CLEWISTON TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
A Day Through Sugarcane and Murals: Riding the Lake Placid Limited
A full-day, 7-hour roundtrip from Clewiston to Lake Placid through South Central Florida’s sugarcane country with a generous layover to explore murals, shops, and the restored depot.
A Day Through Sugarcane and Murals: Riding the Lake Placid Limited.
Step aboard the Lake Placid Limited for a mid-morning, full-day heritage excursion from Clewiston to Lake Placid. The train, led by a U.S. Sugar diesel and featuring historic steam locomotive No. 148 on the southbound leg, threads through sugarcane fields, orange groves, freshwater marshlands and over small trestles, with chances to spot Florida wildlife; on arrival, guests have a generous layover to explore Lake Placid’s restored depot, murals and shops before the return to Clewiston.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sugarcane Country & Marshland Views
The rolling route runs through South Central Florida’s working agricultural landscape—sugarcane fields, orange groves and freshwater marshes—crossing quaint trestles and offering regular opportunities to see Florida wildlife from the train.
Lake Placid’s Murals and Small‑Town Charm
Lake Placid greets visitors as the Caladium Capital and the Town of Murals—home to 47 large murals, local shops, cafés and a beautifully restored depot—making the layover an easy, rewarding window into small‑town Florida.
Vintage Comfort and Varied Seating
Choose from open-air bench seating for panoramic views, a recently restored climate-controlled Deluxe Coach, First Class seating and observation options with appetizers in the vintage dining and lounge cars, or reserve the private Pullman business car for exclusive accommodations.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The outing unfolds like a classic daytrip: a mid-morning departure from Clewiston, a relaxed transit through agricultural lowlands led by mainline power with historic steam working a leg, a lengthy midday pause in Lake Placid to eat, browse and visit the depot, then an afternoon return journey—all packaged into a seven-hour roundtrip.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
If you plan to purchase beverages onboard, bring a credit or debit card—cash is not accepted; note that open-air car seating is bench-style and not climate-controlled.
Ticket classes range from open-air bench seating to climate-controlled Deluxe Coach and several First Class options that include appetizers and light refreshments in the vintage dining and lounge cars; a private Pullman car is available for group reservations.
The full excursion is a seven-hour roundtrip with mid-morning departure and an extended layover in Lake Placid for lunch and self-guided touring.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Lake Placid Limited excursion?
The full roundtrip excursion lasts seven hours.
When does the train depart Clewiston?
Trains depart Clewiston at 10:00 AM.
How long is the layover in Lake Placid?
Passengers have a generous layover in Lake Placid from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM to enjoy lunch, shopping and self-guided tours.
Are beverages available onboard?
Beverages are available for purchase onboard; purchases are by credit or debit card only.
What seating and onboard amenities are offered?
Options include open-air bench seating with 360-degree views, a climate-controlled Deluxe Coach, First Class table and lounge seating with appetizers and light refreshments included for some First Class options, and a private Pullman business car for group reservations.
Who operates the train and what power is used?
The train is operated by Sugar Express and is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel, with historic steam locomotive No. 148 operating on the southbound leg.