Rusk KOA Holiday Blog
Free shuttle rides to and from the Texas State Railroad. An experience you don't want to miss.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Turn east on FM 343 from Hwy 69 at flashing light. Go 1/2 mile to top of hill. KOA is on the left.
GPS: N31.791495, W95.118546. Don't use GPS as the iron ore in East Texas will send you in different directions!
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When planning your next trip to Rusk, Texas, one of the days out you must add to your vacation plans is to the Texas State Railroad. Journey back in time to an era where trains were a part of everyday life, connecting Rusk to Palestine. Today you’re going to discover more about the Texas State Railroad and why you should add this activity to your upcoming stay at the Rusk KOA campground. It’s one of the highlights of a visit to the state and bound to be a day out that you’ll be talking about long after your vacation in East Texas!
The Journey from Rusk to Palestine
The Texas State Railroad offers visitors a 25-mile rail journey traveling from Rusk to Palestine. You’ll be transported back in time to a simpler, more relaxed period in history, where all of the busyness of your regular life can be forgotten for a few hours. Originally, the Texas State Railroad was built by inmates to carry raw materials for the prison at Rusk, but the line hasn’t been used for regular service since 1921. The journey will take you four hours, traveling through the Piney Woods of East Texas, where the history of this region is deeply embedded into the scenery you pass.
While the journey itself is usually the focus of a visit to the Texas State Railroad, don’t rush past the Rusk and Palestine depot complexes. You can do this prior to your departure and then during the turn-around in the middle of the ride. Both of the complexes were built in the middle of the previous century, and you’ll enjoy learning about the events that took place here on the storyboards located throughout the depots. Both of the depots have their own individual identity, so add a little extra time to your day out to explore them.
The Rusk Depot Complex
The Texas State Railroad began in Rusk all of those years ago, where the route was constructed by prisoners back in 1883. The original aim of the railroad was to transport timber and ore, but the area has since been designated a state park since 1972. When you arrive at the complex, you can enjoy a snack or drink at the Mail Car Café, where there are plenty of seats outdoors to take a break after a busy day of exploring the local area. The café is built inside a Texas and Pacific mail and express car that dates back over 100 years and serves regional dishes to give you a better taste of the local area.
The Rusk Depot also offers a movie theater that shows a short film about the history of the rail line, the local communities, and the trains that traveled along them. If you time your visit right, you’ll find that movies are shown some evenings that showcase the history of the railroad and region, such as The Great Debaters and Rough Riders. Some people choose to stay here for the night also, extending their visit to this popular attraction. That being said, the Rusk KOA campground in East Texas offers the perfect base for all of your explorations in the area and isn’t far from the Texas State Railroad and other popular local attractions.
The Palestine Depot Complex
At the other end of the line, you’ll find the Palestine Depot Complex, which was inaugurated back in 1976. This complex was also built by the Texas State Parks & Wildlife Department, and it showcases the architectural stylings of the Victorian era. This was a time when steam locomotives first traveled across the US, and you’ll feel like you’ve headed back in time to another world when you step foot in here. If you are looking to pick up a few souvenirs of your trip, make sure you stop off at Roundhouse 1909. The range of clothing, accessories, home décor, and souvenirs on offer here are excellent, with many of them representing the Railroad, Palestine, and East Texas.
Planning Your Visit to the Texas State Railroad
Trains depart throughout the year on a varied schedule, so make sure you double-check the timings for the trips during your vacation. Expect to spend four hours on this excursion, with a one-hour lunch break included as part of the journey. The train will still run in rain or snow, so be prepared to enjoy this experience no matter the weather conditions.
Try to arrive 45 minutes prior to your departure time in order to check in and get settled before your adventure begins. Reservations are highly recommended, so try to book your day out in advance of your vacation. In the peak summer and holiday seasons, it’s not uncommon for trains to sell out. You won’t want to miss this day out as part of your stay at the Rusk KOA campground, as it’s bound to be one of the highlights of your vacation!
When staying at the Rusk KOA campground, it’s highly recommended to plan a day out on the Texas State Railroad during your vacation. For more information about other local attractions, make sure you explore the rest of the Rusk KOA site for further inspiration and to help plan your upcoming vacation in East Texas.
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