Taking the Train to Hanford for Ice Cream
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If you’re looking for a unique and fun day trip from Fresno, take the train to Hanford for some delicious ice cream! There are several great shops in town, and you can explore the charming downtown area while you’re there.
The train ride is a great way to spend the afternoon, and the ice cream the size of your head from Superior Dairy is worth the trip.
The Hanford Ice Cream Train
Hanford is a charming agricultural town in California. Just a 45-minute drive south of the largest nearby city of Fresno, Saturday afternoons are a popular time to take the ice cream train from Fresno to Hanford.
The Central Valley is one of the agricultural capitals of California (and the United States.) The train is a good way to experience the Central Valley as you pass the many vineyards and orchards of Fresno.
Plus, the train offers a comfortable and relaxed way to travel, with plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the scenery. You can also see the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.
Superior Dairy Hanford
Superior Dairy is the hot spot in town because it is known for its mega-sized ice cream scoops. Although the line is long, it is definitely worth the wait. My flavor of choice was Rocky Road and Vanilla.
They do offer a selection of sandwiches and sides, but the most popular menu item is the Superior Special- prepare for ice cream scoops that are literally the size of your head.
Superior Dairy is located in the heart of downtown Hanford. Enjoy your ice cream on the grass at Civic Center Park, seated on the park fountain, or from the steps of the picturesque Hanford Civic Auditorium.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic blanket if you plan to spend some time lounging on the grass.
And don’t forget to bring a dollar to take a spin on the Hanford Carousel!
Fresno to Hanford Amtrak
The train itself is clean and spacious. I was surprised to find that it was a double-decker and even had a snack cart. The train runs multiple times daily, and at $15 roundtrip, the tickets are very reasonably priced.
| Fresno | Hanford |
| Santa Fe Passenger Depot 2650 Tulare Street Fresno, CA 93721-1325 | 200 Santa Fe Avenue #A Hanford, CA 93230-4554 |
In addition, the train is a great option for the convenience of not having to drive yourself or having to worry about parking.
Ice Cream Train FAQ
Superior Dairy is an easy 10-minute, half-mile walk down 8th Street from the Hanford Amtrak station.
Tickets can be purchased for $15 roundtrip on the Amtrak website.
The train ride from Hanford to Fresno takes 32 minutes.
If you’re looking for a fun day trip, the ice cream train from Fresno to Hanford is definitely worth your time. Not only will you get to enjoy some delicious ice cream, but you’ll also have the chance to explore two charming towns in California’s Central Valley. So what are you waiting for? All aboard!
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Pin The Hanford Ice Cream Train
20 Comments
Teri
I was thinking about taking my grandsons on this train. Is the carousel and ice cream shop close to the Hanford train station?
Cassie
Yes, it is easily walkable from the train station!
Adrenaline Romance
How was the ice cream? Hehehe! We haven’t tried riding on a “real” train before; the only trains we rode on are the transit systems in the city (which we don’t consider real trains). It would be fun to do so.
Cassie
The ice cream was heavenly. I’ve been on the metro and subways, a “real” train is definitely unique!
madhurima
I belong to India where the great old railway system still reigns and this ice cream posts makes me smile! We always get a serving of ice cream when we travel by rajdhani express, one of our premium trains. As a child, if I ever got an extra, I would be so happy! Guess we are never too old to eat and blog about ice creams!
Cassie
That is awesome to have experienced train travel so often. Ice cream is always a special treat 😉
Milijana
As an ice-cream enthusiast, I felt you immediately.
I can imagine your happiness when facing the mega-size ice-cream scoops. 🙂
Just wondering what’s the taste of the Rocky Road flavour?
Cassie
It was massive! Rocky Road is chocolate ice cream with marshmallows and peanuts 🙂
Deeptha
This is such a fun and cost effective adventure, Cassie. And the ice-cream price is so affordable! The ice cream train would make for an excellent impromptu outing with the family of friends. I think my nephew and nieces would love it.
Cassie
I’m sure they would! The families on the train seemed to be having a great time.
Nancy
This is adorable! Who knew there was such a local gem out of Fresno? I’m filing this away as a possibility for the next time I’m nearby with my kids. They would love it.
Cassie
Kids would absolutely love it! It would be a great local family outing.
Kristie
Greetings from a fellow Midwesterner who loves trains! You had me at ice cream. This sounds like such a fun adventure! I’d love to do that.
Cassie
Greetings! The train ride truly made it feel like an adventure.
Nives
Wow. I didn’t heard for that kind of excursions – need to check it out right now. Also, I’m a big ice – cream lover, definitely for me. Which flavors did you take?
Cassie
Vanilla and Rocky Road ;D
Shreya Saha
That was a beautiful train ride to icecream store. I am not a dairy-lover, would skip that, but would not mind such double-decker train ride with views of Sierra Nevada by me.
Cassie
The view from the top deck was amazing!
Priya Florence Shah
What a fun excursion! Who wouldn’t love to travel and eat ice cream to boot? And it didn’t even cost very much. It’s giving me ideas to do inexpensive excursions in my own neighbourhood. Thanks for sharing your experience and for the inspiration.
Cassie
Thank you, it really was fun! But the best part had to be the cost 😉