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 Railroad in any season for an old-fashioned experience that's sure to have you coming back again and again.
Railroad History
Experience a part of Pennsylvania’s rich railroad history aboard a train ride with Strasburg Railroad in Ronks. Dating back to 1832, the railroad has earned distinction as the oldest continuously operating railroad in America.
Originally, the Strasburg Railroad served as a short-line railroad that helped connect an area feed mill to larger railroads in Pennsylvania.
Strasburg itself has been an important hub for travelers since the 1690s. Travelers would stay overnight here before continuing their journeys.
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.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission didn’t see much point in repairing it until railroad fans banded together to save the now-historic railroad.
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.
Today, Strasburg Railroad beckons visitors to ride the rails on scenic journeys and offers a variety of themed rides, including at Christmas and Easter, throughout the year.
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.
Guests can choose from several seating options, including the President’s Car, First Class, Coach, and Open-Air, the latter of which is offered seasonally.
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.
The Strasburg Railroad bought the 83-foot President’s Car in 1964 and kept it on display until it was restored to its former glory in 2002. The train is generally available on select days throughout the year and during Strasburg Railroad events.
Please note: As of August 2023, the President’s Car is being restored, so it is temporarily out of service.
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.
The First Class Lounge Car, on the other hand, features plush swivel chairs and air-conditioning. You can also purchase food and drinks. Private charters are also available for groups of between eight and 10 guests.
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
One of the most popular ways to experience Strasburg is on an open-air train ride. Slip into one of the seats on the open-air car, sit back, relax, and watch the Amish countryside roll by.
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 stop at Geoff’s Grove, you might want to head over to nearby Cherry Crest Farms for some family fun. The farm features a corn maze, skee ball, and countless other activities.
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.
When you’re boarding the train, make sure you let the train conductor know you want dropped off at either Geoff’s Grove or Lehman Place Grove, the latter of which sits at the end of the track. You can then hop on any train back to the station when it comes by.
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.
All guests aboard The Wine & Cheese Train must be at least 21 years old and show photo identification. The Wine & Cheese Train is offered on select Friday and Saturday evenings.
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 Santa’s Paradise Express offers both coach and limited dining car seating on select days in November and December. Santa and Mrs. Claus will join in on the fun for this one-of-a-kind Strasburg Railroad Christmas train that will also feature professional carolers, a market (at select times), and gifts for all passengers 11 and younger. Those aboard the dinner train will enjoy a delicious meal.
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.
If you’re looking for your Christmas tree, climb aboard the Christmas Tree Train’s First Class or Coach cars. The train will take you to Lehman’s Place Grove, where you can pick a pre-cut tree that will be waiting for you when you arrive back at the station.
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.
Find a full list of Strasburg Railroad events on the official website of Strasburg Railroad.
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.
Make sure you book your Strasburg Railroad tickets far enough in advance, especially if you're booking a special events train.
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.
If you’re looking for more to do, head over to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, a Strasburg railroad museum that attracts railroad fans from all over.
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? Have you ever experienced the Strasburg Railroad? 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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