Kentucky's Rail Heritage
A Journey Through TimeOverview:
Our agency was thrilled to partner with the Bluegrass Train Experience to revive and relive Kentucky's rich railroad heritage with a new brand, story, and the means to share that with the Bluegrass and beyond. The trail-like experience offers travelers an immersive adventure through 13 iconic train attractions across the Bluegrass State, each stop narrating a unique chapter of America's rail history.
The Result:
From crafting a timeless brand identity to building a user-friendly, interactive digital hub, we transformed the concept of the Bluegrass Train Experience into an invitation to explore Kentucky's storied rail past. Our strategic marketing efforts expanded the Bluegrass Train Experience's reach beyond state lines, capturing the imaginations of history enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The result is a thriving tourist program that not only celebrates Kentucky’s railroad legacy but also contributes to the state’s tourism efforts.
Nostalgia Meets Adventure
Brand Development
In crafting a brand identity for the Bluegrass Train Experience, we wanted to evoke the nostalgic feeling of train travel while bridging it with modern adventure. This dual focus was key to appealing to both history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, and was grounded in detailed research into the cultural significance of train travel that dictated our the visualization of the brand and its messaging.
From Tracks to Clicks
Website Design and DevelopmentOur team designed the Bluegrass Train Experience website as a gateway to adventure, prioritizing the user experience to ensure a seamless journey from screen to station. Serving as an informative hub, the site features interactive maps, detailed attraction insights, and comprehensive passport program guides so users easily navigate their rail travels. The interactive elements are not just functional but invite exploration, imitating the intrigue of a journey along the tracks.
Take Your Discoveries with You
Collateral Design & Experiential ElementsOur approach to collateral design was rooted in enriching the visitor experience by transforming their journey into memorable keepsakes. We conceptualized and produced engaging materials—brochures that narrate the rail's history, collectible passports that log each destination, and custom stickers that serve as both souvenirs and badges of adventure. These mementos, paired with the digital experience, provide a tangible connection to the memories made along the trail.
Riding the Rails to Reach Out-of-State Guests
Marketing CampaignsThe marketing campaign for the Bluegrass Train Experience was precisely engineered to extend Kentucky’s trails from the local heartlands to distant audiences. Our strategy leveraged digital advertising, social media, and influencer partnerships to captivate out-of-state tourists. By focusing on strategic demographics and psychographics, we tapped into audiences with an inherent interest in rail adventures and historical exploration. Our campaigns were rich with content designed to evoke a sense of longing for discovery, showcasing the unique blend of history and journey that defines the Bluegrass Train Experience. Through consistent engagement and alluring narratives across platforms, we cultivated a buzz that positioned the Bluegrass Train Experience as a must-visit destination, enticing travelers to add it to their itineraries for their next Midwestern adventure.
