Perhaps the best expenditure of your family dollars in Austin can be found in a purchase of some tickets on the Hill Country Flyer. This is the only Steam Train found in the Austin area and the trip is well worth the ticket price. There is nothing else in the Austin area that can compare to it, Perhaps even the Roller Girl extravaganza... perhaps.The train rides along tracks constructed in 1871 on a line that at one time extended all the way to Llano and runs Saturdays and Sundays from northwest Austin to Burnet, Texas and back during the same day from March through December. The trains leave Cedar Park at 10am and return at approximately 4:30 pm.
The trains’ arrival in Burnet is greeted by "desperados" on horseback that pose rather than threaten your children or you. The train is greeted by period automobiles and period music as well. Once you climb off the train, Burnet offers a great number and wealth of antique shops and restaurants for you and your family to sample. You can also visit the century old jail there and even book the entire train for special excursions for your particular group.
Their unique Steam Train engine (Southern Pacific 786) dates to 1916 and you can reserve your ride by coach or by lounge. The coach ride is in a 1920’s rail car with windows next to your seat that can be moved up or down; the lounge cars are climate controlled. They are air conditioned and heated and offer complimentary snacks and soft drinks. If you want to drink alcohol, you must provide your own beverages.
Their unique Steam Train engine (Southern Pacific 786) dates to 1916 and you can reserve your ride by coach or by lounge. The coach ride is in a 1920’s rail car with windows next to your seat that can be moved up or down; the lounge cars are climate controlled. They are air conditioned and heated and offer complimentary snacks and soft drinks. If you want to drink alcohol, you must provide your own beverages.
The Hill Country Flyer asks that you make your reservations with them at (512) 477-8468; they take cash, check or a credit card. This phone line is answered from 9am-4pm Monday through Friday. Children under 13 years of age qualify for child fares and seniors over 61 receive a discount. Groups of 20 or more can receive a discount fare and infants under 3 may ride free if you keep them on your lap. There is no smoking on the Hill Country Flyer allowed other than the smoke of the Steam Engine…
I have found no better way to travel back through time than when I take a trip on the Hill Country Flyer!
