By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
ABILENE - The list for the top 10 best scenic train rides from USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 was just released, and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad stands as the 5th best in the nation.
The historic and beloved Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (ASVRR) has just been named in the top 5 best scenic train rides in America. The ASVRR is among the nations most well renowned train rides from all over the U.S. ASVRR President and General Manager, Ross Boelling gave his comments on how it feels to be in the top 5 list.
"It feels great, albeit a bit unexpected," said Boelling. Outside of Kansas, many folks unfortunately view us as the vast, vacant flatlands. Kansans on the other hand, know the beauty of a Kansas sunrise or sunset, the wildlife, the waving wheat or other crops and the prairie hills and rivers that criss-cross our state. This award will help affirm that there is more to Kansas than folks' general perception of our state."
Since the tourist attraction was established in 1993, ASVRR has been a fan favorite across Abilene and other surrounding communities. Boelling stated that the award means their "strategy is working," as far as bringing the rich history of Abilene and Smoky Valley "alive" through its train rides.
"Since 1993 we have strived to bring history alive through our museum and train rides between Abilene and Enterprise. This award tells us this strategy is working, since passengers that have ridden our trains were likely those that voted for us. We have a very very dedicated group of volunteers and seasonal staff that work extremely hard to bring railroad history to life for our passengers. I view this as an affirmation of their efforts," stated Boelling.
Boelling hopes this award and recognition will bring in more tourists from all over the nation and even the world.
To see the full list, go to https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-scenic-train-ride/
For more information about the ASVRR, go to: https://asvrr.org/