Your Best Summer Experience in Pennsylvania Isn’t by Car, It’s on a Train

Summer often means packing up the car and hitting the road, but what if I told you the Allentown & Auburn Railroad in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, might just change your plans. This heritage railroad takes you on a scenic ride through Berks County, and it's one of the most charming Pennsylvania summer train rides you can take.

Why This Is the Best Summer Train Ride in Pennsylvania

The railroad runs between Kutztown and Topton on an eight-mile round trip, passing through farmland, wooded areas, and open countryside in Berks County. Kutztown is about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 20 miles southeast of Allentown, making it a manageable day trip from either city—and the ride itself is reason enough to make the drive.

The line has been operating since 1870, originally part of a larger 19th-century plan to connect Allentown to Port Clinton. That full route was never finished, but this stretch has been running ever since, and today it's one of the more unique Berks County attractions you can visit.

What To Expect on the Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Part of what makes the ride special is the variety of cars. You can ride in a coach with large windows and walkover seats, an open-air flatcar or gondola with unobstructed views in every direction, or a vintage caboose with bay windows and a coal stove. The open-air cars tend to be the most popular in summer—you get the breeze, the sounds, and a clear view of the countryside rolling by. It's one of the most unique and fun ways to experience Berks County.

Don’t Miss the Firefly Express Experience

The Firefly Express runs on select evenings in July and is the railroad's standout summer experience. As the train moves through the fields at dusk, fireflies rise from the cornfields in waves—quiet, glowing, and unlike anything you'd stumble across on a typical summer night. The darkness around the train makes the light from the fields feel that much more vivid. After the ride, the train stops at the picnic grove where passengers receive ice cream from Pop's Malt Shoppe in Kutztown.

More Ways To Ride

The Firefly Express gets most of the attention, but it's not the only experience worth planning around. The Picnic Train runs on select days, including Father's Day and Grandparents' Day, with a buffet lunch from Saucony Café served at the outdoor picnic grove. The menu includes pulled pork, hot dogs, pasta salad, and more. It’s a great option for a group outing or family celebration.

The railroad also runs themed rides throughout the year, including Easter Bunny Trains, Pumpkin Trains in the fall, and Santa and Hot Chocolate Trains in the winter. If you enjoy a scenic train ride in Pennsylvania, there's something here in every season.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

• Book ahead. Special event trains, especially the Firefly Express in July, fill up fast.
• Arrive early. The station and vintage cars are worth exploring before you board, and parking can fill up during peak events.
• Dress in layers. Temperatures can drop on the open-air cars, especially during evening rides like the Firefly Express.
• Choose open-air. The flatcars and gondolas are the best seats in summer.
• Plan for July. That's when firefly activity peaks and the evening rides are best.
• Explore Kutztown. The town has local restaurants and shops worth checking out before or after your ride. The Berks County tourism page is a good resource for planning the rest of your trip.

If you want to explore more of Pennsylvania's rail heritage, the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad near Philadelphia is another excellent choice, and there's also an open-air train ride near Pittsburgh if you're on that side of the state. You can also check out our guide to the best train rides in Pennsylvania, or this scenic train ride in the Poconos if you're headed northeast.

There aren't many places where you can trade in the car for a century-old train through farmland and watch fireflies rise from the cornfields at dusk. The Allentown & Auburn Railroad is one of them, and this summer, it's worth making the trip. Visit the official website of Allentown & Auburn Railroad for the full schedule and to book your tickets—it's one of the most unique summer experiences Pennsylvania has to offer.