The Scenic Railway was an amusement feature that has never lost its popularity in any American pleasure resort. Modern day roller coasters owe their humble beginnings to scenic railways like the one at the 1904 World's Fair. The one was at the western end of the Pike had a throng of patrons, mostly of the younger class, who were fond of thrill without danger. The building occupied a large area, partly taken up by restaurants, but the railway itself reached back a great distance into the territory at the north. A ride on a scenic railway was elaborate and extensive as this was a sensation that should not have been missed. There was not a dull second in the two round trips that one made. The climax of the ride was in the section where three swift dips were made in rapid succession, at terrific speed, which was gently checked by the rise that brought the car smoothly into the pavilion where one passed brilliantly lighted scenes of enchantment that suggested a second trip. The Scenic Railway carried thousands of passengers in safety, and returned them to the starting point eager for another ride. Unlike some other entertainment features, it imposed no dreary waits. It was always ready, and condensed into a few swift moments enough excitement to lift the most jaded into the spirit of the Pike.The Water Chutes, Navel Exhibit, Fire Fighters, Battle Abbey and the Galveston Flood were Pike attractions that were close to the Scenic Railway
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