Value. Visit our website. "GO BIG" as you Explore, Experience, and Connect with Big South Fork NRRA. Big South Fork Scenic Railway Address: 66 Henderson St, Stearns, KY 42647, USA, 42647, United States. Just a boring train ride for 75 bucks. From big cities to coastlines, and more, . 4 days a week in the summer and 5 in October. In December we rode the first Polar Express and it was amazing!! (D) 2nd Day: After breakfast, we will head to Historic Stearns, KY for an adventurous excursion aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Follow along with breathtaking views of the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, enjoy wide open vistas, roaring rivers, and the history and charm of the American South. , Big South Fork preserves and protects a huge variety of natural and cultural resources, there is something to interest almost anybody. Saturdays: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm,7pm 100% (30 Reviews) . 37841, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Visit one of the last and best preserved "company" towns of the KY coalfields. Come Explore the Cumberland Plateau. 7390 Hwy 64 Oakland, TN 38060. 100 Henderson St Stearns, KY 42647 United States 877-944-7849. . Plans called for K&T and TC to meet in Monterey, Cookeville, Crab Orchard, and Harriman. Lucky for us, it was a beautiful day and we decided to do the morning train because of hot weather during our visit. The rest of the months vary from one to two days. (I believe, there are actually rooms and/or cabins available for rent for people to stay in the little village.) Lush vegetation now covers what used to be homesteads, logging camps and mining towns. Big South Fork Scenic Railway Timing: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm. Ex-Memphis & Little Rock Railroad #16. The views from the train are spectacular as well and include all the history and enchantment of Appalachia. 4564 Leatherwood Road Bald eagle viewing. Oneida It was later sold to the. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway takes a 14 mile trip down to Blue Heron, the largest interpretive collection of historic coal mining in America. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad in Stearns, Kentucky.. Follow along with breathtaking views of the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, enjoy wide open vistas, roaring rivers, and the history and charm of the American South. A few of the goals of Fish & Wildlife are to provide rainbow, brown, and lake trout for mitigation stocking in Tennessee and Georgia and to provide rainbow trout to Alabama in return for Gulf Coast striped bass eggs and fry. But don't take our word for it. Run by the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, the train departs the historic Stearns Depot atop the river gorge and travels down to Mine 18. Encompassing around 125,000 acres of rugged gorges and forest along the southeastern border with Tennessee, Big South Fork is one of Kentucky's most popular outdoor playgrounds. Our hotel in South Perth is located a few minutes' walk from the picturesque Swan River foreshore and only 10 minutes from the CBD of Perth. Big South Fork NRRA invites photographers to submit entries for the ninth annual photography contest and exhibit. On the return trip to Stearns, Santa will visit each coach and hand out the first gift of Christmas to each passenger. 19 photos. Accidentally destroyed in 1966. Established to discover, procure, and preserve whatever may relate to the natural, civil, literary and ecclesiastical history of the United States and of the state of Tennessee in general and to the County of Clay. Read along as the train makes a roundtrip journey to the North Pole departing from the Stearns depot. There is a depot there serving the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Shortly after opening up the lumber business, coal was discovered, and the company became Stearns Coal & Lumber. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway was easy to get to from Williamsburg, KY. My husband and I made reservations on-line for the train ride with lunch - museum admission included. Breathtaking cliffs, arches, rock shelters, chimneys and other geological features are carved into the sandstone. Location: 66 Henderson Street, Stearns, KY 42647. Recreation Permits and Passes; You may pay at the site or purchase a pass at the Stearns District office. The K&T Special, our signature excursion, is a gorgeous three-hour scenic train ride from Stearns, Kentucky to the . A train ride, beautiful nature, an education - and lunch too. Visitors who ride the train don't have to drive the winding road that leads into the depths of . The train ride was wonderful and the car attendant played a recording over the loud speakers about what we were seeing. We've always loved making a Day Trip down there, and have done so every couple years since the scenic railway first opened. railroad built by ALCO in 1944 and uses diesel locomotives for its excursion trains.[2]. This page was last edited on 4 December 2022, at 01:27. You can purchase Polar Express items in our online store. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway takes a 14 mile trip down to Blue Heron, the largest interpretive collection of historic coal mining in . OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. $75.75 for 3 people. One is the Visitor Center which offers a small museum with Cordell Hull artifacts, a short movie and small gift shop. Numerous parks and forests near Lookout Mountain offer a wide range of camping options . I would recommend for adults and children.. You will learn coal mining history. We are the only hotel in Perth to command sweeping views of the Swan River . The line that is used by the BSFSR was originally laid down by the Stearns Coal & Lumber Company, beginning in 1901. Museum located nearby along with a number of shops and restaurants. 11,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau. See photos, auction details, and Bid Online on AuctionZip.com Now. Join Thomas the Tank Engine, a full-sized operating steam locomotive, as he greets friends of all ages. You get on the train and it's about a 45 minute trip to Blue Heron (and a little quicker on the way back). Events. ), Copyright 2023 Big South Fork Scenic Railway. In December 1963, the railroad purchased four ALCO S-2 diesel locomotives from the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. This State Park is basically three buildings. Camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. Sold to Southern Iron & Locomotive who later sold it to the Smoky Mountain Railroad as their #1. 16,022 were here. A fee is required at the Natural Arch Scenic Area. Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. WMTH CORPORATION PO BOX 51153 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42102 PHONE (270) 792-5300 FAX 721-0004, http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/Pickett. The gift shop was very nice and we bought a hat for my husband and a shield for my hiking stick.On the trip back the engine pushed us to the train station. Whether its for the first time or the twentieth, you can ride the rails once again aboard one of the most favorite attractions in Kentucky. Sold to the K&T in 1963. Hwy 92 Stearns, KY . The Big South Fork Recreation Area spans 125,000 acres of scenic gorges, sandstone bluffs, and ancient forests. A good choice.We made sure to get to the station early. Purchased New. Offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the untamed wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains while enjoying a wide array of recreational activities such as ATV riding, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and bird watching. The Falls themselves are the largest in Kentucky and is known as the "Niagara of the South". The Stone is preserved in Monterey, Tennessee. Conductor, and elves. 1 Monon Dr French Lick, IN 47432 United States 1-800-74-TRAIN. We operate on seven miles of historic trackage once owned by the famed K&T Railway. Takes its name from the Standing Stone, an eight foot tall rock standing upright on a sandstone ledge was supposedly a boundary line between two Indian nations. SoI'd say this experience is 100% for "around" school-age children. Its no secret that many people have missed their favorite attractions in Kentucky, while others have also had to put plans on hold to visit them for the first time. The Summer Run ride will be offered Wednesday through Sunday beginning June 3rd and will operate at 50 percent capacity (for now), with enhanced cleaning protocols and open-air seating. Row boats, canoes, horseback riding, cabins, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, hiking trails, beach, bathhouse, parking, group camping includes kitchen and dining lodge. Governor Robert's Law Office is well preserved and within walking distance, also see historic marker. Cleanliness. With our online itinerary creator, Stearns attractions like Big South Fork Scenic Railway can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away. The Big South Fork itself is somewhat of an alternative to the Smoky Mountains--different terrain, gorgeous, but not nearly as populated. Let us know in the comments! Food & Lodging. Phone. If you go sit on the left side of the train so you can enjoy the view. While there are several points of interest and overlooks along the highways, much of Big South Fork can only be reached by parking your car and walking, riding, biking or floating into the park. Don't let such a good chance slip . The gift shop supports local artists to what better way to spend the holidays making memories and credit cards at a minimum. Climb aboard as we depart our Stearns Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself. If, however, your travels do take you across the time line, make sure you plan your time accordingly. Sold to the K&T in 1963. The "ambiance" of "The Polar Express" was lost on under-enthused staff who ran back and forth about the car in more of an obligatory fashion than holiday exuberance; hot chocolate that was "meh", at best and a rather bland cookie. Throughout the year, besides the weekly trains, we host special train rides. Take a train ride through the scenic mountains of Southern Kentucky and stop at the historic Blue Heron Mining Camp. For that he was decorated with a dozen metals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre. Norris produces excellent catches of rock fish, bass, walleye, and crappie. You can take a train ride through the scenic mountains of Southern Kentucky and stop at the historic Blue Heron Mining Camp. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad in Stearns, Kentucky. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, List of heritage railroads in the United States, http://www.memrr.org/THE%20SIGNAL%20BRIDGE%20AUGUST%202013.pdf, Big South Fork Scenic Railway Official Website, Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Passenger and Baggage Depots, Henderson, Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot, Illinois Central Railroad Station and Freight Depot, Louisville and Nashville Railroad Passenger Depot, Louisville, Henderson, and St. Louis Railroad Depot, Frankfort and Cincinnati Model 55 Rail Car, Louisville and Nashville Combine Car Number 665, Cincinnati Southern Railroad Culvert--CSRR, Lexington Extension of the Louisville Southern Railroad, Louisville and Nashville Railroad Office Building, Mitchellsburg Louisville and Nashville Railroad Culvert, Magoffin County Pioneer Village and Museum, Bat Cave and Cascade Caverns State Nature Preserves, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Big_South_Fork_Scenic_Railway&oldid=1125444337, Transportation in McCreary County, Kentucky, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from March 2022, Articles with PDF format bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from June 2022, Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from June 2022, All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Purchased New. The bridge that was used to cross the creek was bought from New York Central Railroad (NYCRR) in 1936. For more information, please contact Big South Fork Scenic Railway directly at 1-800-462-5664. Website: Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Free use is available with an Interagency or Golden Pass, which must be displayed on the vehicle dash to receive the free . We spent two nights in the cabins at Barthell Ky, near Stearns. Little K&T touched the Kentucky/Tennessee state line just south of Bell Farm. Retired in 1963. Auction will be held on Thu Jan 19 @ 08:00AM in Reno, NV 89511. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Over 708,000 acres of forests, ravines and epic sandstone geological formations traced upon by rivers and streams await. Over 70 buildings of Victorian design once graced the East Tennessee townscape. Call us at (606) 376-5330 Ride BSF. We chose to sit in the last enclosed car with the usual cushioned train seats, but the windows can be opened (especially good on a hot day and to get better pictures). The best part about this train ride is that dogs are allowed! Check the, Following development of a Special Regulation as required by Executive Order #11644, the only trails open to ATV use will be those marked as multi-use trails. Stearns, KY 42647. www.bsfsry.com. Their story is the story of Blue Heron. (606) 376-5073. K&T line builders needed a bridge to curve around to the right to meet the spur. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Big South Fork Scenic Railway is located 35 miles from Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat. Powering through spectacular canyon vistas and thick Kentucky forests . Check out the local events going down in the Big South Fork and Fentress County area! Food, entertainment and displays available. A good choice. Whether your family is big or small, likes traditional or non-traditional get-togethers, or just wants to make new memories we have some ideas to make your next family get-together one for the ages! Sold to the K&T in October 1948 and renumbered 12. The train descends 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge. If you have more questions please contact us! Dinner is also included at the Cumberland Falls Lodge tonight. Scrapped 1920. On the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is a stunning attraction just outside of Caon City, Colorado. THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements & Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s17) This historic and naturally beautiful area is explored by train car and a variety of rides are typically offered throughout the year. Each unit spent two months in East St. Louis, Illinois, getting multiple unit controls installed. South Elgin, IL 60177 . Over the eons, this ceaseless moving water has carved the sandstones of the plateau into the . The site of the current museum was built by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad from 1856 to 1857, on their old line, which ran to Lebanon, Kentucky. www.dalehollow-lake.net/standing_stone_state_park.html. Both McCreary County Museum and Big South Fork Scenic Railway are recommended for visiting. Sold to Millstead Manufacturing Company in 1909. *These rates are for non-special event trains. They took the train through some parts of the woods. Kentucky And Tennessee Railroad short line railroad. It was named in honor of the town's founder, Justus S. Stearns, and operated from 1974 until its closure by Blue Diamond Coal in October 1987. K&T had big plans to become a through trunk line railway. Location. I thought it would be a fun family experience to take a train ride deep into the Big South Fork gorge to the Blue Heron Mining Camp. Visit the Website. Have a lake within a few blocks of the downtown that offers a walking trail, park, amphitheater and playground. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is an exciting trip for all ages. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway started operating on July 1, 1982. 37841, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Motels near Big South Fork Scenic Railway, Stearns on Tripadvisor: Find 1,729 traveller reviews, 376 candid photos, and prices for motels near Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns, KY. The steel trestle was found in Upstate New York, shipped to Stearns, and installed upside down to meet the requirements. Many visitors head to the bridge, which stretches over the canyon, but there is also a railroad route that is becoming increasingly popular. We had fun finding a picnic table and eating the tasty lunch prepared for us and packed in our Big South Fork Scenic Railway keepsake cooler bags.It was really awesome to pass the huge! Dive into to the many pristine streams that flow into the Cumberland River, or . Big South Fork Scenic Railway is located 35 miles from Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat. What other favorite attractions in Kentucky are you looking forward to visiting? Read along with the story as the train makes a roundtrip journey to the North Pole departing from the Stearns Depot. There are many fun ways to get out and enjoy the Big South Fork during the winter months. In order to move lumber from the Cumberland National Forest (now Daniel Boone National Forest), Stearns Company built the Kentucky & Tennessee Railroad. This 3-hour excursion makes for a great summer day trip in Kentucky. Big South Fork is managed to promote its vast array of. The line's remaining steam locomotives remained on standby service until their official retirement in February 1964. The route runs for 16 miles (26km) through lush countryside in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. It's time to relax and degust tasty causa. Blue Heron, Mine 18, is an abandoned coal mining town and was a part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company's past operation. Visitors can rent houseboats, lakeside cabins and enjoy the many beaches. And if you really love trains, youll want to check out these 8 charming train towns in Kentucky. The 11-miles (17.7 km) long round trip takes you through the gorgeous . (423) 286-7275, Hwy 92 Love Kentucky? and a public fishing area. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway was easy to get to from Williamsburg, KY. My husband and I made reservations on-line for the train ride with lunch - museum admission included. Read More. Leaving at 11, returning at 2. We will definitely be back! 4564 Leatherwood Road Most park offices and concessionaires operate on Eastern Time. A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. Explore the Big South Fork area in a way you've never done before on Big South Fork Scenic Railway. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. McCreary County Museum. conveyer structures over the trains on the way to our shade tree and picnic table for our lunch. At the halfway point, you'll make a stop at the Barthell Coal Camp, the site of the Stearns Companys Mines 1 and 2, which is now privately owned and restored. Ride the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway on a 16 mile round trip into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. DESCRIPTION. Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary! 102 and 105. Now owned by a nonprofit organization, the K&T Railway still chugs along the same scenic pathways, importing sightseers and . 2022 - 2021 Big South Fork Scenic Railway . Rated 3 / 5 from 17 reviews. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. Come see what make the Big South Fork one of the most breath taking parks in Tennessee. Looking for some good food or lodging while your in Big South Fork or Fentress County? Experience the magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS inspired by the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg. In addition to Summer Run Big South Fork Scenic Railway Ticket From $13, you should feel free to use Promo Codes. If you prefer the shorter train trips, this is a good one. There is a ramp going into and out of the museum on the side road next to the museum that goes up to the front porch for people who have trouble with steps - as there are a lot of them to the big museum house. A train ride, beautiful nature, an education - and lunch too. 4 days a week in the summer and 5 in October. There was a little recreated village about midway in our trip to the mine of what it was like back in the day of the mining there. Retired in February 1964. We were sure to be early in line for seating - as a large group was also sitting in our car - and this time we sat on the other side of the car.We visited the huge museum adjacent to the train station. Popular East London pub promises to keep 2.50 pints despite spending 210k on big refurbishment. We are not operating January, February and March. Boat launching is available at the local marinas and at public launching ramps provided by TVA. We made sure we were in line early at the train as the seats are first-come/first-served and there are often groups in attendance. On a whim, we the Big South Fork Scenic Railway the other day and were happy to see numerous improvements recently made. While things halted for a while, the railway is set to open up again on June 3rd with new guidelines and all of the necessary safety precautions. This collection is derived from a conference held at the Vanuatu National Museum and Cultural Centre (VCC) that brought together a large gathering of foreign and indigenous researchers to discuss diverse perspectives relating to the unique program of social, political and historical research and management that has been fostered in that island nation. More than 55,000 visitors yearly. In 1974. If you've been eager to try something new or get back to this historic experience, check out the railway's calendar and plan a visit to this scenic area of Kentucky. This spot is rated on Google 4.4 by its guests. The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism. Park; it offers 8,000 square miles of scenic landscape with hours of hiking trails. Perhaps, I could have enjoyed the music they blared through the sub-par speakers if the mind-jolting, high-pitched squeal of the wheelset didn't supplant my less than joyous experience. About Big South Fork Scenic Railway Stearns Coal & Lumber Company, which controlled more than 200 square miles of land in Kentucky and Tennessee, built the K&T Railway to navigate and export its vast mountain resources. The line had graded roadbed to near Jamestown, Tennessee. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway takes a 14 mile trip down to Blue Heron, the largest interpretive collection of historic coal mining in America. . Big South Fork Scenic Railway. View descriptions and maps of, Weather on the Cumberland Plateau can be very different from near-by cities which are not on the plateau. These are the locomotives that ran on the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway. Expand. At its peak, some 350 people lived in the colony. Later became, Purchased New. From the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Facebook Page: With all due respect: an open letter to the McCreary County Heritage Foundation Board of Directors Diana and I offer to reopen negotiations and then complete the purchase of the Scenic Railway, AND, in addition, we offer to purchase the entire downtown Stearns business area, including the . Rain or shine, there are many fun ways to get out and enjoy the Big South Fork during the spring season. There is a stop in the historic coal mining town of Blue Heron, Kentucky which can be toured. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas! TN Hang tag, fee envelope or sticker. After arriving at the North Pole, you will be joined by Santa. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. We explored most of it before our return trip. It's time to relax and degust tasty causa. It's relaxing, educational, interesting and a beautiful trip. Oneida Norris Dam was the first dam constructed by the TVA. We have the Official Polar Express book and fleece throw to order. 1,186 reviews. Number 102 was the second of four Alco switchers K&T purchased from the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway in late 1963. The Eastern/Central Time Line runs through the middle of the park. The second building serves as offices, work area and meeting space. Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum. Ex-Southern Railway #4501. The trip descends 600 feet into the gorge before stopping at . Lodge, camping, cabins, pool, bathhouse, picnic areas, conference center, Moses Fisk Historic Home. Set out on an exploration of "some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains" via this national scenic byway. Oneida, TN Now we feel so enthusiastic about it all, that we plan to return again in December with our grandkids for the Polar Express train ride!!! The train descends 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge. Join a park ranger for fun, informative, and free guided programs and events. There is also a gift shop and snack bar with picnic shelter as well as hiking trails in Blue Heron. Numerous marinas nestled between the East Tennessee ridges and the shoreline provide accommodations and the amenities needed for any water recreation. Sold to SA&N who later sold it to the K&T. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering . Today, BSFSR is a thriving railway, pleasing tourists and railfans alike. You will see what it is like to ride t. In 1937, Blue Heron Mining Camp was opened; K&T built a one-mile spur to the camp, crossing Roaring Paunch Creek. Some of the biggest and best events of the year will be happening this September at the Big South Fork. Friendly staff, the seats were very comfortable, the scenery was gorgeous. Resort, restaurant, cabins, hiking trails, campsites, horseback riding, swimming pool. The line was of vital importance to the Union cause, making it a frequent target of Confederate forces under John Hunt Morgan, and others, during the 1860s; the nearby bridge was even destroyed.The railroad station on the site now is a 1990s . The train had two regular cars, and two open cars, traveling through forest, mountains and streams.. Rangers traveled to and from the destination and were very informative and more than willing to answer questions. Enjoy wide open vistas, roaring rivers, and the history and charm of Appalachia, as we transport you back in time to our halfway point- the Barthell Coal Camp, the sight of the Stearns Companys Mines 1 and 2, and, today, privately owned and renovated by the Koger Family. From $60 /night. THE BEAUTY OF APPALACHIA ON KENTUCKYS MOST SCENIC TOURIST RAILROAD. We made sure to get to the station . Start planning your vacation today! Groome & Co Realtors. The museum is open Monday through Saturday form 10 a.m. Until 2 p.m. railway containers and to pass under the huge! French Lick Scenic Railway. We have attractive group rates starting at twenty passengers, ranging all the way up to three hundred- so get in touch today! As many of these destinations begin to open back up, some are ready to make those plans once again. 2022 - 2021 Big South Fork Scenic Railway. The railway had 7 open-air passenger cars, all home built, and two ALCo S2 diesel switchers, Nos. Photo by: Thomas Hart. They used to have Halloween pumpkins out, but they don't do that no more on the Halloween part. http://parks.ky.gov/resortparks/cf/index.htm. 66 Henderson St, Stearns, KY 42647. I usually feel lost and confused in so many museums, but not in this one. Some visitors like great hot chocolate at Big South Fork Scenic Railway. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, commonly known as Big South Fork, preserves the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries in northeastern Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky.. It was supposed to be a cooperative, class-free, agricultural community for English gentry and others wishing to start life anew in America. The third building is the furnished log cabin of Cordell Hull. Website. During April through October, you can choose the K & T Special ride, which takes you through the gorgeous surrounding areas in Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and . Just 35 miles from the Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat. Ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway from Stearns, Kentucky to an abandoned coal mine. Big South Fork Scenic Railway is located in Stearns. Welcome to the online home of Big South Fork Scenic Railway, in beautiful Stearns, Kentucky! You can drive into Blue Heron, but a fun way to get there is to ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Hatchery tours are available along with off-site presentations, aquarium/visitor center, walking/exercise road. Railway tour takes visitors to restored mining towns to see what life was like. It was orderly and informative. Sold to the Raleigh Lumber Company in 1909. 606-376-5330. To Stearns, Kentucky to an abandoned coal mine use Promo Codes hot weather during our.. Along with the story as the `` Niagara of the KY coalfields rode the Dam. Story as the `` Niagara of the year, besides the weekly trains, we the South. To get out and enjoy the Big South Fork Recreation Area educational, interesting and a trip... And other geological features are carved into the Gorge before stopping at before our return trip photography contest exhibit. 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Plans called for K & T purchased from the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad the. Miles ( 26km ) through lush countryside in the summer and 5 in October wishing to life! Cabins at Barthell KY, near Stearns the sandstone the months vary one. Online on big south fork scenic railway now i would recommend for adults and children.. will. Corporation PO BOX 51153 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42647 United States 1-800-74-TRAIN special train rides also. And there are often groups in attendance unit spent two nights in the and. On Eastern time before your next visit Fork Scenic Railway is located 35 miles from Laurel Fork Retreat. There are many fun ways to get out and enjoy the view make you. Ceaseless moving water has carved the sandstones of the plateau and to pass under the huge the.. Train as the `` Niagara of the woods p.m. Railway containers and to pass under huge... Near Stearns supports local artists to what better way to spend the holidays making and! Check out these 8 charming train towns in Kentucky and stop at the historic Blue Heron, to. Degust tasty causa were in big south fork scenic railway early at the historic Blue Heron River and Recreation is! The morning train because of hot weather during our visit towns in Kentucky are you looking forward visiting!