The Scenic Train Ride In Pennsylvania That Runs Year-Round

Not much can compare to a train ride when it comes to relaxing. Sinking into our seats, watching the scenery pass by, and letting the rhythm of the train hitting the tracks lull us into pure relaxation. A scenic train ride in Pennsylvania isn’t reserved for summer. Climb aboard a train with Strasburg Rail Road in any season for an old-fashioned experience that’s sure to have you coming back again and again.

Table of Contents

Railroad History
Railroad Scenery
Open-Air Train Rides
Seasonal Offerings
What To Expect

Railroad History

Originally, the Strasburg Railroad served as a short-line railroad that helped connect an area feed mill to larger railroads in Pennsylvania.

However, the future of the railroad didn’t always look so bright. Strasburg Railroad almost met its demise, in fact, after World War II when it fell into disrepair.

A passenger train left Strasburg, affectionately known as the “Train Town,” in 1959, signaling the beginning of a new era. The following year, the railroad bought its first steam engine locomotive.

Railroad Scenery

Strasburg Railroad offers train rides all year. The most popular train, however, is the Coach and Open-Air journey that meanders nine miles roundtrip through the Amish countryside and past farmland.

For the most luxurious option, book a seat in the President’s Car. The 20-seat car, which first debuted in 1913, promises a premium experience, with top-of-the-line furniture and China cabinets. You can also purchase food and drink during your journey.

First-class seats are generally offered aboard the Strasburg Railroad rides, too, and you can choose a seat in the First Class Parlor or the First Class Lounge Car. The last car on the train, the Parlor Car boasts plush seating, air-conditioning, and the opportunity to purchase food and drink.

You can also choose between a coach and an open-air seat. Sit back and relax in your coach seat aboard a Victorian car where you can enjoy the summer breeze from the open window during the warmer months. A potbelly stove keeps the car toasty during the colder months.

Open-Air Train Rides

For a truly unique experience, bring a picnic along, and disembark at one of the picnic groves, which are open seasonally, along the route. Each grove features such amenities as picnic tables, charcoal grills, and port-a-potties.

If you’re planning to have a picnic, you’ll have about 90 minutes before the next train returns. Make sure you take a train earlier in the day, if you plan to stop, as drop-offs are not permitted on the last trains of the day.

The Open-Air Train car is only offered seasonally from April through October.

Seasonal Offerings

Strasburg Railroad events offer something for everyone, from adult-centric rides to family-friendly trips. The Wine & Cheese Train Ride features a selection of wine paired with cheese and crackers, which you’ll enjoy on your journey with first-class accommodation.

Perhaps one of the year’s most popular events, the Strasburg Railroad Christmas trains promise fun for the whole family. Several Christmas train rides are offered – the Santa’s Paradise Express, the Night Before Christmas Express, and the Christmas Tree Train.

The Night Before Christmas Train offers both first-class and coach seating. All guests will enjoy a reading of the famous Christmas story and complimentary milk and a cookie. Additional treats are available for purchase for First Class passengers. The train runs on select days in December.

Other Strasburg Railroad events include the Legacy of Sleepy Hollow at Halloween, the Easter Bunny Train, the Murder Mystery Experience, and the Bonnie & Clyde Experience, among others.

What To Expect

Once you’ve decided what train ride to start with, you can find dates and times and purchase tickets on the Strasburg Railroad website. On the day of your ride, arrive sufficiently early. You’ll board the train between 10 and 15 minutes before departure time.

The 45-minute train ride journeys from the Strasburg Railroad Station in Ronks to nearby Paradise and back. Only First Class cars feature restrooms.

Either before or after your ride, stop by the gift shop to buy souvenirs, and grab a bite at the café at the station.

Find more information and book your tickets on the official website of Strasburg Railroad. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this Pennsylvania railroad.

Strasburg Railroad is a very popular attraction, so if you want a close-up look at what it’s like to ride on this train before you go, many of the top travel vloggers have been there. Yankee in the South, a fan-favorite channel based in the Great Smoky Mountains, posted this video of their ride through Amish Country in 2022.

Do you have a favorite scenic train ride in Pennsylvania? Tell us about it in the comments! On the lookout for more year-round fun? How about a day of tubing – any time of the year? Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania is the place to go for tubing, no matter the time of the year. This historic railroad is also very close to The Carriage House at Strasburg, one of the area’s most unique motels. For more accommodation options, check out Vrbo.

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More to Explore

Unique Things To Do In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | August 22, 2020

What can I do with kids in Pennsylvania?

Taking train rides in Pennsylvania just might be one of the best things you can do with kids. After all, who doesn’t love riding the rails? In addition to the wine-themed train, the Strasburg Railroad offers a full menu of fun, family-friendly train rides throughout the year. Santa’s Paradise Express, the Christmas Tree Train, Santa’s Christmas Trolley, and The Night Before Christmas Train are all extremely popular family-friendly train rides that hit the rails during the holiday season. The kiddos can also meet the Easter Bunny on the special Easter Bunny train each Easter season.

Where can I dine at themed restaurants in Pennsylvania?

You’ll find a ton of themed restaurants in Pennsylvania. If you’re a big fan of the railroad, consider a visit to one of the railroad-themed restaurants in Pennsylvania. The Red Caboose Motel and Restaurant, in Ronks, for example, sits in a former railcar and is home to the Casey Jones Restaurant. Stop by the restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu boasts such scrumptious meals as burgers, open-faced sandwiches, and broiled crab cakes. If you’ve got the time, check into one of the 38 cabooses for the night. (You’ll have to make reservations in advance, however, as the cabooses are extremely popular.)

What are the most unique things to do in Pennsylvania?

Since we’re on the train theme, you might want to head over to the Depot at Doolittle’s in Dubois, another train-themed restaurant that sits in a former railcar. This time, however, you have two railcars from which to choose – one that offers a 50’s theme and one that serves fine dining dishes. If you’re up for a trained-themed road trip, follow the road trip that will take you to such memorable spots as the Lincoln Train Museum in Gettysburg, Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, and Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg.

Explore Pennsylvania

Featured Addresses

Strasburg Rail Road, 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA

The Scenic Train Ride In Pennsylvania That Runs Year-Round

Beth Price-Williams

Author

Railroad History

Railroad Scenery

Open-Air Train Rides

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