Unexpected Texas: A Pleasant Stay in a Renovated Train Caboose

by  Kelly Wilkinson | Sep 17, 2019
The Caboose at Rimkus River Retreat
The Caboose at Rimkus River Retreat / Photo courtesy of Kelly Wilkinson

Sleeping in a train caboose in the middle of Texas — that can only be located by GPS coordinates, nonetheless — may sound odd. However, it was a major highlight of our Texas Hill Country River Region trip. Here's what we thought of the atypical digs. 

This train caboose-turned-suite, aptly named The Caboose, sits among cabins at the family-owned Rimkus River Retreat. It rests right beside two of the region’s main attractions: the Frio River and Garner State Park. The train car comes from a neighboring property (also owned by the Rimkus family), and after undergoing a major renovation, it was hauled to its current location.

Inside, there's a marble countertop kitchen (complete with a matching dining booth), a microwave, a toaster oven, Keurig coffee maker, mini wine bottles, a full-size refrigerator, and a sink. There's also two climb-up bunk beds and a main suite area, the latter of which features a Queen bed, a leather couch, a full bathroom, and even DirectTV. 

The Caboose offers pristine views of the Frio River, where you can watch people kayak, tube, and canoe down the rushing water. Outside, there's table seating, festive red string lights, and a comfortably sized raised porch — which makes a great stargazing spot. 

Rates for The Caboose start at $149 per night in peak season and $129 per night in the off-season.

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