The city of Grapevine has always kept history at the forefront as it continues to grow and expand its long list of family entertainment options. It was in keeping with this philosophy of old meets new that inspired the city to purchase and restore a vintage 1896 diesel locomotive and several Victorian-era inspired coaches. Now celebrating 30 years of traversing the rails of North Texas, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad (GVRR) is still chugging along and bringing smiles to passengers of all ages.
The GVRR primarily relies on two engines for its travels — a 1953 diesel GP-7 engine called “Vinny” and a centuries-old steam engine named “Puffy.” Almost every week, the train takes off from downtown Grapevine’s Cotton Belt Railroad Depot at Main Street and rides around the metroplex. With two open-air touring coaches and four fully-restored and air-conditioned 1925 day coaches, passengers have several ways to ride on the rails in style.
“It's a very family-friendly experience,” says Leigh Lyons, the managing director of sales, marketing and communications for the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s a great way to experience how folks would have traveled across the western part of the country many years ago.”
It all came to be in 2000 when the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau purchased the railroad steam engine and six vintage passenger cars from the Fort Worth and Western Railroad (FWWR). Since 1993, the FWWR ran a route from Eighth Avenue to the Stockyards under the name “Tarantula Train” in recognition of the route’s many legs around Fort Worth. However, the word “tarantula” scared younger riders, and just as the cars were remodeled, so too was its name.
Touring The Tracks
The GVRR’s signature ride heads from the Grapevine Depot through Tarrant County into the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Known as the Cotton Belt Route, this 65-mile weekend excursion connects Grapevine and Fort Worth’s historic districts, offering riders a unique window into the past.
While disembarked in Fort Worth, visitors can watch the twice-daily cattle drives through the Stockyards National Historic District, as well as the Stockyards Station, which has become a festival marketplace replete with food, entertainment and vendors.
With two hours to explore, kids can have fun interacting with the goats and sheep at the Fort Worth Petting Zoo across the street, while horseback, stagecoach and carriage rides can be booked at the Stockyard Stables nearby. When it’s time for a treat, a scoop of ice cream at Melt in Mule Valley always hits the spot. And if you and your little cowboy or cowgirl are looking for new boots, Old Gringo’s new flagship store will get them fitted just in time for the rodeo.
When it’s time to leave, the engine rides onto a turntable and switches tracks for the return ride home. Trips depart at 12:30 p.m. and return to Grapevine by 7 p.m., allowing passengers plenty of time to see all of the stockyard sites.
Two shorter trips are available regularly on the GVRR as well. The Grapevine Bear Creek Short Line lasts roughly one hour and is well-suited for younger children. It has a built-in storyline about stopping the notorious Mustang Jones from robbing the train. There is also the Trinity River Train Excursion, which departs from the Fort Worth Stockyards Station for a 45-minute ride. All three of the GVRR’s rides offer a unique view of the region and many smiling, waving onlookers along the route.
Beyond the standard rides, a series of special excursions dot the calendar and further punctuate the GVRR’s reputation as a fun attraction for passengers of all ages. This month, dads will enjoy hopping aboard for a Father’s Day train ride, while wine lovers can enjoy sipping varietals along to the tunes of ‘60s surf music along the Summer Wine Train in July.
However, many of the special excursions are tailored specifically to children.
Young fans of “Thomas The Tank Engine” can enjoy “A Day Out With Thomas,” in which the famed British locomotive takes passengers for a ride. This annual event is hosted in conjunction with Frisco’s Museum of the American Railroad. Riders can also get their pictures taken with Thomas, play games, win stickers and prizes and meet Sir Topham Hatt.
“We have a lot of families that come whose children really love trains,” Lyons says. “They’ve spent some time watching ‘Thomas The Tank Engine.’ They really want that authentic train experience.”
Proof that the GVRR is indeed a train for all seasons is the fact its most popular event celebrates the Christmas season. Running from the day after Thanksgiving until December 23rd, the North Pole Express began in the early 2000s as the Polar Express route, building on the popularity of Chris Van Allburg’s book and the subsequent film. Youngsters on the hour-long round trip wore their pajamas and listened to a reading of “The Polar Express,” with the ultimate highlight being a visit from Santa Claus. The GVRR has expanded on this framework to create an even more memorable Christmas excursion experience that includes caroling, cookies and a special visit from Mrs. Claus.
With a longstanding history and providing more than 300 rides each year, the GVRR continues to provide lasting memories for area families.
Clayton Trutor teaches history at Norwich University in Vermont. He is the author of the forthcoming “Boston Ball: Jim Calhoun, Rick Pitino, Gary Williams, And College Basketball’s Forgotten Cradle of Coaches” (2023). He’d love to hear from you on Twitter @ClaytonTrutor.