Passengers board at Grapevine's historic Main Street station and the train operates over a 21-mile (34 kilometer) route to the Fort Worth Stockyards on former trackage that was owned by the St. Louis Southwestern Railway (aka the "Cotton Belt").

Upon return to the stockyards, the engine turns around via a turntable and runs around the train on a siding, then it departs back toward Grapevine.

[2] An accident with a freight train in 2000 caused the Fort Worth & Western to sever the relationship and took back control of passenger operations.

Later that year the City of Grapevine expressed interest to FWWR owner William Davis in owning and operating the Tarantula train.

When Trinity Metro began operating their TEXRail[3] commuter line, GVRR made arrangements for trackage rights on their right-of-way to Haltom City.

In addition to the normal Grapevine-Fort Worth and Trinity River runs, GVRR offers many events and special excursions throughout the year.

Back in Grapevine, riders get off the train and enter the North Pole, where they are greeted with a snowy forest path that leads them to Santa's Workshop.

For one weekend each year, a replica of Thomas the Tank Engine comes to Grapevine and leads the train for a short out-and-back excursion.

These activities can include but are not limited to the Thomas and Friends Imagination Station, magic shows, live performances, and storytelling.

Another 21 and older out-and-back trip, this excursion offers guests Halloween-themed food and entertainment, as well as two free glasses of craft beer in a souvenir stein.