Every day, the Grand Canyon Railway makes the 130-mile roundtrip journey from Williams, Arizona, across the high desert of the Grand Canyon Plateau to the canyon's South Rim. For families, it's a low-stress trip with a bonus: the chance to ride on a vintage diesel train and get a taste of the Old West. Just before you pull out of Williams, you'll witness a mock shootout between the train's marshall and bandits and, once on your way, musicians in period dress travel from car to car playing popular tunes from yesteryear. Along your journey, you might spy wildlife including elk, mountain lions, pronghorn, and bald eagles. The trip takes two hours and 15 minutes each way, which is 45 minutes faster than when the train made its first journey in 1901. The roundtrip fare is $65 per adult and $35 per child 2-12.

Money-saving packages make fall a particularly savvy time to make this trip. From October 15 to March 14, 2009, the railway is offering a two-day getaway package including roundtrip train fare in coach class, overnight accommodation at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, plus breakfast and dinner, for $119 per adult, $93 per teen 13-15, and $43 per child 2-12.

Packages with longer stays, including a rim tour and an overnight in the Grand Canyon National Park, are also available.