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The Ultimate 2026 USA Railfan Calendar: Steam Excursions & Photo Charters

The 2026 season is the most significant year for American steam in decades. From the historic coast-to-coast tour of Big Boy #4014 to the USA 250th celebrations, we’ve curated the definitive guide to every mainline excursion, exclusive photo charter, and heritage rail event across the country. Don't just watch history—be there to capture it.

While this calendar highlights unique or special events, many scenic railroads, railway museums, and theme parks operate steam on regular excursions throughout the year.
​For more information on ongoing operations, check out Steam by State and Theme Park Steam.

Note: All dates and event details are provided for informational purposes only — schedules can change, so be sure to confirm with each railroad or event organizer before making plans.

What's New

September 26: Soo Line #1003 Operates to Celebrate the Nations 250th Birthday
Soo Line Steam Locomotive #1003 operates from Hartford, Wisconsin to Burnett and back in celebration of the Nations 250th Birthday. 
Steam Locomotive Heritage Association - Hartford, Wisconsin 
More information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094123937718

October 12: Cass Fall Photography Special 
Steam Locomotive Climax #9 is planned to lead the train featuring freight cars and caboose over the Greenbrier Line from Cass to Durbin. 
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park - Cass, West Virgina 
More information: mountainrailwv.com/train-rides/fall-cass-photography-special/


Calendar Last Updated: August 8, 2026​

July 2026

July 1: 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 with Reading & Blue Mountain #2102 & Union Pacific #4014
#2102 Leads excursion from Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station - Pittston PA and return.
Photo opportunities from on-board as train passes Big Boy #4014
More details coming soon - Tickets will be on sail at - www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/

July 2: 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 with Reading & Blue Mountain Diesels & Union Pacific #4014
Special Painted Diesels Leadsexcursion from Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station - Pittston PA and return.
Photo opportunities from on-board as train passes Big Boy #4014
More details coming soon - Tickets will be on sail at - www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/

July 3-5: Summer of Steam with N&W #611 in Virginia
Norfolk & Western J Class #611 leads a 40-mile round trip ride from Louisa. 
Virginia Scenic Railway - Louisa, Virginia 
For more information: www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

July 4 & 18: Summerville Steam Special at Tennessee Valley 
Southern Steam Locomotive #4501 leads a full day excursion from Chattanooga, TN to Summerville, GA.
Tennessee Valley Railroad - Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
For more information: www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

July 4: 250th Independence Day Special Steam Excursion with Reading #2102
#2102 leads excursion from Reading Outer Station to Jim Thorpe. 
Reading & Northern Railroad - 
Reading, Pennsylvania 
Tickets on sale and more information starting May 4th: www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/

July 5: Indiana Ice Cream train with #765 in Indiana 
1-hour train rides with free ice cream led by Nickel Plate #765
Indiana Rail Experience - Angola, Indiana 
For more information: www.indianarailexperience.org/ice-cream-train/

July 17-19: USA 250th Hiawatha Weekend Roundtrip with Milwaukee Road #261
Roundtrip Weekend excursion powered by Milwaukee Road Steam Locomotive #261. 
Departing from Chanhassen, MN on Friday July 17 and traveling to Montevideo, MN where passengers can spend the weekend.
Return on Sunday July 19th.  Photo run-bys are planned and the train features a variety of historic equipment. 

Friends of the 261 - Departing from Chanhassen, Minnesota 
More information: 261.com/excursions/usa-250/


July 18: USA 250th Hiawatha Saturday Excursions with Milwaukee Road #261
1.5 hour and 2 hour roundtrip excursions are offered departing from Montevideo, MN.
Friends of the 261 - Departing from Montevideo, Minnesota 
More information: 
261.com/excursions/usa-250/

June 19-20: Steam to Victory Event at Age of Steam 
World War II vehicles, static railroad displays, and reenactors along with short train rides and roundhouse tours during this 2 day event. 
Age of Steam Roundhouse - Sugarcreek, Ohio
More information: ageofsteamroundhouse.org/blog/steam-to-victory/

July 31: Centennial State Limited at Cumbres & Toltec 
Steam Locomotive #168 leads a special excursion from Antonito to Big Horn and return to celebrate the 150th year of Colorado as a State and the 250th year of the USA.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - Antonito, Colorado 
More information: cumbrestoltec.com/unique-rail-experiences/the-centennial-state-limited-a-colorado-150-journey/

August 2026

August 1: Centennial State Limited Double-Header at Cumbres & Toltec 
Steam Locomotive #168 and 463 lead a special double-head excursion from Antonito to Big Horn and return to celebrate the 150th year of Colorado as a State and the 250th year of the USA.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - Antonito, Colorado 
More information: cumbrestoltec.com/unique-rail-experiences/the-centennial-state-limited-a-colorado-150-journey/

August 1-2: Railfans Weekend at Huckleberry Railroad 
Special events throughout the weekend including model railroad display, railroad shop tours, photo runby excursion and more. 
Huckleberry Railroad - Fling, Michigan
More information: geneseecountyparks.org/railfans-weekend/

August 1 & 15: Summerville Steam Special at Tennessee Valley 
Southern Steam Locomotive #4501 leads a full day excursion from Chattanooga, TN to Summerville, GA.
Tennessee Valley Railroad - Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
For more information: www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

August 2: Centennial State Limited at Cumbres & Toltec 
Steam Locomotive #168 leads a special excursion from Antonito to Osier for lunch and then return to celebrate the 150th year of Colorado as a State and the 250th year of the USA.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - Antonito, Colorado 
More information: cumbrestoltec.com/unique-rail-experiences/the-centennial-state-limited-a-colorado-150-journey/

August 22: Tomato Festival Special Steam Excursion with Reading #2102
#2102 leads excursion from Nesquehoning to Pittston for the annual Tomato festival. 
Reading & Northern Railroad - Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania 
Tickets on sale and more information starting May 4th: www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/

August 29-30: Railroad Heritage Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad 
Special events throughout the weekend including behind the scenes restoration updates, historic displays, photo run-by excursion and more. 
Tweetsie Railroad - Blowing Rock, North Carolina 
More information: tweetsie.com/special-events/railroad-heritage-weekend

September 2026

September 1: Hoosier Tour with #765 in Indiana 
Classic Automobile Staging and Photography with the #765 followed by a 2.5 excursion.
Indian Rail Experience - Pleasant Lake, Indiana

More information: www.indianarailexperience.org/hoosier-tour/

September 4, 5, & 6: Rolling Victory WWII Weekend with #765 in Indiana 
WWII Reenactments, Live Entertainment and Steam Train Rides offered with Nickel Plate #765
Indiana Rail Experience - Angola, Indiana
More information: www.indianarailexperience.org/rolling-victory/

September 5, 12, & 19: Galloping Goose #5 to Silverton
Operating the entire route from Durango to Silverton
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado 
More information - 
durangotrain.com/events/rio-grande-southern-galloping-goose-5-excursions/

September 5 & 26: Summerville Steam Special at Tennessee Valley 
Southern Steam Locomotive #4501 leads a full day excursion from Chattanooga, TN to Summerville, GA.
Tennessee Valley Railroad - Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
For more information: www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

September 12: Mountain Top Rotary Club Steam Train Excursion with Reading #2102
Travels from Penebscot to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania and return behind Reading Steam Locomotive #2102. 
More information: www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/rotary-2102

September 18-20: Maryland Railfest and Fireball Photo Experience 
Annual festival featuring 3 days of train excursions with both steam and diesel and a featured "Fireball Photo Experience" evening photo special featuring C&O Steam locomotive #1309. 
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - Cumberland, Maryland
More information - wmsr.com/marylandrailfest

September 19-20: Summer Steam Train at LM&M Railroad in Ohio
Grammling Locomotive Jeddo Coal #85, a coal burning, 0-4-0 steam locomotive will be visiting and leading train rides. 
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad - Lebanon, Ohio
More information - lebanonrr.com/train-rides/summer-steam-train/

September 25-26: Fall Steam Festival at Age of Steam
Two day festival featuring a mix of steam tractors, vintage baseball, and steam trains. Short steam train rides and roundhouse tours will be offered along with the special events and entertainment. 
Age of Steam Roundhouse - Sugarcreek, Ohio
More information - 
ageofsteamroundhouse.org/blog/fall_steam_festival/

September 25: Midwest Electric Railway with Dak Dillon Photography
Afternoon and evening streetcar photography with historic trolleys and interurbans operating. 
Midwest Electric Railway - Mount Pleasant, Iowa
More information: steamcharters.com/

September 26: Soo Line #1003 Operates to Celebrate the Nations 250th Birthday
Soo Line Steam Locomotive #1003 operates from Hartford, Wisconsin to Burnett and back in celebration of the Nations 250th Birthday. 
Steam Locomotive Heritage Association - Hartford, Wisconsin 
More information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094123937718
​
September 26-27: Midwest Central Railroad Special with Dak Dillon Photography 
Baldwin 2-6-0 #6 and West Side Lumber Shay #9 will both be under steam and operating with freight and passenger consists.
Midwest Central Railroad - Mount Pleasant, Iowa
More Information: 
steamcharters.com/midwest-central-railroad/

September 26-27: Liberty Rocket Excursion - Railroading Heritage of Midwest America
Departing from Silvis, Illinois - these rare passenger excursions operate on the Iowa Interstate Railroad. 
Saturday September 26: Ride behind the worlds largest operating diesel electric locomotive - Union Pacific #6936
Sunday September 27: Ride behind the recently restored Santa Fe Dash 8 #537
Railroading Heritage of Midwest America - Silvis, Illinois. 
More information: rrhma.com/liberty-rocket/

September 26-27: Santa Fe 2926 on Public Display - New Mexico Railroad Days
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Details TBA - More information:
 2926.us/

October 2026

October 3, 10, 11, 17, 18 & 31: Summerville Steam Special at Tennessee Valley 
Southern Steam Locomotive #4501 leads a full day excursion from Chattanooga, TN to Summerville, GA.
Tennessee Valley Railroad - Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
For more information: www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

October 5-6: East Broad Top Fall Photographers special with Brodie Photography 
East Broad Top Steam Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotive #16 will pull a freight train consist of coal cars on a 2-day photo charter. 
East Broad Top Railroad - Rockhill, Pennsylvania
More information - Click Here

October 12: Cass Fall Photography Special 
Steam Locomotive Climax #9 is planned to lead the train featuring freight cars and caboose over the Greenbrier Line from Cass to Durbin. 
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park - Cass, West Virgina 
More information: mountainrailwv.com/train-rides/fall-cass-photography-special/

October 15-16: WW&F Photographers special with Dak Dillon Photography
Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington 24" narrow-gauge Steam Locomotive #9 will lead a mixed train with autumn leaves as the background. Night photo shoot will also take place.  - Alna, Maine
For more information: steamcharters.com/wwf-railway-photo-charter/

October 16-18:Fall Colors Steam Train with #765 in Indiana 
Pleasant Lake, Indiana to Hillsdale, Michigan and return - an all-day steam powered excursion with Nickel Plate #765
Indiana Rail Experience - Pleasant Lake, Indiana

More information: www.indianarailexperience.org/fall-color-steam/
​
October 17 & 25: Fall Foliage with Reading #2102
Fall Foliage Excursion from Reading, Pennsylvania to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania behind Reading Steam Locomotive #2102. 
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad - Reading, Pennsylvania. 
More information: www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/fall-foliage-reading

October 19-20: The Animas Canyon After Dark with Pete Lerro
A unique night time photography experience guided by Pete Lerro. A K-28 Steam locomotive and mixed train with historic box cars is the planned consist. 
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado. 
durangotrain.com/events/fall-photo-2026-the-animas-canyon-after-dark/

October 23-25: Santa Fe #2926 Mainline Photo Charter with Pete Lerro 
Santa Fe #2926 operates on the mainline owned by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (this is where the "Rail Runner" operates) with a fleet of stainless steel coaches and baggage cars for this special photo charter - Albuquerque, New Mexico. 
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/santa-fe-2926-photo-charter/

October 27-28: Cumbres & Toltec Photo Charter with Pete Lerro 
Day 1 - A re-lettered Rio Grande 2-8-2 K-36 leads a mixed train from Chama, New Mexico.
Day 2 - Re-lettered D&RG #425 (aka #315) leads a mixed train from Antonito, Colorado. 
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. 
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/

October 30 - November 1: Santa Fe #2926 Mainline Photo Charter with Pete Lerro 
Santa Fe #2926 operates on the mainline owned by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (this is where the "Rail Runner" operates) with a fleet of stainless steel coaches and baggage cars for this special photo charter - Albuquerque, New Mexico. 
For more information: www.lerrophotography.com/santa-fe-2926-photo-charter/

November 2026

November 7 & 8: Summerville Steam Special at Tennessee Valley 
Southern Steam Locomotive #4501 leads a full day excursion from Chattanooga, TN to Summerville, GA.
Tennessee Valley Railroad - Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
For more information: www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

November 10-11: "Boston & Maine #1397" with Dynamo Productions 
Former Canadian National #89 will be undergoing a cosmetic overhaul to represent B&M #1397 for this photography special, which will feature both freight and passenger consists operating on the Strasburg Railroad - Strasburg, Pennsylvania. 
For more information: www.dynamo-productions.com/coming-soon-03-2

February 2027

February 20-21: Soo Line 1003 Photo Charter with Pete Lerro 
A 2-day Winter Photography charter with Soo Line 2-8-2 steam locomotive #1003 leading a mixed freight train. 
Hartford, Wisconsin 
For more information: lerrophotography.com/workshop/soo1003/
​

May 2027

May 8-10: White Pass & Yukon Photo Charter with Pete Lerro 
A 3-day photography charter with White Pass & Yukon 2-8-2 steam locomotive #73. 
Skagway, Alaska 
For more information: lerrophotography.com/workshop/white-pass-yukon-photo-charter-may2027/
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