rail excursion versailles ky

Railbike tours offered along Bluegrass Scenic Railroad

VERSAILLES, Ky. (LEX 18) — Rail Explorers is opening a new location in Versailles to offer railbike tours along the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad.

The 10-mile round-trip tour takes riders through two thoroughbred farms, between limestone cliffs, to the Kentucky River with views of a bourbon distillery and Young’s High Bridge, built in 1889.

Riders may choose the Quad Railbike (up to four riders) or Tandem Railbike (up to two riders) option.

After a 5-mile ride west from the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Museum, riders will spend about 30 minutes with a view of the Kentucky River from about 100 ft. up, while guides use hydraulic lifts to turn around the railbikes, before pedaling back along the gentle curving track to the starting point.

Guests can expect about a two-hour experience.

Tickets for a 2-person Tandem Rail Explorer are $90 ($45 per person) and a 4-person Quad Rail Explorer is $160 ($40 per person).

Tours are pet-friendly. Pets ride for free, but are limited to 40 lbs. or less, one pet per bike. Previous pets have included dogs, cats, lizards, parrots, even ducks.

Limited seats are available and reservations are recommended.

Visit RailExplorers.net or call 877-833-8588 to learn more and reserve tickets.

Public tours begin July 28.

The Versailles location is about 15 miles from both Lexington and Frankfort, off Highway 62 at 175 Beasley Road.

Report a typo

Sign up to get your weekly dose of good news celebrating the best people and places in the Bluegrass! It's free and delivered right to your inbox!

Now signed up to receive the best of bluegrass newsletter..

Positively LEX18

Versailles offers new rail excursion

VERSAILLES, Ky. (WKYT) - There’s a new way to explore Kentucky’s uniqueness, via railroad.

Tucked away in Woodford County, you can pedal your way to the Kentucky River.

Rail Explorers is a brand-new business venture along the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad.

“You start at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum, in Versailles,” says Owner, Alex Catchpoole. “We peddle five miles down, right along the Young’s High Bridge.”

The bridge spans more than 1,500 feet across the Kentucky River.

“We turn around, then head back, to Versailles, so, a total of ten miles,” he said.

WKYT’s First Alert Meteorologist Jason Lindsey tested out the rail bike, which is powered by himself and an electric motor.

“They are like these go carts that go on the railroad track,” said Catchpoole. “It’s actually very easy, people are concerned that ten miles sounds like a lot, but there’s an incredible electric assist on every one of these vehicles that makes the journey effortless.”

The trip allows you to soak in and enjoy the beauty of some of Kentucky’s best horse farms and Limestone cliffs.

You can learn more by checking out their website.

Copyright 2023 WKYT. All rights reserved.

New Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope arrives at Bluegrass airport

WATCH NOW | New UK Coach Mark Pope introductory news conference

Family suing Twin Peaks, pool hall for serving underage son alcohol the night he was severely injured

Lawsuit: UK allowed former swim coach to create ‘sexually hostile environment’

2 inmates dead, 5 injured in prisoner transport van crash

Latest news.

Man saves his friend’s life at Walmart

Lexington firefighters halt search for possible missing kayaker

Top Stories: WKYT News at 6:00 PM - 04/14/2024

Scheffler carries the lead into the Masters final round as play resumes at Augusta National

Calendar of Events

Top 13 things to do, plant-friendly, diversity, equity & inclusion, new restaurants, convention center, request for proposal, press releases, see more in: media, the latest from lexington.

There’s always something new going on here in Lexington. Stay up to date with the latest news from our press team.

Riders Up: Rail Explorers® rolls out in Central Kentucky

VERSAILLES, Ky., (July 26, 2023) –  The beauty of the Commonwealth’s horse farms, limestone cliffs, and river views are on full display during a tour with the nation’s premier railbike company,  Rail Explorers . The Bluegrass Kentucky Division offers riders a unique experience along the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad in Versailles, Ky., through the Horse Capital of the World and heart of Bourbon Country to impeccably cut cliffs above the Kentucky River with a view of the Wild Turkey Distillery, as well as Young’s High Bridge, built in 1889. Public tours begin July 28. 

“Central Kentucky offers a scenic splendor and rich history we are proud to showcase,” said Mary Joy Lu, Rail Explorers CEO. “We are thrilled to call Woodford County our new home, partnering with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum to offer a truly unique railroad experience. Where else can you pedal your way through two thoroughbred farms, watching mares and foals in the fields, then see gorgeous views of cliffs, water, and a bourbon distillery? It’s magical!” 

The 10-mile round-trip tour offers the Quad Railbike (up to four riders) and Tandem Railbike (up to two riders) option. After a 5-mile ride west from the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Museum, riders will spend about 30 minutes enjoying the Kentucky River view from about 100 ft. up, while guides use hydraulic lifts to turn around the railbikes, before pedaling back along the gentle curving track to the starting point. In all, guests may expect about a two-hour experience. 

“Kentucky’s natural beauty and tourism opportunities draw visitors from near and far, and Rail Explorers is an innovative way to enjoy scenic views while exploring an area full of history,” said Lindy Casebier, Secretary of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet. “As the first-of-its-kind attraction in the Commonwealth, Rail Explorers is an excellent addition to the tourism community, not only in Woodford County but for the entire state.”

Rail Explorers Bluegrass Kentucky Division is the company’s first Southeast location. It builds on four sister locations: Boone, Iowa; The Catskills and Cooperstown, NY; and, Rhode Island. The company began operations in 2015 and since has hosted more than 500,000 riders. 

The founders of the railbike industry in America, Rail Explorers’ custom-built railbikes are pedal-powered, have hydraulic disc brakes, and feature a custom-built electric motor – the REX Propulsion System. The technology leads the world in safety, design, and ease-of-operation. The combination creates a truly effortless ride for guests of all ages and abilities – including those who are visually or hearing impaired, or differently abled. Rail Explorers’ commitment to inclusion prompted the custom electric-pedal assistance system to overcome the difficulty of pedaling uphill, as well as an all-steel-frame construction that is strong enough to have no weight limit. 

“Woodford County’s tourism train is rolling, and we are excited to welcome Rail Explorers to our community,” said Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay. “Rail Explorers enhances our rail tourism experiences locating at our awesome Bluegrass Railroad Museum to offer a world-class experience with the scenic views of our picturesque Bluegrass from the Woodford County Park to the beautiful Kentucky River.”                                                    

Rail Explorers Bluegrass Kentucky Division will create at least 17 jobs, including two full-time management positions and 15 – 20 seasonal tour guides. 

“This new opportunity to showcase the beauty of Woodford County in a most unique way is a great addition to Versailles,” said Mayor Brian Traugott, Versailles. “This is the type of new business that can serve local residents, as well as draw tourists to our community.” 

The Versailles location is about 15 miles from both Lexington and Frankfort, off Highway 62 at 175 Beasley Road, Versailles, Ky. 40383. Tickets for a 2-person Tandem Rail Explorer are $90 ($45 per person) and a 4-person Quad Rail Explorer is $160 ($40 per person). Tours are open to the public.

Tours are pet friendly. Pets ride for free, but are limited to 40 lbs. or less, one pet per bike. Previous pets have included dogs, cats, lizards, parrots, even ducks. 

Limited seats are available and reservations are recommended. Visit  RailExplorers.net  or call 877-833-8588 to learn more and reserve tickets. 

Private, group and educational tours are also available. 

About Rail Explorers The inspiration for Rail Explorers came from a scene in a Korean soap opera. In 2012, company co-founder Mary Joy Lu was watching one of her favorite K-Dramas and became intrigued when she saw a strange contraption being pedaled along the railroad tracks. Mary Joy was so excited by this extraordinary looking railbike that within 10 days she was on a plane to South Korea to meet with the designer and manufacturer of the vehicles. Mary Joy, husband and co-founder Alex Catchpoole, and other Rail Explorers employees travelled back to Korea in 2015 to learn more about the unique business. Rail Explorers brought a fleet of explorers to the U.S. and began operations in the Adirondacks in 2015. This was the first time these railbikes had been outside of South Korea. 

Rail Explorers is committed to social and environmentally responsible operations and management. The railbikes produce zero emissions and tours have little to no impact on the environment and eco-systems through which they travel. Visit  RailExplorers.net  for more information. 

About the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum The Bluegrass Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting an interactive experience of historic railroading in Kentucky. It maintains a museum of historic railroad artifacts and operates an antique tour train from Versailles, Ky. Visit  BluegrassRailroad.com  for more information.

Media Contact: 

Ashley Brauer, for Rail Explorers

[email protected]

270-308-1089

Zak Owens, for Rail Explorers

[email protected]

502-386-5704

Free Visitors Guide

Request a printed copy of our Visitors Guide and learn more about everything the Horse Capital of the World has to offer.

Let's get social

• Mission Statement
• Privacy Policy
• LEX for Good

Lexington Visitors Center 215 W Main St, Suite 75 Lexington, KY 40507 (800) 845-3959  | (859) 233-7299

Additional Contact Information

© 2024 VisitLEX

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. By using our site, you agree to our updated Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sat - Sun 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• (1.31 mi) A Storybook Inn
• (1.56 mi) The Woodford Inn
• (1.44 mi) Rose Hill Inn
• (5.77 mi) The Kentucky Castle
• (1.93 mi) Charred Oaks Inn
• (1.74 mi) Ricardo's Grill & Pub
• (7.50 mi) Heavens to Betsy! Bakery & Deli
• (9.35 mi) Wallace Station
• (8.32 mi) Heirloom Restaurant
• (6.97 mi) The Stave

Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More

Continue in Browser

Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.

Please enter a valid zipcode.

Ready to hit the rails? New, family-friendly attraction opens in Central Kentucky

VERSAILLES, Ky. — All aboard! The newest tourist attraction in the Commonwealth opened in Versailles this week. Rail Explorers is now operating in its fifth U.S. location.

What You Need To Know

A new, unique tourist attraction in the commonwealth opened in versailles this week rail explorers lets folks strap in to a red rail bike and pedal down five miles of train tracks kentucky's two-hour trek spans five miles of countryside, stopping at the young’s high bridge, which overlooks the kentucky river and wild turkey distillery those interested in riding the rail explorers should book in advance, as there’s limited space and times available.

Rail Explorers brings a one-of-a-kind experience to Woodford County. You can strap in to a red rail bike, and once you’re ready to go, you can pedal down five miles of train track and see some of the beautiful Kentucky countryside.

The experience lets visitors put the pedal to the metal and see Central Kentucky like they’ve never seen it before.

“You’re just along for the ride, it was not hard at all,” said Woodford County resident Janet Brown.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Rail Explorers USA (@railexplorersusa)

On Thursday, Rail Explorers Bluegrass cut the ribbon at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum in Versailles.

It’s a unique adventure that allows guests to ride the rails without getting on a train.

“Railroad tracks are always off limits unless you’re a train. And there’s something viscerally captivating about walking on tracks, looking at tracks, seeing where they go,” said owner, Mary Joy Lu.

She opened the company in 2015 after seeing a rail bike while watching a Korean television drama. Lu was drawn to the bike’s ease of operation.

“You don’t need to be a Lance Armstrong to do this, and that’s exactly why I fell in love with it. Because the community needs more things multigenerational people can do,” Lu said.

Spectrum News 1’s Mario Anderson was another invited guest taking a spin on the new bikes.

. @AustinSchickTV and I rode on the ‘Tandem Railbike’ option which holds up to two riders. #RailExplorersKY also offers a 4-person Quad. #RailExplorersUSA opens for public tours in Versailles, KY on Friday. Tours are kid and pet friendly too! pic.twitter.com/OfbpQxKJF4 — Mario Anderson 📺 (@MarioAndersonTV) July 27, 2023

The two-hour trek spanned five miles of countryside, stopping at the Young’s High Bridge, which overlooks the Kentucky River and Wild Turkey Distillery.

“It’s gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous,” Brown said of the view.

The bikes are motor operated, but are sped up and operated by pedaling. They also have a break. Lu says there have been no major incidents involving the rail bikes.

“We also ensure that by having two guides ride at the front and two guides at ride at the rear; you have your own space, but still have protection from whatever may happen,” Lu said.

Woodford County Judge Executive James Kay says Woodford County has a rich rail history and Rail Explorers gives people another reason to visit the county rich with horses and bourbon.

“We are doing more business today than we did prior to the pandemic, and that is just a testament to everyone working together and trying to show off all the great things in Woodford County,” Kay said.

Those interested in riding the Rail Explorers should book in advance, as there’s limited space and times.

Rail tours take about two hours to complete and cost $90 for two people and $160 for a group of four.

Umbrellas and ponchos are provided on each bike in the event of light rain. Rail Explorers also operate in New York, Rhode Island and Iowa.

LATEST NEWS

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Sign In Account

Report a photo

Please let us know why you want to report the photo from this user :

Thank you. Your report will be reviewed soon

• Reviews (0)
• Comments (0)

Hop on the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad for a slow and relaxing ride.

The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum is located in Versailles, Kentucky, at the Falling Springs Center. Take a 90-minute train ride that takes you around rock walls, through horse and tobacco farms, all the way to a scenic overlook on the Kentucky River. At Young's High Bridge, you will enjoy the picturesque views. The ride takes away the hustle and bustle of today's world. The antique passenger cars were built in the 1920s and 1930s. Its train track was built by The Louisville Southern Railroad in 1889 and linked Louisville and Lexington. The line was traveled until the 1950s for passengers and was used to haul freight until the 1980s.

The museum is at the train depot and has been open since 1986. It is a great place to learn how railroads helped to build the nation. You will get to see the historical and economic importance of the railroads and check out vintage railroad equipment and memorabilia on display. Photographs and model trains are also inside the museum. Special train rides include the Santa Trains and the Pumpkin Patch Trains. This is a family-friendly attraction that is suitable for children and adults of all ages.

There aren't any reviews for Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum yet.

Report a review

Please let us know why you want to report the review from this user :

Delete Review

There aren't any comments for Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum yet.

Report a comment

Please let us know why you want to report the comment from this user :

Questions and answers

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill , KY

Shaker village of pleasant hill.

Woodford Reserve Distillery , KY

Woodford reserve distillery.

Old Fort Harrod State Park , KY

Old fort harrod state park.

Wild Turkey Distillery , KY

Wild turkey distillery.

The Kentucky Castle , KY

The kentucky castle.

Hueston Woods State Park , OH

Hueston woods state park.

McConnell Springs , KY

Mcconnell springs.

American Sign Museum , OH

American sign museum.

Cincinnati Museum Center , OH

Cincinnati museum center.

The Arboretum Botanical Garden , KY

The arboretum botanical garden.

Findlay Market , OH

Findlay market.

Washington Park , OH

Washington park.

Current conditions for Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

Monthly averages:.

Suggest a Correction

Spot something wrong with our info about this place? Please let us know about it.

Thank you, your suggestion has been submitted

Ask a question.

Have a question about Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum? Ask our Go Wandering community for the answer.

We have posted your question to the Go Wandering community and will let you know when it gets answered.

ADD TO ITINERARY

This website uses cookies.

• Cookie Declaration
• About Cookies
• Strictly Necessary
• Performance

Strictly necessary cookies allow core website functionality such as user login and account management. The website cannot be used properly without strictly necessary cookies.

Performance cookies are used to see how visitors use the website, eg. analytics cookies. Those cookies cannot be used to directly identify a certain visitor.

Targeting cookies are used to identify visitors between different websites, eg. content partners, banner networks. Those cookies may be used by companies to build a profile of visitor interests or show relevant ads on other websites.

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit. Websites use cookies to help users navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. Cookies that are required for the website to operate properly are allowed to be set without your permission. All other cookies need to be approved before they can be set in the browser. You can change your consent to cookie usage at any time

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Train Tickets

Blue grass scenic railroad reservation.

See The Bluegrass State's Beauty On The 5 Best Train Rides In Kentucky

Rachel Shulhafer

I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.

More by this Author

Kentucky has plenty of options for truly memorable day trips , but there is a certain novelty about taking one via train. There aren’t as many passenger train options in Kentucky as there are in other states, but we still have a few places that offer incredible and unique experiences, all while you get to relax in a comfortable train car — without having to pay attention to the road, worry about directions, or stop for gas. Here are five of the very best train rides in Kentucky; from an old-fashioned dinner train to a train in the mountains, you’ll want to plan one of these fun-filled train trips soon!

Related Stories

This 3-Hour Train Ride Is The Most Relaxing Way To Enjoy Kentucky Scenery

Enjoy The Simple Life When You Visit This Tiny Rural Community In Kentucky

This Friendly Town In Kentucky Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

The best train rides in Kentucky can be found all over the state and they all make for a truly memorable day trip. Try one of these train rides the next time you want a unique excursion in the Bluegrass State, and experience the sublime scenery of Kentucky like never before!

And for more scenic day trips in The Bluegrass State, you’ll definitely want to take a cruise down these 10 stunningly beautiful Kentucky roads . You’ll enjoy postcard-perfect views, and fall in love with Kentucky all over again.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Kentucky in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Kentucky!

An error occured.

More to Explore

Best train rides in kentucky.

What are the most memorable train rides in Kentucky?

The most memorable train rides in Kentucky include:

• Big South Fork Scenic Railway
• My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

Kentucky is an incredibly scenic state, and it's so fun to see it by train. While many of the train rides listed above take you through countryside, Big South Fork Scenic Railway whisks you through the mountains on the rails. You get to stop at a historic mining area, which also offers beautiful views, and the entire region is picturesque all year long. And then there's My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. This little gem is known for its classic dinner service and ride, but they also offer a few themed events, as well. Their Murder Mystery Ride is very popular and tends to sell out quickly, so be sure to check the website or Facebook page , before planning your visit.

Are there any train museums in Kentucky?

Train museums in Kentucky include:

• Kentucky Railway Museum

Many share a fascination with trains, their history, and the way in which they impacted Kentucky. Dozens of towns and destinations in the Bluegrass have managed to hang on to the nostalgia of the locomotive (see above!), and we even have museums, train rides, and events that celebrate their past, present, and future. The Kentucky Railway Museum in the small town of New Haven is definitely a train lover’s paradise, and there’s something at this hidden gem for everyone. It’s a fun-filled destination that has plenty of history, artifacts, and experiences that make it a worthwhile visit. At the museum, you'll find an indoor area to explore, as well as trains being restored outside. You can also take a train ride through the countryside, which is the perfect activity when paired with a stop at the museum.

Does Kentucky have any train towns?

Train towns in Kentucky include:

Trains are universally interesting, thanks to their history, power, and ability to transport us back in time. We’ve shared many places throughout Kentucky where you can ride a train or even learn about the history of the railroad in our state (see above!), but there are also a variety of spots in the state where you can see trains in action on a regular basis. There are trains running through towns all over Kentucky,  and  LaGrange may be the best-known train town in the state. It's hard to miss the tracks and roaring locomotives that frequently pass through the main part of this train town. Right along these tracks, you'll find charming shops and delicious restaurants, so it's the perfect place to settle in for a bite to eat and take in the nostalgia of the passing trains. Midway is another Kentucky train town; it's located just outside of Lexington in a small, super-charming town. When you reach the train tracks, you know you've reached the center of town and a variety of shops and restaurants. You'll definitely want to park around here and walk through town and you may even get a glimpse of the train, passing through this historic town. Make sure to save time to drive the country roads that surround Midway and the heart of horse country.

Related Articles

• George Clooney Once Called This Small Town In Kentucky Home And You'll Want To Explore It Yourself
• The Charming Small Town in Kentucky That's Perfect For A Fall Day Trip
• For More Than 40 Years, This Small Town Has Hosted One Of The Longest-Running Festival In Kentucky
• The Charming Town In Kentucky That Comes Alive In The Fall Season
• Rent Your Own Three-Story Party Boat In Kentucky For An Amazing Time On The Water
• You Can Explore Kentucky's Caves By Boat On This Bucket-List Worthy Adventure
• Straddling The Kentucky-Tennessee Border, The Town Of Middlesboro Is One Of The Most Unique Places You'll Ever Visit
• Few People Realize How Much Mining History Is Preserved In The Small Town Of Blue Heron, Kentucky

Explore Kentucky

• Arts & Entertainment
• Farms & Wildlife
• Fun Adventures
• Shops & Boutiques
• Sights & Landmarks

• NKY COMMUNITY CALENDAR

“Central Kentucky offers a scenic splendor and rich history we are proud to showcase,” said Mary Joy Lu, Rail Explorers CEO. “We are thrilled to call Woodford County our new home, partnering with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum to offer a truly unique railroad experience. Where else can you pedal your way through two thoroughbred farms, watching mares and foals in the fields, then see gorgeous views of cliffs, water and a bourbon distillery? It’s magical!”

The 10-mile round-trip tour offers the Quad Railbike (up to four riders) and Tandem Railbike (up to two riders) option.

After a 5-mile ride west from the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Museum, riders will spend about 30 minutes enjoying the Kentucky River view from about 100 ft. up, while guides use hydraulic lifts to turn around the railbikes, before pedaling back along the gentle curving track to the starting point. In all, guests may expect about a two-hour experience.

“Kentucky’s natural beauty and tourism opportunities draw visitors from near and far, and Rail Explorers is an innovative way to enjoy scenic views while exploring an area full of history,” said Lindy Casebier, Secretary of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet. “As the first-of-its-kind attraction in the Commonwealth, Rail Explorers is an excellent addition to the tourism community, not only in Woodford County but for the entire state.”

Rail Explorers’ custom-built railbikes are pedal-powered, have hydraulic disc brakes and feature a custom-built electric motor, the REX Propulsion System, for safety, design and ease-of-operation. It creates an effortless ride for guests of all ages and abilities, including those who are visually or hearing impaired, or differently-abled. Rail Explorers’ commitment to inclusion prompted the custom electric-pedal assistance system to overcome the difficulty of pedaling uphill, as well as an all-steel-frame construction that is strong enough to have no weight limit.

Recent Posts

Former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino says Mark Pope will lead Wildcats to ‘greatness’

The River: Recycling makes the junkyard respectable and biz was good, but call of water was stronger

AAA urges drivers to tune out distractions during Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Affiliations

• Licking River Series

SEE IT: Rail Explorers railbike tours let riders explore Bluegrass Scenic Railroad

Step 2: Find Your Tour

Bluegrass, KY