National Train Day

Temple has a rich history when it comes to its railroad origins. The city boasts several tributes to the trains that gave Temple its start. Visitors can find train sculptures throughout downtown, take a ride at the working Amtrak station, stop by the CentraMOD model train club, or explore the permanent and rotating exhibits at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.

Every year, the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum hosts a special train-themed event to honor Temple's history and National Train Day.

The National Train Day event is held on May 4 this year as a special themed Family Day event.

National Train Day commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad project with the placement of the golden spike in Promontory, Utah. The event was initiated by Amtrak in 2008 to raise awareness about the benefits of train travel and to celebrate the rich history of trains in the United States. 

The event is scheduled from 10 AM to 3 PM and offers a wide range of activities for ticket holders, including speeder cars, hot dogs, glitter tattoos, and much more.

Tickets for the event are priced at $5 each.

Each ticket will grant you access to all the activities at the event, entrance to the museum, and a ride on the Speeder Cars that run on the tracks behind the museum. Children 2 years old or younger can attend the event for free. It's important to note that tickets must be purchased online before the event. There will be limited ticket sales at the door. Tickets are sold by time slots so that the event can cater to as many interested parties as possible. So, don't wait too long to purchase tickets for this fantastic family-fun event in downtown Temple before they get sold out!

One of the best experiences you can enjoy at National Train Day is taking a ride on the speeder cars. This activity is a lively and fun experience for both kids and adults, providing an opportunity to board a speeder car and take a thrilling ride along the track and back. With this ride, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape around the depot and take in the architecture of the Santa Fe Depot itself.  

Activities for Train Day include photo opportunities, glitter tattoos, hot dogs, speeder cars, train-themed fun, and so much more. This spectacular event will also include a tour of CentraMod. CentraMod is located steps away near the parking lot to the Santa Fe Depot. The building houses incredible model train displays and will be open for event attendees to stop in and see the incredible display. 

We are excited to announce that Texas Brick Railroad will be joining us at the event as a special guest. Texas Brick Railroad is a group of Lego enthusiasts and railfans who are part of a Lego train club. They are known for their incredible displays of trains and towns, which they work hard to bring to local events like this one. 

Vendors include: 

• Haute Dogs
• Friday's Popcorn
• Love Gelu Italian Ice

Trains have played a vital role in Temple's history and economic development over the years. It is no secret that the city takes great pride in celebrating the railway and the trains that made transcontinental travel possible. National Train Day is an exciting family event filled with numerous activities, vendors, and historical exhibitions. It is an opportunity to discover why Temple has a rich history of railroad roots that started it all.