OutsideJun 15
The Best Stargazing Train Journeys Across the Country
From steam-powered star trains to moonlit railbike rides through redwood forests, these are the best night sky train adventures across America.
nearby park with Dark Sky Rangers
25 things in this story
- Nevada Northern RailwayMuseumruns nighttime astronomy trains
- Great Basin National ParkSightnearby park with Dark Sky Rangers
- Elsewhere
- Sky RailwayPlaceSanta Fe, United Statesruns 'Stargazer' service from Santa Fe depot
- Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RailroadAttractionChama, United Statesoperates Dark Sky Train excursions
- Continental Divide TrailTrailChama, United Statesroute crosses remote mountain terrain
- Verde Canyon RailroadPlaceClarkdale, United Statesoffers Saturday Starlight Adventures
- Taawaki InnHotelClarkdale, United Statesnew boutique hotel next to the depot
- Tuzigoot National MonumentNature reserveClarkdale, United Statesviews toward monument from Taawaki Inn
- Santa Fe Sky RailwayPlaceSanta Fe, United Statesco-founded by George R. R. Martin
- Galisteo BasinNature reserveSanta Fe, United Statesdark skies south of Santa Fe
- Skunk TrainPlaceFort Bragg, United Statesruns Moonlight Railbikes to Glen Blair Bar Junction
- Glen Blair Bar JunctionSightFort Bragg, United Statesoff-grid bar destination for railbikes
- Allentown & Auburn RailroadPlaceKutztown, United StatesFirefly Express runs through Pennsylvania Dutch countryside
- Oregon Coast Scenic RailroadMuseumGaribaldi, United Statesadults-only Moonlight Excursion
- Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern RailroadPlaceKempton, United StatesHarvest Moon Special timed to annual harvest moon
- Catskill Mountain RailroadTrain stationKingston, United Statesruns Twilight Limited train
- Napa Valley Wine TrainAttractionNapa, United StatesVista Dome Dinner rolls through wine country
- Tennessee Valley Railroad MuseumMuseumChattanooga, United StatesEvening Ridge Runner departs Chattanooga
- Railyard Arts DistrictNeighborhoodSanta Fe, United Statesrefurbished depot area in downtown Santa Fe
- Pelican BrewingRestaurantGaribaldi, United Stateslocal beer sampled on excursion
- Nehalem Bay WineryPlaceGaribaldi, United Stateswine sampled on excursion
- Twin’s Ranch CafeRestaurantGaribaldi, United Statesprepared charcuterie boxes and sandwiches
- Overboard Stride SocietyPlaceKempton, United Statesperform live music after excursion
- Saratoga Corinth & Hudson RailwayPlaceCorinth, United StatesMoonlight Moonshine Express offers whiskey tastings
- C9 BridgeSightKingston, United Statescrosses Esopus Creek