All Aboard for September Adventures with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
September is shaping up to be an unforgettable month aboard the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad! From heritage dinners and classic comfort food to Oktoberfest celebrations and family-friendly excursions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as you ride the rails through the Smoky Hill River Valley. Step back in time, savor delicious meals, and create memories on Kansas’ heritage railroad.
1. Saturday, September 6 – Dinner Train: Heritage Railroad Series (Rock Island Rocket)
The Rock Island Line was once a mighty fine route across Kansas, building communities and fueling agriculture. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad honors that legacy with a special dining experience inspired by the Rock Island Rocket passenger train. Enjoy a 1940s-style menu recreated by Lucinda’s Katering, featuring chicken fricassee, Kentucky-style potatoes, stewed corn, coleslaw, dinner rolls, and chocolate cake. Step into history as you relax in air-conditioned comfort during this two-hour ride beginning at 6 p.m.
2. Saturday, September 13 – Dinner Train: Broadway Station Murder Mystery
Romance, pasta, and a whodunit come together for one enchanting evening. Broadway Station of Herington brings an Italian-inspired menu of lasagna or chicken Alfredo, with salad, breadsticks, and Italian lemon cream cake. Meanwhile, passengers in the Eveland Creek car will play detective in “The Case of Love in the Ozarks.” It’s a night of mystery, laughter, and full hearts, departing Abilene’s Rock Island Depot at 6 p.m.
3. Saturday, September 20 – Flint Hills Express & Wheat State Family Diner (1 p.m.)
Gather the family for an afternoon ride through the Smoky Hill River Valley! Climb aboard the Flint Hills Express for a two-hour excursion that includes a stop at the historic Hoffman Mill and Country Store in Enterprise. New this year is the Wheat State Family Diner option in the Eveland Creek car, with Brookville Hotel catering boxed lunches featuring their legendary fried chicken, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. Children’s meals are available too!
4. Saturday, September 20 – Dinner Train: Brookville Hotel (6 p.m.)
When you think Kansas comfort food, Brookville Hotel fried chicken is at the top of the list. On this evening excursion, enjoy their famous pan-fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cream gravy, coleslaw, creamed corn, and homemade biscuits, topped off with old-fashioned ice cream for dessert. Beer and wine are also available for purchase. This two-hour evening adventure departs at 6 p.m. and features a round trip to Enterprise with a 30-minute layover at the Hoffman Grist Mill and Country Store.
5. Saturday, September 27 – Dinner Train: Oktoberfest Celebration (6 p.m.)
Raise your stein and celebrate Oktoberfest on the rails! Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus of Riley brings a taste of Germany to Kansas with your choice of schnitzel or goulash, served with spaetzle, mushroom sauce, red cabbage, and decadent chocolate mousse with a dash of Mozart liqueur. Soft drinks are included, with German beer available for purchase. The two-hour ride departs at 6 p.m. and includes a stop at the historic Hoffman Mill in Enterprise.
Plan Your September Adventure
Seats are limited and these specialty trains often sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy one-of-a-kind meals, entertainment, and historic Kansas views aboard the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad.
All trains depart from the historic Rock Island Depot in Abilene.
Tickets available at www.asvrr.org.
Make this September one to remember—ride the rails, savor the flavors, and experience Kansas heritage in motion!