All Aboard These Scenic U.S. Rides on Dog-Friendly Trains

Calling all the adventurous canines–pup aboard the scenic express! Between the comfy atmosphere, nostalgic train whistles,clattering rails, and beauty of the ever-changing landscapes, there’s just something about train travel that everypuppy should experience. We’ve sniffed out five dog-friendly trains for your next scenic getaway, bc driving’s a bore and plane travel was so last year. 

Crusade Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Range

While fall is the prime time for this route (hello leaf-peeping), the Leadville Railroad has stellar views of Colorado’s famous foliage and mountain ranges anytime between May and October.  Touted as one of the most scenic areas in Colorado, this 2.5 hour tail-waggin’ train journey in Leadville, Colorado, is perfect for your fuzzy adventurer. Just be sure to avoid booking a lounge car, where doggos aren’t allowed due to the food service. 

Between the boom and bust of mining to its many famous visitors, doggo’s sure to dig up some history when visiting the small yet charming town of Leadville. The Leadville Outdoors and Mountain Market is your one-pup-shop to get paw-pared for your hikes. 

Tour the Northern Oregon Coast

Pounce on this historical, repurposed train if you’re looking for an adventure with plenty of coastal views where the mountains meet the sea. Oregon Coast Scenic offers everything from Fall Spendor Excursions for seasonal sights to festive Candy Cane Express rides. There’s something for all–just make sure to book an open car where furry frens are welcome.   

The train boards in the most charming fishing village, Garibaldi, which is home to an excellent dog-friendly seafood spot, Garibaldi Portside Bistro. Heck, you can even book a one way ticket and grab a resy at Surfside Oceanfront Resort if the pup is looking for a lil’ overnight R&R away from the cityscape (up to 2 pups, for $15/night).  Remind Fido to bring along his camera, bc this is the perfect adventure for the puppy with mad Instagram game.

Explore the Great Lakes, the Big Apple, & Everything in Between

Serviced by Amtrak, the Lake Shore Limited route travels between Chicago and either New York City or Boston. So, you craving a pastrami sandwich or a lobster roll? Petite doggos (20 lbs max) are permitted in both Coach and Acela Business Classes. Just be sure to snag a train pass for Fido too! Don’t forget the treatos! Pups are allowed on trips for up to seven hours, and she’s bound to need a snack or three. 

Whether the view of Willis Tower, Lake Erie’s beauty, or Manhattan shopping makes your tail wag, these train tracks stop at some major destinations and landmarks. 

Time Travel in the Eastern Mountains

Departing from an 1874 train station in North Conway Village, New Hampshire, the Conway Scenic trains provide an old-fashioned experience that are sure to pup you back in time. The Mountaineer to the Notch excursion travels along the Maine Central Railroad’s famous Mountain Division line. Make sure to get a window seat because the sheer bluffs, steep ravines, panoramic mountains, and cascading brooks views will make you slobbery. 

One well-behaved, leashed fluffer is allowed per party. Your furry companion will even receive a green ‘Doggy Ticket’ to board the train in any of the Coach cars. 

After your excursion, fuel up on Flatbread Company’s cozy patio (Mopsy’s Kalua Pie is a must) and head on over to the Settler’s Green Outlet Village for some dog-friendly retail therapy (most stores feature a pet-friendly sticker on their storefront window).

Experience Colorado’s History of Gold Mining

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad’s old steam engine with pillaring smoke, sounds of steam, and lots of steel offers history buffs and pups the chance to learn about the hardy miners who made Cripple Creek District, CO, just a few towns away from the dynamic gold (& dog-loving) Colorado Springs. The floof’ll love sticking her head out into the wind in the open train cars (just sure to check with Mother Nature on her plans for rain before you depart).

After the train ride, jump in the care for a 45-minute ride and give Fido his choice of exploring the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, taking a hike at Garden of the Gods, mosying over for some shopping at the Garden of the Gods Trading post, or grabbing a brewski at Cerberus Brewery. Just be sure to make Pub Dog restaurant a must-doo. They welcome dogs indoors and outdoors with a dog play area….oh, and a full hooman menu too.

Which dog-friendly scenic train ride is on your fren’s bucket list? Woof at us in the comments and be sure to tag #SidewalkDog on all your rail-ride selfies!

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