The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant
An Adventure for Kids of all Ages!

by Fida Wild

Step back in time at The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant near the historic town of Strasburg, Pennsylvania, also called "Train Town USA". This old time fashion motel and farm is located in the heart of the Amish farmland in Lancaster County.

What started in 1969 with 19 old cabooses, bought by Don Denlinger at an auction for just $100, way under scrap value, has grown to 40 vintage rail cars converted into sleeping quarters. The cabooses have been restored and painted authentically by the new owner, Larry DeMarco.

The location for the Red Caboose Motel couldn't be better for train enthusiasts and travelers who love to explore the picturesque Lancaster County. The area around Strasburg is known for old trains and railroad related memorabilia.

**Red Caboose Motel**
© Red Caboose

The Strasburg Railroad train station is just down the road from the Red Caboose Motel, and provides hourly train rides with historical steam locomotives that drive by the motel.

Amish neighbours go about their daily work and their horse drawn buggies are a regular sight on the streets.

The National Toy Train Museum with a world-class collection of historic locomotives and railroad cars is practically around the corner and so are many more attractions.

The cheeky little Thomas the Tank Engine, a full sized operating steam locomotive, offers a day out in June, September and October.

Or you can get lost in the Amazing Maize Maze at the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, according to the Discovery Channel the "World's Biggest Free Standing Mind Bender".

**Red Caboose Sleepers**
Photo: Thomas W.P. Slatin

The Red Caboose Motel itself offers many attractions for kids of all ages. The working farm has a petting zoo, playgrounds, and a store with a large train display where kids and kids at heart love to hang out. All kinds of model trains chug around the tracks. Authentic train parts are displayed amongst all sorts of train souvenirs.

A silo is converted into a lookout and the barn into an open-air cinema in the summer. There are two dining cars that rock like real old fashion trains when the right button is pushed.

What to Expect

**Family Sleeper**
© Red Caboose

If you are looking for a good old fashion fun time with the kids, it's your place. If you expect 500-thread sheet linens and the service of a 4*Hotel - look elsewhere.

Keep in mind this is a countryside working farm and a Motel, a rustic getaway in a quite and peaceful community. The cabooses are sparsely furnished and rather small. There is not much room for luggage, and so it can feel pretty cramped at times. No frills bathrooms and pretty small too. If you loved the good old cabin camping days, you'll have a blast, and the kids will be in heaven.

**Simple Room**
© Red Caboose

If you visit in winter, (they are closed January and February) make sure you take extra blankets with you, even though the cabooses are heated, it can get quite cold.

Rooms: 38 heated cabooses, some with bunk beds; all with private bath; microwave and small fridge.
Facilities: Cable TV, AM/FM clock radios, AC, no Telephone.
Wheelchair access: partially - ask by the time of booking.
Children: Excellent. Many family activities on site; outdoor movie theatre, petting zoo, playground and plenty of field to play ball, flying kites, tossing frisbees.
Pets: no

**Dining at the Red Caboose**
© Red Caboose

Restaurant: 2 full service Restaurants in authentic dining cars.
Room Service: no
Closed: January 1 to February 28 (29)
Gift Shop: Plenty of train history memorabilia along with an operating train layout.
Specials: All Summer holidays & Thomas Weeks - 2 nights maximum stay; Ask for Specials & Packages for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Rates: Starts at USD 69, depending on caboose and season.