For those who love country music, Merle Haggard wasn’t just a voice — he was a journey. And now, part of that journey lives on in a most unexpected way: a classic Vista-Dome railcar once owned by Haggard is now transporting passengers through the scenic mountains of Virginia.
A Different Side of a Legend
In the mid-1980s, at the height of his fame, Merle Haggard bought a vintage Vista-Dome railcar — one with a curved glass roof offering panoramic views of the American landscape. For Merle, it wasn’t just transportation. It was a place to think, to write, and to experience the country he sang about.
Nearly 40 years later, the railcar has been restored and is now operated by Virginia Scenic Railway. The 3-hour roundtrip ride from Staunton offers passengers breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley. What’s remarkable is how the car’s original interior and warm vintage feel have been preserved — it feels like Merle just stepped off moments ago.
Not just a ride — a moving memory
Passengers can sip local wine or craft beer while classic country songs play softly in the background. The journey is more than sightseeing — it’s a step back in time, into a quieter, more honest America, one Merle Haggard so often sang about.
