m9d9