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Florida is famous for beaches and theme parks, but some of its best views come through a train window at about the speed of a lazy Sunday. From the sugarcane fields near Lake Okeechobee to the farm country outside Williston, a handful of trains still roll through scenery most drivers zip past on the highway.
This list covers six rides across the state, including a weekend heritage excursion, a dinner train with a comedy whodunit, a pocket-sized park loop, and a holiday farm train that changes its theme with the seasons. Some are quick and cheap enough for a spur-of-the-moment outing with the kids, while others make a fun all-day trip, so save this one for the next time someone asks what to do this weekend.
1. Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish, FL
A 1954 dining car is one of the seats you might land on this ride, and that detail alone sets the tone. The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish runs a 13-mile weekend excursion that turns local history into something you can actually sit inside.
The trip lasts about an hour and a half. Passengers can switch to an outdoor passenger car to take in the countryside and fresh air, which is where many folks end up once the train gets moving.
Partway through, the train stops at an old station with a small museum. The crew then moves the engine to the other end of the train for the return trip, a fun bit of railroad know-how that kids tend to watch closely.
Back at the main grounds, there is a model train display and a gift shop. The museum also hosts special events, including Civil War reenactments viewed from inside the train cars and a chili cook-off.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with parking free on-site. Saturdays fill up fast, so buying tickets ahead is smart.
There is no restaurant, so pack snacks or plan lunch nearby.
2. Sugar Express, Clewiston, FL
Clewiston calls itself sugar country for good reason, and the Sugar Express lets you see why from a restored steam-era train. Miles of sugarcane stretch out on both sides, followed by rows of orange groves.
I like this one because it shows a side of Florida that rarely makes the postcards. Interior farm country around Lake Okeechobee is flat, wide, and surprisingly pretty from a rail car.
One route runs from Clewiston to Lake Placid, which gives you two small towns to poke around in on the same trip. It is an easy way to turn a train ride into a full day trip through inland Florida.
Riders can choose between climate-controlled cars and an open-air car. The open car is the pick for photos, while the enclosed cars are a relief on hot afternoons.
Snacks, drinks, and souvenirs are available on board, and the crew is happy to answer questions about the route and the train itself. Parking is free, and getting tickets in advance is recommended.
3. Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Fort Myers, FL
Who did it, and will dessert arrive before the big reveal? That question drives an entire evening on this Fort Myers dinner train.
The ride lasts about three and a half hours on a retro passenger train. While the scenery passes by, actors perform a comic mystery, and guests try to piece together the clues between courses.
Dinner is a five-course American meal prepared by a chef on board. Menu highlights have included prime rib, chicken cordon bleu, and apple spice cake.
The show leans funny rather than spooky. That makes it a good fit for birthdays, anniversaries, or a group outing where everyone wants to play detective.
This is the splurge on the list, with prices running more than $100 per person. Reservations are required, so plan ahead, especially for Saturday evenings when demand peaks.
Parking is free, and the office is located on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.
4. Walt Disney World Railroad, Golden Oak, FL
Tired feet are the secret reason so many families climb aboard this train. The Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom gives you a seat, a breather, and a whole new angle on the park.
It is a vintage-style passenger train that rolls around the park, so you see lands and scenery from a view you will not get while weaving through crowds. Little ones usually treat the train itself as the main attraction.
Since it is included with park admission, there is no extra cost to ride. That makes it an easy add-on for anyone already spending the day at Magic Kingdom.
I would save this one for midafternoon, when lines elsewhere get long and the heat starts to wear on everyone. A loop on the train lets the group rest without losing time.
Listed hours run daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., though it is wise to check the park app the day of your visit for current operations.
5. Railroad Museum of South Florida Train Ride, Fort Myers, FL
Not every great train ride needs a whole afternoon. The Railroad Museum of South Florida in Fort Myers keeps things short and sweet with a 15-minute mini-train ride around its park grounds.
That bite-size length is exactly the appeal for families with toddlers or young kids who are just starting to love trains. You get the fun of boarding and riding without the restless wiggles of a longer excursion.
The museum sits on Gladiolus Drive, which makes it an easy stop to pair with other errands or outings around south Fort Myers.
Weekday hours run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and weekends stretch until 4 p.m. Restrooms are on-site, but there is no restaurant, so plan snacks accordingly.
It is a low-pressure way to introduce kids to rail travel, and a nice warm-up before trying one of the longer rides on this list.
6. Kirby Family Farm, Williston, FL
Few farms in Florida have a train that changes its personality with the calendar. Kirby Family Farm in Williston runs a Christmas train ride, a Halloween ride, and a Western-themed train ride, depending on the season.
The setting is classic north central Florida farm country. The route passes open fields and wooded areas that give each themed ride a fitting backdrop.
Look around the property and you will spot a historic Ringling Brothers train, rows of military vehicles, and a little town scene. Those extras make the farm a curious place to wander before or after your ride.
The holiday rides are the big draw for families, so check the farm’s website for dates and ticket details before heading out. Parking is free on-site.
Williston is an easy drive from Gainesville and Ocala, which makes this a handy seasonal outing for anyone in the area looking for a tradition the whole family can repeat each year.
