Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Fresno

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad's track may only be four miles long, but their trains cover decades in that distance. Here, a duo of antique steam engines—one built in 1913, the other in 1928—tow travelers through the piney wilderness of Sierra National Forest. Along the way, guides provide a glimpse of how America's wilderness looked to the railroad companies and loggers as they worked their way westward and shipped raw materials back east. The lesson also incorporates a bit of biology, as tour-leaders will often deviate from historical discussion to talk about local wildlife or how lumberjacks evolved their ax hands.

On certain evenings, the conductors extend the track tour from one-hour to three. Guests begin the evening with a barbecue dinner, then ride the train to a campfire for a sing-along. They then get back on the locomotive for an evening trip back to the modern era.