Find a train ride in the Mid Atlantic USA…
This is where it all began! Modern American railroading got its start in the Mid Atlantic USA nearly two centuries ago. While a handful of small scale rail-guided transports appeared earlier, it was the 1827 “laying of the first stone” that set Maryland’s Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) on track to become the archetype upon which future long-distance passenger and freight haulers would rely. Fortunately for rail fans and American history buffs, though the B&O was absorbed into CSX in 1987, it has never entirely faded from view.
Today, the B&O Railroad Museum’s sprawling Mount Clare complex in Baltimore, Maryland is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered to be the birthplace of American railroading. The train museum houses the country’s largest collection of 19th-century locomotives and hosts scenic train rides along the first commercial mile of railroad track in the USA. A few hundred miles north, Scranton, Pennsylvania’s Steamtown National Historic Site offers a complementary steam engine train experience!
Tucked amid the farmlands between Baltimore and Scranton, horse-and-buggy rail crossings for auto-shy Amish travelers and Dinner Train suppers featuring Pennsylvania Dutch favorites (like Shoofly Pie) are among the lasting memories visitors to the Strasburg Rail Road won’t soon forget. Further north, scenic train rides along picturesque Upstate New York mountain routes with names like Adirondack Scenic Railroad and Catskill Mountain Railroad are a special treat when autumn leaves turn. South of Baltimore, the nation’s capitol dome in Washington DC may be glimpsed from aboard a streetcar at Maryland’s National Capital Trolley Museum.
While they still fulfill everyday commuter needs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the city’s pair of mountainside incline railways offer short but scenic train rides for curious visitors. The Duquesne (1877) and Monongahela (1870) Inclines share the distinction of being the country’s oldest funicular railways. Tired of tracking the nation’s rail heritage? Then plan a day trip south of the ‘Burgh at Kennywood, where the USA’s only Thomas Town family park awaits you and your little engineers for train rides with the Mid Atlantic region’s Number One Blue Engine plus catch Sodor-style attractions hosted by Thomas the Tank Engine and his Friends!
Find a train ride in the Mid Atlantic USA…
Find a train ride in the Mid Atlantic USA…
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Wilmington & Western Railroad
Wilmington, Delaware
Both vintage diesel engine and antique steam engine trains take visitors on scenic train rides through the First State’s Red Clay Valley, a tranquil and historic area best experienced by train. Features include picnic layovers and Doodlebug rides. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (302) 998-1930.
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B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, Maryland
An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum contains the Western Hemisphere’s oldest and most extensive collection of heritage railroad equipment. Visitors are treated to train rides along the most historic mile of track in the USA. Features include a restored 1884 roundhouse; and America’s oldest train station (located in Ellicott City). Trains operate seasonally; train museum open year-round. Telephone: +1 (410) 752-2490.
National Capital Trolley Museum
Colesville, Maryland
Established over 40 years ago, the NCTM pays tribute to the role of streetcars in the development of the U.S. Capital. A 1 mi (1.5 km) demonstration line gives visitors the opportunity to climb aboard passenger and service cars from a collection dating back to 1910. Trolleys operate year-round. Telephone: +1 (301) 384-6088.
Walkersville Southern Railroad
Walkersville, Maryland
Departing “turn of the century” Walkersville Station, excursions pass the remnants of 19c railroading that dot its picturesque farm country route. Dinner trains operate intermittently through the season. Features include open-air and caboose seating. Telephone: +1 (301) 898-0899.
Western Maryland Railroad
Cumberland, Maryland
Across a truss bridge and through the Narrows — an Allegheny cut that was America’s first gateway to the west — the Frostburg Flyer negotiates steep horseshoe curves and a mountain tunnel on its way to the mountaintop village of Frostburg. Features include cab rides, Hands on the Throttle experience, Frostburg layover (Conductor’s Lunch optional), and Murder Mystery Dinner Trains. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 872-4650.
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Black River & Western Railroad
Ringoes and Flemington, New Jersey
This rare short line, tucked away between New York and Philly, serves freight customers as well as tourists. Diesel-powered and steam engine train excursions, lasting around an hour, wind over 16 mi (25 km) of rolling countryside. Features include a Ringoes museum car. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (908) 782-6622.
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Heritage diesel engine and a rare Chinese-made steam engine trains alternately haul visitors on riverside train rides through the scenic Delaware River Valley. Ol’ Susquehanna Mine gem-panning excursions are a particular hit with kids. Features include Maywood Station train museum. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (877) 872-4674.
New Jersey Museum of Transportation & Pine Creek Railroad
Wall Township, New Jersey
Located in Monmouth County’s Allaire State Park, its unique oval layout and numerous restored rail structures give this authentic narrow-gauge railroad a toy-like charm. Features include Operation Lifesaver rail safety program for kids. Trains operate year-round (selected days). Telephone: +1 (732) 938-5524.
Whippany Railway Museum
Whippany, New Jersey
Heritage excursions depart the train museum’s restored stone terminal which houses artifacts and memorabilia from New Jersey’s railing past. Rolling stock ranging from coal cars to cabooses is also displayed. Limited days of operation. Telephone: +1 (973) 887-8177.
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Adirondack Scenic Railroad
Utica and Thendara, New York
Mountain and lake adventures include day trips and half-day trips between Utica and the historic village of Old Forge (day trip includes Old Forge layover); a short short scenic train ride runs out of Thendara. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 819-2291.
Arcade & Attica Railroad
Arcade, New York
WWII-era diesel locomotives share duty with a vintage steam engine train hauling passengers and freight along this historic Upstate shortline, a route largely unchanged since its construction in the 1880s. Features include the train museum’s display of rail artifacts and memorabilia. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (716) 948-0505.
Catskill Mountain Railroad
Kingston, New York
The “Catskill Flyer” takes guests on a scenic train ride through the historic Hudson Valley and scenic Catskill Mountains. Features include Scenic Rail Bike Adventures, Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (845) 688-7400.
Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
Millford, New York
This 150+ year old railroad hosts scenic wilderness excursions through the Susquehanna River Valley to Cooperstown. Features include guest engineer program and Saturday Night Blues Express. Limited days of operation. Telephone: +1 (607) 432-2429.
Delaware and Ulster Railroad
Arkville, New York
Threading through the mountainous Catskill Forest Preserve, this historic train line chases rolling fields and steep inclines passing farmsteads and hamlets along the way. Features include onboard dining. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 225-4132.
Medina Railroad Museum
Medina and Lockport, New York
Passengers relax aboard 1947 Budd passenger coaches for a unique round trip through the scenic Erie Canal Heritage Corridor. Features include one of the nation’s largest HO scale layout. Limited days of operation. Telephone: +1 (585) 798-6106.
Trolley Museum of New York
Kingston, New York
Take a spin on an old-time streetcar and enjoy views of the Hudson River along the way. Features include historic trolley collection featuring PATH train salvaged from the wreckage of 9/11. Telephone: +1 (845) 331-3399.
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The Duquesne Incline
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Along with the Monongahela Incline (see below), this 19c funicular has given residents and visitors easy access to Mt. Washington vistas and neighborhoods since 1877. Features include mountain observation deck.Telephone: +1 (412) 381-1665.
Electric City Trolley Museum Association
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Heritage trolley rides through the ancient tunnel of an original interurban line commemorate Pennsylvania’s first electric railway. Based at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Trolleys operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (570) 963-6530.
Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad
Middletown, Pennsylvania
Guests board vintage coaches at the 1891 Middletown Station for an hour-long round trip along the old Union Canal towpath through scenic Swatara Creek Valley. Features include Ice Cream Sundae Caboose Rides and historical narrative. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (717) 944-4435.
The Monongahela Incline
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The oldest of two Pittsburgh funiculars (see Duquesne Incline above), the circa 1870 Mon Incline climbs over 600 ft (180 m) up the side of Mt. Washington. Popular with tourists, the incline also provides a vital commuter link. Telephone: +1 (412) 442-2000.
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Vintage diesel powered and steam engine trains set out from New Hope’s turreted station on the railroad’s popular Traditional Excursion through the picturesque hills and valleys of Bucks County. Longer-length Buckingham Valley Excursions and Grapevine Express Wine and Cheese Excursions are also scheduled. Features include locomotive cab rides and open-air car. Trains operate year-round. Telephone: +1 (215) 862-2332.
Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad
Titusville, Pennsylvania
The “birthplace of the oil industry” is the starting point for OC&TR’s excursions, past a one-time boomtown and a historic oil well replica, through “the valley that changed the world.” Features include an open-air gondola. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (814) 676-1733.
Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine &; Steam Train
Ashland, Pennsylvania
Catch an open mine car for an inside glimpse of deep mountain mining, then take a narrow-gauge steamer up the mountainside to see how strip mining has left its mark on the pristine high woodlands. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (570) 875-3850.
Rockhill Trolley Museum
Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania
The state’s oldest operating trolley museum maintains a roster of historic urban and interurban cars. A ride through THE nearby countryside is a highlight. Features include utility car displays, Run-a-Trolley opportunities, and shop and car barn tours. Trolleys operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (814) 447-9576.
Steamtown National Historic Site
Scranton, Pennsylvania
The Scranton yards of the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad is the site of this historic locomotive center operated by the National Parks Service. “Scranton Limited” steam-drawn yard shuttle rides and diesel-hauled excursions to off-site destinations are offered. Features include roundhouse tours. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (570) 340-5200.
Strasburg Rail Road
Ronks, Pennsylvania
“America’s Oldest Shortline Railroad” steams through the picture-postcard Amish farmlands of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The train hosts a variety of dining experiences. Features include dinner train rides, pint-sized Pufferbelly, hand-powered Cranky Cars, and pump cars. Trains operate year-round (except January; dining coach, seasonally). Telephone: +1 (866) 725-9666.
The Stourbridge Line
DL&S Railroad Company
Honesdale and Hawley, Pennsylvania
Tucked within the Northern Poconos, the train meanders along a scenic Lackawaxen River Valley route that began as a gravity-powered incline railway in the early 19th century. In 1829, the arrival of the Stourbridge Lion signaled the birth of steam-driven commercial railroading in America. Features include circa 1920s “open window” coaches. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (570) 470-2697.
Tioga Central Railroad
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
In the midst of Northcentral Pennsylvania’s mountain wilderness, the TCR’s 24 mi (39 km) line curls through shady glens and rolling hills. Sunset Dinner trains operate weekly. Features include open-air and open-platform observation cars. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (570) 724-0990.
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad
Kempton, Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania Dutch Country attraction for over 50 years, the “Hawk Mountain Line” — named for the famous bird sanctuary nearby — takes visitors on a scenic 3 mi (5 km) ride through rural countryside, along a former stetch of the Reading Railroad. Features include historic Reading stations and outbuildings. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (610) 756-6469.
West Chester Railroad
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Tracing its origins to one of the earliest railroads in US, today’s WCRR follows an abandoned transit line — including a segment of the original 19c route — reviving an important part of America’s railroading past. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (610) 430-2233.
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