There is something special about historic railroads. Although many are static, almost lifeless, there are some places in America where you can still see a live steam engine run at speed; where you can climb, by rail, a 14,115-foot mountain on a 150-year-old railroad lost in time but coming back to life in the beautiful valleys of central Pennsylvania; and where open train windows, swaying cars, sounds and movement can be as fun as any amusement park ride.

There is only one 14,000-foot mountain in the United States you do not have to climb to reach the top: You can take a train. This amazing train is called a cog. At The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, America’s highest railway reaches a height of 14,115 feet. This is where the words to the song “America The Beautiful” were composed. Completely rebuilt, it is back and better than ever. This iconic railway is one of only two cog railways in the country.

© Robert Sikorski

Originally built in 1891 and owned and operated by The Broadmoor since 1925, this historic railway is the highest railroad in America, the highest cog railway in the world, one of Colorado’s top attractions and one of the nation’s most unique experiences. It runs every day.

Grand Canyon Railway has taken people to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon since 1901, when it was built by the legendary Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe. The Grand Canyon Railway runs daily from Williams, Arizona, on historic Route 66 to within steps of the Grand Canyon South Rim and El Tovar. The pristine train, comprised of railcars from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, includes dome cars, an open platform observation car and vintage coaches with open windows. The train departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:45 p.m. with a 2.5-hour layover at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The train rolls directly into Grand Canyon National Park daily.

© The Grand Canyon Railway

During most of summer and into early fall, Grand Canyon Railway pulls the train once a month with a massive 100-year-old steam engine that runs on vegetable oil waste. It is believed the Grand Canyon Railway is the last standard-gauge passenger railroad in the country, where steam engines are still scheduled to pull revenue trains.

Save 30 percent on train tickets when you book in conjunction with any one- or two-night stays at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. It is now possible to charter an entire luxurious, private railroad car; or even an entire private train, complete with chefs, bartenders, entertainers and staff.  These are ideal for moments such as graduations, family reunions, anniversaries, weddings and birthdays.

A 150-year-old narrow-gauge railway East of the Mississippi is an American treasure. This true treasure of American railroading is far more of an experience than just a scenic train ride. It allows visitors to immerse themselves in a National Historic Landmark almost completely frozen in time.

East Broad Top © Matthew Malkiewicz

The Smithsonian considers the railroad one of the best-preserved examples of 19^th-century, American narrow-gauge railroads, where rails are less than 4 feet apart, meaning the trains, and everything about them, are smaller than “standard-gauge” railroads.

East Broad Top Railroad is located in the small village of Orbisonia, Pennsylvania, nestled in the rolling hills and farmlands. EBT started summer operations again in May, with a recently restored steam engine that sat dormant for nearly 70 years, pulling the one-hour train rides in comfortable, enclosed passenger cars; open-air cars; and even a vintage caboose. Trains run on a 9-mile round-trip ride from historic Orbisonia Rail Station to a picturesque picnic grove and back through a classically beautiful Pennsylvania valley, nearly untouched by the modern world.

Prices begin at $20 for adults and $18 for children. Guided tours of the railroad’s remarkably intact late 19^th-/early 20^th-century machine shop complex is also available every day trains operate. Reservations are strongly suggested.