Reminiscent of its earliest days, state inmates were again brought in to work on the railroad. Today the Texas State Railroad is dedicated to the Education, Interpretation and Preservation of the Golden Age of Steam. Today, the historic state railroad is still maintained as a fully self-contained railroad system. Passengers may board the historic trains at either Rusk or Palestine. Once visitors have arrived, they have an hour to enjoy lunch, browse through the park's train store, ride paddle boats, or take a short nature hike.
Passengers then reboard for the return trip home.
The TSRR is known as one of the nation's largest and most unique steam train operations. The TSRR is one of the only steam railroads in the United States that runs two steam trains simultaneously on days of operation. The East Bound and West Bound trains meet twice daily at the mid point of the run. This gives rail enthusiasts a rare chance to see two historic steam engines switch and pass. All 24 trestles are concrete.