National Train Day 2025
10 unique ideas to celebrate all things rail related in USA and Worldwide
Hi everyone, before I give you my top 10 list for things to do for National Train Day 2025, I am excited to share that I partnered with a Rail Advocacy group in Washington, DC, called Go Rail over the holidays in 2024 to promote favorable Rail Freight policies throughout the USA. Read more about it below and enjoy some of the National Voices and what they had to say about why trains are more important economically and culturally.
Rail Champions Speak: Essay Contest Highlights
We launched the Rail Champions program to uplift local voices who understand the power and promise of freight rail—and our 2025 Essay Contest did just that. Participants from across the country shared compelling stories about how freight rail supports jobs, drives local economies, eases congestion, and strengthens sustainability.
Congratulations to First Place Winner: Denise Pallarito, Otsego County, MI, who was recently shipped the above painting!
What is National Train Day in the US, and why is it important worldwide?
On May 10, we celebrate National Train Day—a tribute to the trains that shaped America’s history, connecting coasts and cultures since the transcontinental railroad’s completion in 1869. For you, my art-loving readers, this day (or month… ;) is a chance to dive into nostalgia, journey, and storytelling through watercolor, tea, and conversation. Trains aren’t just machines; they’re symbols of adventure and connection, inspiring my soul-spun watercolors that blend the fleeting with the eternal. Join me to honor this legacy, spark your creativity, and share stories that roll down the tracks of your memory. Let’s dive into our top 10 for this year.
10 Unique Activities for National Train Day 2025
Learn Rail History Through Family and Friends’ Stories
Interview a family member or friend about their train experiences (like grandpa or an uncle who used to work the freight yards) and create a watercolor sketch for fun of their story. Explore how trains shaped their lives while connecting with your heritage.
Steam in Green by Adam Hansen, Watercolor on Paper, 15” x 22” Available Sip Tea on a Scenic Train Ride
I encourage readers to book a scenic train ride (Think California Zephyr, Chicago to San Francisco) and enjoy a tea ritual while watching the landscape, blending journey and emotional resonance. For my fellow Train Chasers, here is a state-by-state list to achieve this goal. Bring a tumbler to cover your tea ;) The painting above is based on Vintage Railroad Niles Canyon in Niles, CA, and still uses rail beds from the Transcontinental days.Listen to this Train-Inspired Bagpipe Music
Over the years, I’ve discovered some fun random things. I invite you to enjoy a short bagpipe melody inspired by a train’s rhythm—think of the chug and whistle—and share it with a friend. Yes, this is one of my favorite bagpipe songs played by the King’s Piper’s Royal Scots Dragoon Guard. As a heads-up, there is no audio for the first 9 seconds. Listen to it on YouTube here.Visit a Rail Museum with a Camera or Sketchbook
I suggest visiting a railroad museum to photograph or sketch trains and artifacts, fostering art appreciation and conversation about rail history. American Rails.com has put together a complete guide where you can find your closest rail museum today. Some have train rides on location; call or check ahead. I recently visited the O Winston Link Museum in Roanoke, VA, and had a great time.
Try Building a Miniature Train Station Diorama
I understand this is a deep hobby and not as easy as it looks. You can opt to just pull out your Christmas tree train set and have fun. Or…Construct a small diorama of a 19th-century train depot using cardstock and paint it in watercolor. Learn about depot architecture while exploring how to recreate rail history in 3D. If this is your serious hobby or passion, consider connecting with local clubs through the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA).Share a Train Memory on Social Media
Why not post a train travel memory with #NationalTrainDay, paired with a photo or your own art? Leave a comment below or tag me on social @adamhansenart. Hearing people’s Train stories is one of my favorite parts at art showsExplore Civil War Train Lore
The Civil War is surprisingly one of the first modern wars in the world where trains were critical to the success and decline of both sides. Also called the Railroad Wars. Consider watching Disney’s Interpretation of the most famous story, where “The General” steam engine was stolen by daring Union soldiers in the Deep South. Listen to Dan does Disney on YouTube as he reviews “The Great Locomotive Chase” (1956). It is entertaining and discusses several historical takeaways here.
Plan a cross-country or International Train Excursion
Curious about foreign train travel or a cross-country AMTRAK excursion with friends and family? Amtrak here and Lonely Planet Guide here.
Enjoy Train-Themed Art
More to follow on this, but below is my favorite Train Artwork by Claude Monet from 1877. A print of this hangs in my studio. See the Original or learn more by visiting the link for Harvard’s Howard Fogg Museum, where it’s on display year-round. We also accept commissions, and we could be a part of your celebration this year of honoring loved ones or family rail legacies. Contact us about commissions here.
Stay in a Train Themed Airbnb!
This caboose getaway is one of a kind in beautiful Santa Cruz Redwoods. Pat is a retired electrical Engineer and has had lots of fun recreating a rustic retreat for city goers and train lovers in central California. We recently made print for his Airbnb. Be sure to show him some support. You can book the Redwoods Cupertino Caboose in California here!
Redwoods Caboose Mini Art Prints of Pat’s awesome Airbnb are for Sale when you stay there, or Limited Edition Canvases via my ETSY shop. The original shown above and held in a private collection. Still Reading? Want More? Consider Supporting Train Initiatives or Groups Nationwide
Below is my short list of descriptions of groups we’ve worked with in the past, belong to, or have learned about. If they help further railroading for future generations, I’m all in. Click on the Red Titles to learn more if interested.
American Society of Railway Artists: Facebook Group of like-minded Train Artists passionate about US and International Rail. I am a member and do my best to promote its members and myself.
Rail Champions: For Train Enthusiasts who want to make a difference in the USA in regards to Freight and Rail Policy. Rail Champions appreciate rail for reasons as diverse as engineering and efficiency, to economic development, and the role of trains in the American story. Many Rail Champions value how rail relieves congestion and taxpayer burden while also lowering prices for consumers. Or they may just like to watch a train roll by, seeing the economy steadily in motion.
National Railroad Historical Society (NRHS) : For Train Enthusiasts worldwide, this group offers programs to train youth up in steam preservation or even careers in the transportation industry modern day.
Heritage Rail Alliance: This is an organization that bands scenic railroads together and advocates for preservation funds from Congress to preserve vital American history and cultural artifacts.
Friends of the Rail and Trail (FORT) Santa Cruz: Founded in 2002, Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail is a grassroots, non-profit organization that advocates for transforming the 32-mile Coastal Rail Corridor into a trail and rail transit system that will provide a traffic free commute, reduce our environmental impact, and supports equitable access to opportunity and our beautiful coastline.
Railroad Passenger Car Alliance (RPCA) is a 501(c)(6) business alliance dedicated to fostering and assisting in the preservation, display, and operation of rail passenger equipment and museums preserving the history of rail transportation in North America. The RPCA and its members provide valuable resources for research and data pertaining to railroad equipment.
American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners (AAPRCO) "Our mission is to promote the ownership, safe operation and enjoyment of the private passenger rail car. We support the continued operation of a national network of corridor and long distance passenger trains that provide access for private railroad cars."
Rail Passengers Association: The Rail Passengers Association, formerly the National Association of Railroad Passengers, is the largest advocacy organization for rail passengers in the United States.
Thanks for Reading. Check out our Train-Inspired Art by visiting our website link or below under our signature. As a reminder, we also do highly customizable commissions and can paint from historic photographs of Trains if desired… Now is a great time to start, so it can be done in time for an anniversary or Christmas later this year.
Happy Rail Roading for National Train Day 2025!
Adam Hansen
Fine Artist & Designer
Fellow Train Ethusiast
