Longview to Mineola Sidetrack: Iron Horse Festival

All Aboard for an East Texas Adventure!

Join Visit Longview and Visit Mineola for a fun, affordable Amtrak train ride through the scenic Piney Woods of East Texas! On Saturday morning, board the train at the Historic Longview Depot and enjoy a relaxing ride to charming Downtown Mineola, where you’ll spend the day exploring this vibrant small town.

🚂 Train tickets start at just $6 each way through Amtrak, and kids 2–12 ride for half-price with an adult ticket!🎟️ Only one Eventbrite registration needed per group. Each person must purchase individual Amtrak tickets.

Trip Details:

• Depart Longview at 8:28 a.m., arrive Mineola around 9:25 a.m.
• Return train departs Mineola at 5:15 p.m., arrives back in Longview at 6:15 p.m.

(Times subject to Amtrak delays)

In Downtown Mineola, enjoy:

The Iron Horse Festival activities

Unique shopping

Delicious local restaurants

A movie matinee

The Mineola Historical Museum

Mini-train rides

Back in Downtown Longview, end your day with:

Ice cream, craft beer, local coffee, axe throwing & more!

Discover the magic of East Texas train travel, perfect for families, couples, and

day-trippers. Experience the history, hospitality, and hidden gems that make this region special.

Book your ride today and make memories on the rails of East Texas!

Step 1: Please register here via eventbrite with Visit Longview / Visit Mineola to let us know you are coming. Each group needs just one eventbrite ticket. Registered participants will be entered for a chance to receive welcome gifts! However, this is NOT your train ticket, see step 2 for that.

Step 2: Buy your train tickets directly through Amtrak.com. Enter round trip travel from Longview (LVW) to Mineola (MIN) for your selected date. https://www.amtrak.com/home

For more information, contact Visit Longview at 903-758-3521 or Mineola at 903-569-6183.

*All departure and arrival times are subject to change based on Amtrak availability. Please be aware that your schedule may need to be flexible as Amtrak may be delayed arriving. Download the Amtrak app or visit Amtrak.com to track train arrival and departure estimates on day of travel.

Join us at the Iron Horse Heritage Festival in Downtown Mineola on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 10am-4pm. There will be music, entertainment, weenie dog races, artisan vendors, food trucks, and much more!

More Info Here!

Check out Mineola.com for Mineola attrations. We recommend some of the following activities within walking distance of the depot during your day trip.

• Catch a free ride on the Mineola Mini-Train at Iron Horse Square. Available select dates only.
• Watch an afternoon matinee movie or play at Historic Select Theater Lake Country Playhouse.
• Explore the unique food and shopping available in Downtown Mineola.
• Discover the past at the Mineola Historical Museum.
• Buy some fresh food from the Mineola Farmer's Market, located next to the depot
• Take your picture on the big red caboose.

While this trip is all about the train ride to Mineola, don’t miss the chance to explore Longview!

Check out for a full list of things to do in the Longview area, especially in Downtown Longview and the vibrant Arts!Longview Cultural District. Whether you're visiting before or after your train ride, there’s something for everyone!

Explore & Experience:

• Art & History: Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Gregg County Historical Museum
• Family Fun: Longview World of Wonders, Longview Arboretum, Public Library
• Food & Drink: Dinner at Roma’s, Judd’s, or Cace’s Kitchen Artisan ice cream at Wild Honey Creamery Recharge at Silver Grizzly Espresso Local drinks at Oil Horse Brewing or Greenside Beverage Company
• Try axe throwing at Twisted Axes
• Pick up local gifts & East Texas souvenirs at the Visit Longview Marketplace

Make Longview part of your East Texas adventure! you’ll love the local flavor, culture, and charm!

Host or Publisher Visit Longview and Visit Mineola