"Day Out With Thomas The Train" Rides 2022
Last revised: August 14, 2022
By: Adam Burns
Thomas The Train, also affectionately known as Thomas the Tank Engine, has been a pop culture icon since the late 1970s with the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.
The television series, written and produced by Britt Allcroft, is actually based off the The Railway Series of books written by Englishmen Wilbert Awdry and his son in the 1940s.
Interestingly, the show even drew some interest from adults due to the superb craftsmanship of the models and layouts depicted. Today, this has largely been replaced by CGI and computer animation.
Thomas himself is based from a real steam locomotive design, the E2 Class, an 0-6-0T ("T" referred to
tank) wheel arrangement conceived by Lawson Billinton of the early 20th century. Listed below is the 2022 schedule and dates regarding where Thomas The Tank Engine will be appearing.
Schedule
While the history of Thomas the train is interesting, this section looks to highlight the "real life" tank engine which is featured at tourist railroads and museums as special events all across the United States, and other countries, during the operating season.
Thomas the tank engine is also travels around the world to allow visitors, kids especially, to view and sometimes ride behind replica versions of the locomotive.
Thomas the train himself in this regard is licensed by HiT Entertainment, which acquired Allcroft's company (Britt Allcroft Company PLC), and has become an explosively popular draw wherever he goes, especially here in the United States.
Please Note!: While I have striven to make sure the information regarding 2022 locations and dates is accurate, at the same time I cannot say so with complete 100% certainty; as such, I cannot be held liable for errors.
Dates sometimes change and if you have any questions concerning scheduling please contact HiT Entertainment.
Please Note! There are some locations which now also feature Percy. These are designated below using a small thumbnail image.
The information presented is accurate to the best of my knowledge although if there is an error I do apologize. If you do not see (Updated) by each listing, those dates are not for the 2022 calendar year.
Sometimes organizations switch operating dates/times and I will try my best to keep up with any changes. For more information regarding purchasing tickets and where/when Thomas will be running please visit the links above.
Alabama
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (Calera): The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum has been telling the Alabama's railroad history since 1963 and today offers a wide range of exhibits to see.
The museum also offers excursion train rides from March through October, featuring both steam and diesel locomotives. They host "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates in the spring:
Alaska
No Events Known.
Arizona
No Events Known.
Arkansas
No Events Known.
California
Roaring Camp Railroads (Felton): Owned and operated by the same organization which runs the Skunk Train the Roaring Camp hosts a number of different trains throughout the year including a beach train and forest train.
They also feature other specials including "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates:
Orange Empire Railway Museum (Perris): This railroad museum offers several excursion trains to choose from including steam powered trains and trolleys, which operate along their 1.5 mile system.
They also boast a large collection of historic railroad equipment. During select dates in the spring and fall they host "A Day Out With Thomas":
Colorado
Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden): The Colorado Railroad Museum, based in Golden, houses a large collection of rolling stock and locomotives. They also host train rides during the weekends and other special events, including "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates:
Connecticut
Essex Steam Train (Essex): The Essex Steam Train has become one of the more popular train rides anywhere in the country offering a variety of special trips from its home base in Essex, including the ability to make riverboat charters.
They host "A Day Out With Thomas" during select dates in the spring, including special appearances by Percy! Dates: May 28-29 and June 4-5. Updated!
Delaware
No Events
Known.
Florida
Florida Railroad Museum (Parrish): While the Florida Railroad Museum mostly focuses on preserving the state's and region's railroad history it also operates a nearly a 7-mile stretch of railroad between Parrish and Willow and includes your choice of an open-air or air-conditioned car.
They host "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates: March 11-13, March 19-20. Updated!
Gold Coast Railroad Museum (Miami): The Gold Coast Railroad Museum mostly features and displays its large collection of historic railroad equipment and items in its former Naval base hangars in Miami.
One of its special excursions operated during the year is hosting "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates:
Georgia
SAM Shortline Railway (Cordele): The SAM Shortline excursion features a nearly 70-mile round trip that makes stops along the four small towns that dot the line while also traveling through the Georgia Veterans State Park.
The tourist train also hosts a number of special trains and events throughout the year including "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates:
Hawaii
No Events Known.
Idaho
No Events Known.
Illinois
Illinois Railway Museum (Union): The Illinois Railway Museum is one of the premier, and largest, railroad museums in the country.
The IRM, as it's also known, has an impressive collection of preserved and restored equipment at its amazing facility. They host "A Day Out With Thomas," featuring Percy, on these dates: July 9-10 and July 16-17. Updated!
Indiana
Whitewater Valley Railroad (Connersville): The Whitewater Valley Railroad based Connersville operates a 19-mile line connecting to Metamora and they use one of several diesel locomotives on the property to power their trains.
The railroad also hosts a number of special events throughout the year such as the Polar Express and "A Day Out With Thomas." Dates:
Iowa
Boone & Scenic Valley Railway (Boone): The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is a museum and operating tourist railroad using former Chicago & North Western trackage (it was originally an interurban/trolley line).
Its trains feature both steam and diesel locomotives, as well as restored trolley car #50 (they also have a very extensive collection of non-operating locomotives and cars). They host "A Day Out With Thomas" the tank engine on these dates:
Kansas
Midland Railway (Baldwin City): The all-volunteer Midland Railway features an impressive collection of equipment and operate a railroad
that stretches about 20-miles at farthest reach south, to Ottawa. They host "A Day Out With Thomas." (Currently no dates in 2022)
Kentucky
Kentucky Railway Museum (New Haven): The Kentucky Railway Museum dates back as far as the late 1940s.
Since that time the museum has grown steadily and today features large collection of rolling stock and even features excursion trains which are pulled by the most famous locomotive on the grounds, ex-L&N 4-6-2 Pacific Type #152.
Today, they offer numerous specials throughout the year including train robberies, dinner trains, murder mysteries, and host "A Day Out With Thomas" which makes his stop at the museum from:
Louisiana
No events known.
Maine
No events known.
Maryland
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum (Baltimore): The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum today is one of the most recognized, respected and highly regarded railroad museums, not only in this country but also the world.
It houses historic railroad equipment (not only from its namesake railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio but also many important historical pieces from other railroads around the country).
Finally, they also offer short excursions on the premises and host "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates: May 13-15 and May 20-22. Updated!
Massachusetts
No events known.
Michigan
Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn): One of Michigan's most well-known museum this complex features an impressive collection of artifacts related to the history of transportation in this country including several pieces of rolling stock and steam locomotives.
A few of these machines are restored and even offer train rides including "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates: May 13-15, May 20-22. Updated!
Huckleberry Railroad (Flint): The Huckleberry Railroad is part of the Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Park.
While the railroad’s star attraction is narrow-gauge steam locomotives #464, originally owned by the Denver & Rio Grande Western, the Huckleberry has other motive power on the premises.
They host "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates: August 19-21 and August 25-28. Updated!
Minnesota
North Shore Scenic Railroad (Duluth): The North Shore Scenic Railroad is part of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and is the state's most popular tourist train.
The 26-mile route and today the railroad operates its trains using both steam and diesel locomotives.
One of their special events is "A Day Out With Thomas" hosted on these dates: August 5-7 and August 12-14. Updated!
Mississippi
No events known.
Missouri
No events known.
Montana
No events known.
Nebraska
No events known.
Nevada
Virginia & Truckee Railroad (Virginia City): The Virginia and Truckee Railway began when it was chartered in 1869 and meant to provide transportation services to the Reno and Carson City areas.
The railroad ceased to exist as a freight line by 1950 but slowly made a comeback as a tourist line over the years.
Today, about 15 miles of the line are operable although rebuilding of the route is not yet complete along with additional restorations of locomotives and equipment.
One of the ways they have attracted ridership is by hosting special events, such as "A Day Out With Thomas" which will be featured this year on...
New Hampshire
Conway Scenic Railway (North Conway): The Conway Scenic Railroad is one of the more popular tourist trains in the country featuring
first-class dining services on some of their trains as you enjoy your journey through beautiful New England in the Mt. Washington Valley. They also offer standard excursion trains as well as numerous seasonal trains and special events throughout the year such as "A Day Out With Thomas." Dates: (Currently no dates in 2022)
New Jersey
Delaware River Railroad Excursions/New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society (Phillipsburg): The Delaware River Railroad Excursions is operated by the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society.
Most trains are operated by a Chinese-built steam locomotive and the railroad features everything from wine trains to the Polar Express and "A Day Out With Thomas" the tank engine. Dates: July 8-10 and July 15-17. Updated!
New Mexico
No
events known.
New York
Delaware & Ulster Railroad (Arkville): The D&U operates over part of the same ex-New York Central corridor which the Catskill Mountain Railroad utilizes (The line's original builder was known as the Ulster & Delaware Railroad).
Their train rides travel through the scenic Catskill Mountain region and depart from the depot in Arkville. In 2022 they will host Thomas on these dates:
Medina Railroad Museum (Medina): The Medina Railroad Museum mostly looks to preserve the area's railroad history.
The museum is housed in the New York Central's former freight depot and also operates a 34-mile round trip excursion train. One of their specials is hosting "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates: June 10-12. Updated!
North Carolina
North Carolina Transportation Museum (Spencer): The North Carolina Transportation Museum, located in Spencer, NC, is situated on the former Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair shops which includes the Bob Julian Roundhouse, the Flue Shop, and the Master Mechanics Shop.
As part of the museum they operate excursion trains and is one of just two locations in the United States to feature the live steam locomotive version of Thomas the tank engine. Percy is also featured during "A Day Out With Thomas" which will be on these dates:
Tweetsie Railroad (Blowing Rock): The Tweetsie Railroad has been operating since 1957 and is based from the historic East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad, a classic narrow-gauge system which once served both its namesake states.
Today, they use three miles of narrow-gauge most often employing their, 4-6-0 "Ten wheeler", #12 to pull excursions. "A Day Out With Thomas" makes a stop on these dates: June 10-19. Updated!
North Dakota
No events known.
Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (Brecksville): The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is the one most folks go to ride in Ohio.
The railroad uses no steam locomotives but does operate a fleet of historic Alco diesel locomotives. Throughout the year they operate they host special events including the popular "Day Out With Thomas" on... (Currently no dates in 2022)
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (Lebanon): The Lebanon Mason Monroe offers a 1 1/2-hour trip on its property and features a number of special events during the year. This includes "A Day Out With Thomas" during the late summer. Dates: (Currently no dates in 2022)
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Railway Museum (Oklahoma City): The Oklahoma Railway Museum offers a wide collection of preserved equipment while also offering excursion trains on a short stretch of trackage. They host "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates: ...
Oregon
No events known.
Pennsylvania
Strasburg Railroad (Strasburg): The Strasburg Railroad, located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish community in Lancaster, is the country’s oldest railroad still in operation dating back to 1832.
The railroad handles both freight and passengers but is also an operating history book featuring historic steam locomotives with restored, period passenger cars (dating to the 1800s).
They provide guests everything from dinner train service to an open bar car for adults. One of their special events is hosting "A Day Out With Thomas" several times throughout the year. Percy will be present during the trips! These dates include: April 29-30, May 1-2, June 17-20, September 16-19. Updated!
Rhode Island
No events known.
South Carolina
No events known.
South Dakota
No events known.
Tennessee
Tennessee Central Railway Museum (Nashville): The Tennessee Central Railway Museum is focused primarily on preserving the state's railroad history.
However, it also operates excursion trains throughout the year offering trips that travel as far as 180 miles, round trip! They host "A Day Out With Thomas" during the late summer on these dates:
(No dates in 2022)
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (Chattanooga): The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is mainly a tourist railroad operating on ex-Southern Railway trackage.
Today, the
railroad operates a six-mile round trip near Chattanooga and hosts numerous specials throughout the year. "A Day Out With Thomas" makes a visit on these dates: April 23-24, April 30, May 1. Updated!
Texas
Austin Steam Train (Burnet): The Austin Steam Train is based in Austin, Texas operating through the state's "Hill Country" uses tracks once owned by the Southern Pacific. The line is 163-miles in length and used as both a commuter and freight rail line today. They host "A Day Out With Thomas" on
Grapevine Railroad (Grapevine): The Grapevine Railroad operates between its headquarters and Fort Worth on trackage originally owned by the St. Louis Southwestern Railway (The Cotton Belt). "A Day Out With Thomas" stops by on these dates:
Utah
No events known.
Vermont
No events known.
Virginia
No events known.
Washington
Northwest Railway Museum (Snoqualmie): The Northwest Railway Museum, based in Snoqualmie, looks to preserve the area's railroad history and in doing so also hosts an excursion train between May and October. They host "A Day Out With Thomas" on these dates: July 8-10, July 15-17. Updated!
West Virginia
No
events known.
Wisconsin
National Railroad Museum (Green Bay): Started in 1956, the National Railroad Museum has been recognized by Congress as the "national" such facility in the country, although this is mostly in name only.
The NRM today has a nice collection of rolling stock at their facility in Green Bay and while they do not really offer a true rail excursion they do offer train rides around the property. They host "A Day Out With Thomas" at the start of the summer season running...
Wyoming
No events known.
Canada
Elgin County Railway Museum (St. Thomas, Ontario):
Heritage Park Historical Village (Calgary, Alberta): May 7-8, May 14-15. Updated!
York-Durham Heritage Railway (Uxbridge, Ontario):
West Coast Railway Heritage Park (Squamish, British
Columbia): May 28-29 and June 4-5. Updated!
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