Seminole Gulf Railway isn’t your ordinary train ride. Get on board of one of historic vintage trains in Florida and experience an evening of loco-motion that includes a five-course meal and a comical murder mystery for you to solve. (My friends Patty and Jorge just experienced this and loved it!)

Catch the train five nights a week from Colonial Station in Fort Myers with about 200 other adventure-seeking passengers and board one of four vintage dining cars (named Sanibel, Marco, Gasparilla and Captiva). Then, let the fun begin.

As you clank down the tracks, your meal is being freshly prepared, and actors wander down the aisle dropping clues as to “who dunnit.”  Take notes! Pay attention! Your sumptuous meal can be distracting as can the scenery over the Caloosahatchee River.

Seminole Gulf Railway Departure Days and Times

  • Wed. – Sat. at 6:30 p.m.
  • Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

Even though this adventure is super fun and delicious, it is a 3.5 hour train ride so smaller kids may lose interest (especially after the sun sets and the beautiful view out the window turns to darkness). But older kids will enjoy the shenanigans for sure - and they're really smart, and don't overthink things, so listen up when they tell you who did it! You just win the Super Sleuth award.

Stay The Night

Seminole Gulf Railway has exclusive package deals that include your train ride and a night at the Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, or Hyatt Place. Some packages even include a free breakfast buffet (at your hotel).

Advanced reservations are required so call the Seminole Gulf Railway at 239-275-8487 or 1-800-SEM-GULF (736-4853). Be sure and ask about their special events like the Sweetheart Express, Halloween Ghost Train, Thanksgiving Feast, Jingle Bell Special and New Years Eve Gala.