Where Kentucky's Railroad History Comes Alive
Ride the Rails
Relive the History
ALL ABOARD!
Eleven Miles of Kentucky at its Finest
Ride through thoroughbred horse country, past rolling pastures and limestone creek bottoms, all the way to the Kentucky River gorge — aboard authentic vintage coaches hauled by first-generation diesel locomotives.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
All Ages Welcome
ROUND TRIP DISTANCE
11 Miles
RIDE DURATION
~90 Minutes
EQUIPMENT
20s–30s Coaches
SEASON
April - December
THE ROUTE
From the Bluegrass to the River
Every excursion begins at Woodford County Park in Versailles and follows the historic Louisville Southern Railroad right-of-way — a line originally built in the 1880s to connect the Bluegrass interior with the Kentucky River. Along the way, you'll pass through some of the most iconic scenery in the Commonwealth.
At the end of the line, the train pauses at the Kentucky River gorge near Young's High Bridge — once the highest railroad bridge in America at 268 feet above the water. It's a moment that never gets old, no matter how many times you've made the trip.
Then the locomotive runs around the train and you roll back through it all again, seeing it from the other direction. Ninety minutes of Kentucky at its absolute best.
Every season brings something different to the corridor — spring wildflowers along the creek bottoms, summer thunderheads building over the horse farms, the fiery October color of the gorge, and the quiet stillness of a December evening run. No two rides are quite the same, and that's exactly the point.
ROUTE MAP · VERSAILLES TO TYRONE · 5.5 MI EACH WAY
✓ Woodford County Park Station
Departure point · Versailles, KY · Free parking
Your journey begins here. Board the vintage coaches, find your seat, and listen for the conductor's welcome. The locomotive runs up front — watch it couple on before departure.
Originally the terminus of the Louisville Southern Railroad, this site has been a passenger stop since the 1880s. The park grounds now house the museum's full collection of rolling stock.
✓ Thoroughbred Horse Farm Country
10 Minutes from Departure
White board fences, rolling green pastures, and thoroughbred horses at graze. This is classic Bluegrass scenery — the same countryside that surrounds Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park.
✓ Limestone Creek Bottoms
25 Minutes from Departure
The line dips into wooded creek hollows as the terrain rolls toward the river. Fields of tobacco, corn, and soybean flank the right-of-way — a working agricultural landscape unchanged for generations.
✓ Young's High Bridge Overlook
268 ft above river
The train slows as it approaches the gorge. The Kentucky River gorge opens up dramatically — 268 feet below, the river winds through its ancient palisades. Have your camera ready.
✓ Tyrone · Kentucky River
45 mins end of the line
The locomotive runs around the train at Tyrone for the return trip. You'll see the same spectacular scenery from the opposite direction — different light, different perspective, equally beautiful.
What's Included in Each Ride?
Vintage Coach Seating
Authentic restored passenger coaches from the 1920s and 1930s — open vestibules, wooden interiors, and the gentle sway of a real passenger train.
Live Conductor Narration
Our conductors share the history of the Louisville Southern corridor, the landscape you're passing through, and stories from Kentucky's railroad era.
Museum Grounds Access
All ticket holders are welcome to explore the museum grounds, walk among the historic equipment, and visit the indoor exhibits before or after your ride.
Photo
Opportunities
From the locomotive at the station to the Kentucky River gorge overlook — every excursion is packed with memorable photo moments.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Tips for a Great Ride
Arrive 30 Minutes Early
Gates open 45 minutes before departure. Arriving early gives you time to park, check in, browse the grounds, and pick your favorite seat. The locomotive is usually running and ready to admire up close.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The museum grounds are on a working railroad — wear closed-toe shoes. If you plan to walk the grounds before or after your ride, comfortable footwear makes it much more enjoyable.
Charge Your Camera
The Kentucky River gorge, horse farms, and vintage equipment make for spectacular photos. Make sure your phone or camera is charged and you have storage space — you'll use it.
Dress for the Season
Spring and fall can be cool, especially in the open vestibules. Summer rides are warm. The open-platform coaches mean you're partially exposed to the elements — dress accordingly and enjoy it.
Bring Snacks
Light snacks and beverages are available for purchase on most departures. You're also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. The 90-minute ride is perfect picnic territory.
Accessibility Needs?
Accessible seating is available on our excursion coaches. Please call (859) 873-2476 in advance so we can ensure your experience is fully accessible and comfortable from start to finish.
