There's Something About a Train

AUSTIN STEAM TRAIN ASSOCIATION • 401 E. WHITESTONE BLVD. #C-100, CEDAR PARK 512-402-3830 • AustinSteamTrain.org • TICKETS START AT $23

by Ann Marie Kennon

The Austin Steam Train Association (ASTA), Texas’s own non-profit railroad, is more than a trip through the beautiful Hill Country; it’s nostalgic style with modern comfort. Genuine locomotives depart from Cedar Park and Bertram depots nearly every weekend, and they have nearly 100 special and annual events for all ages.

Train cars are typical of those used in the 1920s to 1940s, they are air-conditioned, and include a concession car with refreshments and souvenirs. Local rail aficionados have re-created a historically authentic passenger experience for families and train-lovers alike who wish to enjoy seasonal or scenic weekend excursions.

As well, most of the train staff are in vintage uniforms and children will delight in the real-life conductor saying “All aboard!” at departure time. After departure, there’s nothing like sitting quietly, watching the countryside go smoothly by, and seeing the kids thrill over no-tech adventures.

A LITTLE HISTORY

ASTA has been operating out of the Cedar Park station since 1993. Their century-old steam engine was do-

nated to the city in 1956 and while it is being restored, the group uses a diesel-electric locomotive to take passengers through and around 167 miles of scenery in Central Texas. In addition to the steam engine, part of the association’s mission is to preserve many aspects of historic railroading.

All of the operating crews on the trains are volunteers. They not only run the trains but provide the time and talent for countless other projects such as equipment maintenance, tracklaying and restoration of ASTA’s engines and historic 1912 country depot in Bertram, which opened in 1997. The depot is a great stopover for photo ops on the popular Hill Country Flyer.

ASTA volunteer Greg Rohde says volunteers enable the group to be 85 percent self-sustaining. “The revenue we receive from ticket sales all goes to the railroad. The only money we spend is for the salaries of our administrative employees who keep the business running. Our volunteer force makes us the most efficient railroad in the nation, and we are happy to welcome anyone who wants to volunteer as part of a great historical pasttime.”

SPECIAL EVENTS

In addition to the regular Hill County and Bertram Flyers, ASTA offers a monthly one-hour, adults-only trip to Wedding Oak Winery in Burnet. The trip includes a visit with the vintners, wine tasting, and a twohour layover for dinner at the winery. Details vary for each visit so guests are encouraged to check their website for reservation information.

Many excursions include free activities on the train or at destination stations; Super Hero Train (next up September 3), murder mysteries, live entertainment, or storybook reading.

For kids, check the website for updates on the 2023 North Pole Flyer. Tickets and group sales are available now for weekend trips beginning November 25. Step aboard, starting from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot, and enjoy a delightful array of activities and entertainers.

Each train car will be adorned with seasonal decorations, setting the perfect backdrop for a live reading of the cherished North Pole Flyer book a heartwarming Christmas story unique to the ASTA.

A team of professional Santas will visit each car, meticulously checking their lists twice and happily posing for photographs, and every child will receive a special gift to commemorate the ride.

WHEN YOU GO

Cars may be reserved for special events, large parties, and seasonal events.

AustinSteamTrain.org (code below) is jam-packed with details about rides and schedules, as well as online ticket sales; call 512-402-3830, or visit the station in Cedar Park for a relaxing journey into railroad’s classic past. The ticket office opens one hour before the first departure of the day. Trips are two hours (or more) and tickets start at $23 for weekend trips, up to $85 for adult events with dinner, and children under 3 may ride free on a parent’s lap.