Dates and Times:
Saturday, May 14, 2022, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, May 15, 2022, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The 2022 Historic Jefferson Train Show, sponsored by The Jefferson & Cypress Bayou Model Railroad Club; Historic Jefferson Railway; and Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari, will celebrate the anniversary of constructing a replica of early 1900’s T & P Railroad depot on the Jefferson Museum property to house the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad.
The inaugural event in May 2012 celebrated the Grand Opening of the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad at the Museum. Since its opening, over 9,000 visitors of all ages have enjoyed this fabulous model railroad exhibit which is open daily year-round. Jefferson & Cypress Bayou Model Railroad Club operates and maintains the model railroad exhibit for the Museum.
Historic Jefferson Train Show event activities include 1) Historic Jefferson Train Show with several modular model railroad layouts and model train vendors at Jefferson Convention and Visitors Bureau, plus a visit to the R.D. Moses Model Railroad display at the Museum, 2) Historic Jefferson Railway excursion along the Big Cypress Bayou including a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit, and 3) Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari, petting zoo and train ride.
Added attractions to the Train Show include a Kid’s Corral complete with crafts and games and an area where children can play with wood train toys. The train vendors will have products for model train enthusiasts and for the entire family. Tickets for Train Show are $8, children under six free, and includes a tour of the R.D. Moses layout at the Museum. Purchase tickets at the Train Show day of event.
The Historic Jefferson Railway recreates the Golden Era of Railroading with narrated day trains on Saturday at 12:30 and 2:30, and Sunday at 2:30. An antique gas-powered locomotive will take you on a scenic trip along the Big Cypress Bayou. As you roll through the history laden Piney Woods, you’ll view a Confederate Powder Magazine and traverse the site of one of the oldest, historical towns in Texas. You can still see building remains from the 1800’s. Each train ride includes a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit to see seven live alligators. Watch them jump out of the water for their dinner. Great photo opportunities, too. Added this year will be a Friday the 13th train ride through the dark and spooky woods, departing at 9:30 on Friday evening. It will be a haunting good time. Train tickets are $12, lap children free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.JeffersonRailway.com or at Historic Jefferson Trian Depot on day of event.
Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari is located two miles north of Jefferson on Hwy 59. This destination features more than 150 animals and allows guests to feed them as they drive through, and includes a small narrow-gauge train ride. Admission is $16, Children 4-12, $10; 3 & under free, and is open Wednesday through Sunday 10:30-4:30. Purchase tickets at the Safari.
Jefferson, Texas is a member of the Union Pacific Railroad’s Train Town USA Registry as a part of UP’s ongoing efforts to recognize cities having a historical connection to the railroad and is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas and seems frozen in time. It is a charming town and an elegant reminder of a bygone era. There are over a hundred buildings in the city with historical markers. Many historic homes offer bed and breakfast accommodations. Dozens of other historic buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants. Jefferson also offers boat rides, canoe & kayak rental, golf cart rentals and tours, gemstone mining & panning, and other attractions. Come shop, dine and stay. There is always a lot to do in Jefferson, Texas!