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Review: Grapevine Vintage Railroad to the Fort Worth Stockyards
Our experience on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad was a memorable one, with both highs and a few small hiccups.
We started off with about a 45-minute late departure, but the staff made up for it by offering free refreshments, which was a nice gesture. The train itself runs at a slow pace, and honestly, there isn’t too much scenery to see along the way. That said, my 3-year-old grandson—who is completely obsessed with trains—absolutely loved every second of it, which made the ride more than worth it.
One of the highlights was the cast of characters, who stayed in role from the waiting area in Grapevine all the way through the ride. They interacted with guests and kept things fun and lighthearted, making the experience feel more immersive. Onboard, they even served beer and wine, which was a pleasant surprise.
When we arrived at the Stockyards, the timing worked out perfectly—we got there just in time for the cattle roundup. Even though we left late, the railway gave us our full two hours at the Stockyards, which showed real thoughtfulness. The train ride back departed and arrived right on time.
The only negative note came on the return trip, where a sewage odor from the restroom in our first-class car was noticeable. The crew did their best to manage it by spraying it down, which helped some, but it was still unpleasant. Thankfully, the cast continued entertaining us the whole way back, keeping the mood upbeat.
A few tips for future riders:
• Legroom is tight. If you’re tall, you’ll want to spread out or buy two rows and sit diagonally (cadi-cornered). Sitting 3–4 adults knee-to-knee in a row isn’t very comfortable.
• Bring snacks and entertainment for little ones, but don’t overdo it—time goes by faster than you think.
• You have the option of taking the train one way and Ubering back if that works better for your plans.
Overall, for my group of four, it was a great experience. Despite some negative reviews I’ve seen online, I found it well worth the trip. It’s a fun outing for families, a group of friends, or even a date, and my grandson’s excitement made it especially memorable.