All Aboard at the Austin Steam Train Association Museum
Owned and operated by the Austin Steam Train Association, the ASTA Museum is a Texas Hill Country gem. Located in The Depot at Cedar Park, the Museum is jam-packed with fascinating experiences for train enthusiasts young and old. ASTA’S mission is to “preserve, interpret, and re-create the first-hand experience of historic steam-era railroading, for the enjoyment and edification of today’s families and the generations to come.”
The museum features a trio of historic locomotives for visitors to admire: the HZRK Diesel, the Alco Diesel 442, and the Southern Pacific 786. Operating staff are fully trained and qualified, serving as volunteers to keep the trains, tracks and historic equipment in top form. The Austin Steam Train Association Museum is located on a 16-acre rail yard in Cedar Park, acquired through a donation by the Texas Commerce Bank and a specialized grant from the State of Texas.
Read on to learn more about a few of the museum’s upcoming summer events.
Teddy Bear Train: July 10th
2021 marks the Museum’s inaugural “Teddy Bear Train”, organized as a benefit for the Center for Child Protection. Children 13 and under may ride free, with the donation of a teddy bear or stuffed animal.
Ride aboard the Bertram Flyer, featuring vintage cars from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. These restored cars from the golden age of railway travel will send you back in time, as you traverse the 44-mile journey spanning the picturesque South San Gabriel River. Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Short Creek Canyon, the 300-foot wooden trestle bridge crossing the South San Gabriel, and the Duffy-Shamrock communications tower: one of the world’s tallest structures!
Complimentary lemonade will be served in the Cedar Park Concession Car throughout the ride. The train will depart at 9 AM, returning to the Depot at noon. Doors open for boarding beginning at 8 AM. Adult tickets begin at $28 per person.
The Sunset Express: July 10th
Also taking place on July 10th and following a similar route is the Sunset Express: a charming twilight ride that allows guests to take in sunset views as they journey across the Texas Hill Country. Adult-only cars are available for this unique experience, and beer and wine will be available for purchase in the Cedar Park concessions car.
No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. The train will depart from the Cedar Park Depot at 7 PM, returning at 9:30 PM. Adult tickets begin at $28 per person.
Beer Train: July 17th
This adults-only excursion features beloved Austin brewery 4th Tap Brewing Co-op—launched in 2015 by local Austin natives. The 4th Tap crew will be serving an array of their favourite brews throughout the 2.5-hour train ride through the scenic Texas Hill Country. Food will be available for purchase before boarding, and personal snacks are permitted onboard. No personal alcohol is permitted onboard the train.
Riders must be at least 21 years of age to board. The train will depart from the depot at 7 PM, returning at 9:30 PM. Lounge tickets begin at $60 per person, including three full beers per rider.
Wedding Oak Wine Train: July 25th
Depart for the Wedding Oak Winery in style on this special morning train ride. The 2-hour journey will feature a layover at the Wedding Oak Winery, where visitors can explore the historic Badger Building constructed in 1888, sample wines from the stunning tasting room, and enjoy scenic views from the winery’s patio and rooftop terrace.
The train will depart from Cedar Park Depot at 10 AM, returning at 4 PM. Passengers must be aged 21 or older to board. The $70 ticket includes the roundtrip train ride, a tasting of five individual wines, and light snacks.
Which event would you most like?
