The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant

With 46 train cars that have been transformed into guest accommodations, this motel near Strasburg is a Lancaster County attraction in and of itself. The first of its kind in the United States, a stay at the Red Caboose Motel is a singular experience in motel lodging. The property offers several different types of rooms, a few of which are suites. Though sleeping arrangements differ from one room to the next, each caboose includes some combination of bunks, doubles, or queen beds. So, a room that can accommodate four guests will most likely have one double bed and two bunk beds. No room can accommodate more than six people, so larger groups will have to reserve more than one. Some of the available room types include a Couples Caboose for two, a Mail Car Suite that sleeps up to four, and a Family Caboose for up to six guests. There is also a Honeymoon Suite on the property that would be perfect for a romantic getaway.

So, what is it really like to sleep in a caboose?

Well, in a word, it's . . . interesting. Unique. What I mean is that, if you've never slept in a train car before, you will find it is dramatically different from conventional lodging. First and foremost, are the spacial limitations. In all honesty, some of the rooms are barely wider than the length of a double bed. There is no furniture in which to store your clothes. The bathrooms are also very tiny, at least in our experience, with the sinks many times situated outside of the bathroom itself. However, the size of the bathrooms differ depending on which room type you book and it seems that this feature is being improved as more and more cabooses are renovated.

The other major difference is in the amenities. As with any lodging, there are standard features that are present in every room of the Red Caboose Motel. These include a private bath, an individual heating and air conditioning unit, an AM/FM clock radio, and cable television. Some of the room types also have a small table and chair set, a microwave, and a small refrigerator. A few of them have private decks. There is even a whirlpool tub in the Honeymoon Suite. However, there is no phone in any of the rooms and, if you want wireless internet, you'll have to go to the office.

Now, with that said, I'm sure some people would not find these accommodations at all to their liking. After all, the rooms are very compact. I urge you to remember, though, that we are talking about train cars here. In all honesty, most guests do not book a room at the Red Caboose for the amenities; they do it for the experience. People go there to enjoy nature, not surf the net. Believe me, many visitors, myself included, find that the experience of staying in a caboose and languishing in the beauty and serenity of rural Pennsylvania far outweighs the inconvenience of the somewhat cramped quarters. We obviously enjoy it or we wouldn't visit nearly as often as we do.

Situated in an 80-ton caboose, right next to the main building on the property, is one of the best features of this motel. The Red Caboose Restaurant is, in my opinion, just an absolutely charming and delightful place to enjoy a meal. The staff is very friendly, the food is delicious, and you just can't beat the atmosphere of the place.

Since the restaurant is located inside a dining car, it is obviously very narrow, with only two lines of tables. However, this design only adds to its charm. Every table has an interesting view. On one side, patrons are treated to the sight of the Strasburg Railroad, as well as the traffic on the adjacent road. We happen to love watching the Amish buggies pass by. Those who sit on the other side can gaze down into the Red Caboose gift shop for a preview of what lies inside. Another neat feature of this restaurant is the secret button that, when pressed, simulates the motion of a moving train car. As you might imagine, kids love this and get a big kick out of pushing the button themselves.

The Red Caboose Restaurant is a full-service establishment, so patrons may dine there for whichever meal they like. Our personal favorite is breakfast, though not for any particular reason. It's just always been a wonderful way for us to start our day there. So, the next time you're in the area, stop in and enjoy the friendly hospitality of this unique restaurant. Whether you are a guest of the Red Caboose Motel or not, don't miss the opportunity to partake of all that this Lancaster treasure has to offer.

The Red Caboose Motel Gift Shop is definitely worth a visit. Patrons will find a variety of train-related souvenirs, Amish crafts and baked goods, Thomas the Tank Engine items, and Red Caboose memorabilia to choose from. Anyone who enjoys browsing gift shops as much as I do will definitely not want to miss this one. The best feature of this little store is the elaborate train set that rests within. Occupying the entire length of one wall, it includes several train sets, which the kids can run themselves for fifty cents. So, keep those quarters handy because this one is a big hit with kids of all ages. . . including some adults as well!

A stroll along the grounds of the Red Caboose Motel is peaceful and relaxing amidst the scenic backdrop of the vast Amish countryside. Visitors, both young and old, will find much to do there. In fact, I find it difficult to separate the on-site activities by age group because every one, with the possible exception of the playground, can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

Just outside the main building, Amish buggies wait with their drivers ready to take guests on a relaxing ride through the neighboring Amish farmlands. The cost is minimal, the setting tranquil, and the conversation engaging. What more could you ask for?

This is something that we really truly enjoy. Every time we visit, without fail, we make it a point to go on a buggy ride. It's one of our most favorite experiences . . . traveling around the area at a leisurely pace, breathing the fresh, crisp air, listening to the sound of the horses' hooves against the blacktop while the tour guide shares their knowledge of the Amish culture. I can't think of a better way to begin a vacation!

Just across the parking lot, there is a cute little petting zoo where you can feed the animals who eagerly vie for your attention. Whenever we visit, we make multiple daily stops to see the animals. My boys especially love the goats and the sheep. They are always first in line whenever someone approaches. What personality!

On the opposite side of the barn is the viewtower. There guests can ascend several flights of a wooden stairwell to the top where you will be rewarded with a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. (The view is well worth the near death experience of climbing all those steps.) Next to the viewtower is a picnic area where there is plenty of room to enjoy a picnic, toss around a football, or play frisbee.

Beyond that is a large playground that the kids absolutely love. I know my boys do! The wooden playset comes complete with swings, slides, climbing structures, a tunnel, and a playhouse. There is even a smaller set for the little ones to enjoy.

Finally, just beyond the playground, is a walking path that winds through a cornfield. So, if you're in the mood for an early morning walk or an evening stroll, you might want to check it out.

Believe me when I say that there is so much to see and so much to do, on Red Caboose property and off, that you might have trouble deciding what to do first. The good news, though, is that it's all up to you. You're on vacation, so do whatever you want, just make sure to have a great time doing it!

In addition to the activities mentioned above, there are also a few special seasonal events that take place on-site throughout the year. These include family movie nights and periodic Amish bake sales. Most notably of all, though, are the times when Thomas the Tank Engine comes to the neighboring Strasburg Railroad. These weekly events, dubbed "A Day Out With Thomas," occur a few times every year and are, as you can imagine, extremely popular. Consequently, the Red Caboose Motel and Restaurant does a booming business during "Thomas Weeks" since the property is located less than five minutes from the railroad. As an added bonus, not only can Thomas be seen from the window seats of the restaurant, but the train also passes directly by the front of the motel, which is very cool, especially for the kids!

Just in case you were wondering, we've also been to the Red Caboose Motel during "Thomas Week" and it is a total blast! The event itself is exhausting, but the kids love it, and it really is a lot of fun for everyone. My husband and I have become Thomas fans by association, so we had nearly as much fun as our boys did. It's a great experience. We highly recommend it.

I hope you enjoyed this tour of the Red Caboose Motel and Restaurant. If you're ever in the Lancaster County area, stop by and check it out for yourself. Maybe we'll see you there sometime!

Thanks for visiting!

A Bright Red Caboose and a Flower Bed Compete for Vivid Color
Framed Art Print
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