I don't remember watching Thomas the Tank Engine when I was young, but I have a lot of great memories of my son sitting in front of the TV and watching the show as he played with his own train set.

Thomas has actually been around for 80-years. The popular children’s character first appeared in the 1940s. Since then, there’s been a line of hugely successful books, a popular TV series, and lots of toys and merchandise. Thomas & Friends is currently streaming on Netflix and the real-life trains are giving rides in Minnesota and Iowa later this summer.

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Parents with young children are probably very familiar with Thomas and his friends Percy and Sir Tophamm Hat. Imagine how excited your kids would be to see them in  real life?

It is a great feeling watching their eyes light up and you have the chance to make that magical memory later this summer when Thomas and Friends roll through Iowa and Minnesota.

Keep reading for all of the details and ticket info.

 You Can Ride Thomas the Tank Engine in Minnesota and Iowa

Day Out With Thomas: The Thrill Of The Ride Tour 2014 Goes Green As Thomas The Tank Engine's Best Friend Percy Makes North American Debut
Lisa Lake
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My son has loved trains for as long as I can remember. We used to have train tracks set up throughout the basement and we watched every episode of Thomas the Tank Engine when he was younger.

He was so excited the first time we hopped on a real-train and went for a ride

And, it was a really fun day for the entire family because we got to ride the train and there were several other activities to enjoy.

Tickets are on sale now and are very affordable. Use the link at the bottom of this story to reserve your ride on the train.

  You Can Ride Thomas the Tank Engine in Minnesota and Iowa

Day Out With Thomas: The Thrill Of The Ride Tour 2014 Goes Green As Thomas The Tank Engine's Best Friend Percy Makes North American Debut
Lisa Lake
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Thomas and his friends will roll through the area later this summer. Below you'll see the dates for the events scheduled in Iowa and Minnesota.

Boone, IA September 9-10 & 15-17 at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.

Duluth, MN August 4-6 & 11-13 at the North Shore Scenic Railroad

“A Day Out With Thomas” is a great experience for kids and parents. Your family will be able to take a ride on Thomas, meet Sir Tophamm Hatt, play on inflatables, and enjoy other fun activities. For ticket info and pricing, click here.

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