National Train Day 2012

National Train Day commemorates the anniversary of the transcontinental railroad's inception by bringing to life the rich history of how trains have transformed America. Each spring, Amtrak hosts National Train Day festivities at Union Station in Washington DC as well as at other stations across the country - including Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Each free event features live entertainment, interactive and educational exhibits, kids' activities, model trains and tours of Amtrak equipment, freight and commuter trains, and notable private railroad cars.

2012 Update: Due to construction from damage sustained during last fall’s earthquake, there WILL NOT be an event in DC’s Union Station this year. There will be a local event in DC, but details are still forthcoming.

Highlights of National Train Day in DC

• Train Equipment Displays: Get up close with Amtrak equipment. Take a walk through a privately owned, luxury train car. Commuter displays will highlight rail passenger services, and freight equipment displays will show how “green” locomotives transform the nation’s freight fleet.
  
  
• Kids Depot: Bring the kids and let them build, explore and compete for surprise giveaways happening all day long at the All Aboard Explorers’ kids zone.
  
  
• Model Train Displays: Take a closer look at the miniature masterpieces and marvel at the wonder of the model train displays that will be featured on-site at National Train Day.
  
  
• K-9 Unit Demonstrations: Interact with Amtrak Security K-9 Units, one of the largest programs in the United States.
  
  
• Amtrak High Speed Rail Display: Explore the future of high speed rail travel.
  
  
• Amtrak Culinary Experience: Enjoy live cooking demonstrations by Amtrak celebrity chefs and taste free samples of regional culinary specialties.
  
  
• See More Store: Take home a print, a t-shirt, and other memorabilia that will remind us to see more, do more, live more from the passenger seat of a train.

Website: www.nationaltrainday.com