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Special Features

Bikes, Barges and Trains (Part 2)

©May 2005 by Peter Lynn

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Berkshire Scenic Railway : Massachussetts

Area Mountain Bike Trails: Berkshires, Massachussetts

The Berkshire Scenic Railway was founded to foster interest in the history of railroading in the Berkshire Hills. This is accomplished with museum exhibits, historic structures and train rides between Lenox, Lee and Stockbridge. The train, with vintage standard gauge coaches from the 1920s and narration provided by uniformed conductors, is pulled by a 1950s diesel locomotive.

It operates on summer weekends and holidays. The 2 1/2 hour round trip includes a 1/2 hour stop in Stockbridge, where the locomotive is moved to the other end of the train for the return trip. Tickets are sold at Lenox Station, home of the museum, or on board the train (no reservations needed). Lenox Station has operating model trains, a railroad museum and the "Gateway to the Gilded Age" exhibit. For special events, rates and schedule check the website or call at the contact number below.

By the late 1800s wealthy New York City families were building summer "cottages" in the Berkshire Hills. The railroad offered an efficient way to transport all the necessities for their stay, including guests, servants, luggage and even horses and carriages. The New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad (absorbed the Housatonic Railroad in 1892) brought them in style from New York’s Grand Central Station. The original Lenox Station (circa 1850s) burned down in 1902. It was considered an eyesore by the "cottagers", who obviously influenced the design of an impressive new station in 1903.

Contact information:

The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Inc.
P.O. Box 2195
Lenox, MA 01240

Phone: 413-637-2210
Website: www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org