The “Maydelle Winery Kids” about 2005
Maydelle Country Wines sits on the tracks of the Texas State Railroad. The building we’re in, as unimpressive as it is, was the original Maydelle depot. Before it was moved to Maydelle in 1910, it was crew quarters for MoPac in Palestine, Tx, or so we were told.
When we opened the winery in 2004, the train ran regular runs back and forth to Palestine from Rusk almost every day. It was so regular that we put a sign by the door of the times the train would come through our back yard. People would hang around if it was near times just to watch it run by. You didn’t see much of it because of the depth of the tracks here (we’re at the highest point on the tracks), but you could see the people in the coach cars and the top part of the steam engine.
Around 2007, the train went privatized and the runs stopped being a daily thing. They still ran on the weekends, which thrilled us. Through the years, the train has had different owners (the land still belongs to the Texas State Park service), and we’ve seen it less and less though here. The last few years, it’s only run out of Palestine. No special events out of Rusk, not much of anything.
Until March 27th anyway. They’re going to start runs from Rusk to Maydelle and back, but at least it’s a start. There are lots of events that will get you out on the tracks, but almost all the “Excursions” run out of Palestine.
So if you happen to want to see the beautiful woods of East Texas at a much slower pace, come ride the Texas State Railroad. There are lots of great things to see and do in both Palestine and Rusk, as well as little ole Maydelle. The Maydelle Train House should be opening soon, and that’ll be a blast to see as well. It’s full of model trains of various sizes and types. When you get to the part of the tracks we’re near, be sure to look up. That’s the only way you’ll see our little place from the tracks.
Be sure to come by after though. We’d love to have you out!
For more information on the Texas State Railroad, visit https://texasstaterailroad.net/