There’s something about a train ride that lets the world slow down—something romantic, rhythmic, and quietly powerful. In Pennsylvania, where forests meet farmland and stories run deep, the railroads aren’t just relics of the past—they’re living experiences. From steam-powered whistles to countryside views, these train day trips gave me more than a scenic ride. They gave me stillness. Perspective. Even joy.
I didn’t go chasing speed or spectacle. I went looking for moments that felt full. And each of these rides—whether through mountain passes or Civil War corridors—offered that and more.
Best Pennsylvania Train Day Trips:
Storybook rails through the Secret Valley with Colebrookdale Railroad
Riding the Colebrookdale Railroad felt like being pulled backward in time—and deeper into something enchanted. The vintage railcar creaked gently as it rolled through thick woods and over stone bridges, with golden light flickering through the trees. It wasn’t fast, but it was full. Full of texture, warmth, and a sense that stories were waiting between the rails. I remember thinking, “Somewhere along this track, I’ve left behind everything I didn’t need.” The Secret Valley felt like a fairytale whispered in steel and steam.
What I Loved Most: Sitting by the wide windows, sipping coffee from a porcelain cup while the train passed mossy ravines and sleepy hills, wrapped in early morning mist.
Where I Ate... Brunch before boarding at Brakeman’s Café in Boyertown. I had the spinach and feta quiche with a side of rosemary potatoes and a honey latte. The café itself was full of rail history and soft jazz, and the whole experience felt like it had been curated just for slow, thoughtful moments.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Boyertown, PA
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1 hour northwest
- Vibe: Storybook, romantic, reflective
- Highlights: Vintage coaches, Secret Valley scenery, seasonal themed rides
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage, December for holiday trains
- Cost: ~$35+ per adult depending on seating and experience
- Hours: Most excursions run weekends year-round; check website for schedules
Colebrookdale Railroad Company, Boyertown Rail Yard Third Street, Boyertown, PA 19512, Phone: 610-367-0200 Toll Free: 866-289-4021
Steam and farmland nostalgia with Everett Railroad Company
The Everett Railroad felt like it ran on more than coal—it ran on memory. As the steam engine chugged through rolling farmland and forest glens, I found myself watching families wave from porches, their dogs chasing along fences. The whistle echoed like a song from somewhere older. I remember thinking, “This isn’t a ride—it’s a return.” There was something healing about the rhythm, like each puff of steam let something go.
What I Loved Most: The click of the wheels on the tracks and the smell of the steam as we wound through green hills. I felt like I was inside a sepia photograph that never aged.
Where I Ate... A warm sandwich and slice of pie at The Dream Restaurant in Hollidaysburg before the ride. I had a turkey melt on sourdough with sharp cheddar, plus a slice of lemon meringue pie that tasted like someone’s grandmother made it with pride. It felt honest, humble, and perfect for a day on the rails.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Hollidaysburg, PA
- Drive Time from Pittsburgh: ~2 hours east
- Vibe: Vintage, rural, family-friendly
- Highlights: Steam locomotive rides, seasonal events, classic cars
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for open cars; fall for leaf excursions
- Cost: ~$20–30 per adult; themed rides vary
- Hours: Select weekends March–December; schedule online
244 Loop Road Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, 814-696-3877
Mountain majesty on rails with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway felt like it belonged to the mountains. The tracks wound through steep river gorges, past craggy cliffs and canopies of maple and pine, with every turn opening up another postcard-perfect view. As the train rolled slowly out of Jim Thorpe, I leaned into the open-air car and let the wind and forest pull the week off my shoulders. I remember thinking, “This is why people fall in love with Pennsylvania.” It was wild and quiet at the same time.
What I Loved Most: The moment we entered the gorge and the world narrowed into rock and water and rustling green—just the sound of steel on track and wind in the trees.
Where I Ate... A quick lunch at Muggles’ Mug Coffee Shop before departure. I had their turkey-avocado wrap and a fresh-baked peanut butter cookie with cinnamon cold brew. The cozy interior felt like a hobbit’s den, and it was the perfect warm-up before heading into the mountain air.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Jim Thorpe, PA
- Drive Time from Allentown: ~45 minutes northwest; ~2 hours from Philadelphia
- Vibe: Scenic, mountainous, historic
- Highlights: River gorge views, fall foliage rides, vintage railcars
- Best Time to Visit: Peak fall (October) for foliage; spring for river views
- Cost: ~$18 for standard adult coach; upgrades available
- Hours: Excursions run most weekends; daily in peak seasons
1 Susquehanna St. Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, Phone: 570-325-8485
Romantic Train Trips:
River rides and small-town rhythm on the Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad
The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad didn’t rush—it rolled gently, as if the tracks themselves were savoring the landscape. I boarded in a sleepy little station and soon found myself gliding past farm fields and the Swatara Creek, with sunlight dappling through tree canopies. The conductor’s voice told stories of the railroad’s past, but the real magic was in the slow passage of now. I remember thinking, “There’s no hurry when the moment is already full.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the river appear and disappear through the trees like a quiet companion, while the train's whistle echoed softly through the valley.
Where I Ate... A bite at Brownstone Café in Middletown before departure. I had a bacon, spinach, and tomato quiche with a fresh fruit cup and a mug of strong black coffee. The wood-paneled charm of the café felt like it belonged to another decade—and it set the tone perfectly for the ride.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Middletown, PA
- Drive Time from Harrisburg: ~20 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Relaxed, pastoral, historical
- Highlights: Swatara Creek views, narration, themed seasonal rides
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for scenery and weekend schedules
- Cost: ~$15–20 per adult
- Hours: Seasonal weekend rides; check for holiday and foliage trains
136 Brown Street, Middletown, PA 17057, Phone: 717-944-4435
Timeless elegance on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
New Hope felt like it was dressed up just for the occasion—cobblestone charm, old-world railcars, and the soft clink of teacups inside the parlor car. The The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad glided through the Bucks County countryside, past quiet farms and tree-lined hillsides that looked unchanged for a century. I remember thinking, “This isn’t just a ride—it’s a romance.” Every detail was meant to slow you down and draw you in.
What I Loved Most: Leaning back in the plush velvet seat of the parlor car with a view of golden fields outside and the soothing rhythm of polished steel beneath me.
Where I Ate... An early lunch at Nektar Wine Bar just off Main Street. I had the duck flatbread with fig preserves and goat cheese, and a sparkling lemonade. Sitting on their shaded patio before boarding, it felt like the kind of day you don’t need to post about—it just stays with you.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: New Hope, PA
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1 hour northeast
- Vibe: Elegant, romantic, nostalgic
- Highlights: Vintage railcars, scenic countryside, themed luxury experiences
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for color, winter for holiday rides, spring for wildflowers
- Cost: ~$30–70 depending on car/class
- Hours: Weekends and select weekdays; evening and holiday rides available
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, New Hope and Ivyland Railroad, 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18938, Phone: 215-862-2332
Oil country rails and forest quiet on the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad rolled through history in the quietest, most grounded way. As we passed through Pennsylvania’s “valley that changed the world,” the stories of the early oil boom came alive—but they never overpowered the forest that’s slowly taken the land back. I remember thinking, “Even great industries eventually yield to stillness.” The ride was slow, earthy, and surrounded by green that felt older than time.
What I Loved Most: Crossing Oil Creek on high trestles, watching the water sparkle below like it had its own secrets, and catching glimpses of deer between the trees.
Where I Ate... A stop at The Blue Canoe Brewery in Titusville afterward. I had their Creekside Reuben with a side of kettle chips and tried a seasonal amber ale brewed just feet away. The whole place had a rustic, friendly hum to it—like the railroad, it welcomed you slowly and completely.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Titusville, PA
- Drive Time from Erie: ~1.5 hours southeast
- Vibe: Forested, historical, unhurried
- Highlights: Oil heritage narration, river views, wildlife sightings
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall; October for peak foliage
- Cost: ~$20 per adult
- Hours: Operates May–October; most trains run Wed–Sun
409 S Perry St, Titusville, PA 16354, Phone: 814-676-1733
Living legacy and Civil War rails on the Northern Central Railway
Steam Into History wasn't just a ride—it was a step into a moving page of America’s past. As the whistle blew and the train pulled out of New Freedom, I felt like I was following ghosts and generals down a track where Lincoln once rode. The engine’s rhythm matched the pulse of the countryside, and I remember thinking, “This is how history breathes when you ride with it, not read it.” It felt reverent without being heavy—like time slowed to honor the story.
What I Loved Most: Riding past fields where Union soldiers once marched, with rolling hills under wide skies, and actors on board telling stories that made it all real again.
Where I Ate... Brunch at The Glen Rock Mill Inn, a historic stone building just minutes from the station. I had a crab cake Benedict with Old Bay hollandaise and a side of skillet potatoes. Sitting near the mill’s old waterwheel, I felt tucked between centuries—part tourist, part traveler through time.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: New Freedom, PA
- Drive Time from Harrisburg or Baltimore: ~1 hour
- Vibe: Civil War, educational, immersive
- Highlights: Historical narration, scenic farm views, steam & diesel engines
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage; spring for reenactments
- Cost: ~$25–35 per adult
- Hours: Weekends and select weekdays; seasonal special events
2 West Main Street, New Freedom, PA 17349, Phone: 717-942-2370
Family-friendly Ideas:
Industrial echoes at Steamtown National Historic Site
Steamtown didn’t just preserve trains—it preserved power. The clang of metal, the hiss of steam, the vast roundhouse—it all felt larger than life. I wandered past iron giants that once built a country, touched steel so worn it had character, and stood in awe beneath engines that had carved the continent. I remember thinking, “This is what it means to build something that lasts.” It was part museum, part cathedral to American grit.
What I Loved Most: Walking through the roundhouse and hearing real engines breathe like sleeping beasts, with soot and stories lingering in the air.
Where I Ate... A lunch stop at Nay Aug Deli in Scranton. I had their signature Italian hoagie and a pickle so big it came with its own napkin. Eating outside with the distant echo of train horns, it felt like I was feeding both my stomach and my sense of wonder.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Scranton, PA
- Drive Time from Allentown: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Industrial heritage, monumental, immersive
- Highlights: Roundhouse tours, working locomotives, museum exhibits, short excursions
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; steam excursions peak May–October
- Cost: Free to enter; excursions ~$6–15
- Hours: Daily 9am–5pm (check NPS site for updates)
Steamtown National Historic Site, 150 South Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503-2018, Phone: 570-340-5200
Charming rails and country breeze on the Stewartstown Railroad
The Stewartstown Railroad felt like a hidden gem—humble, historic, and full of heart. As we rolled slowly through York County farmland, the conductor shared stories that felt stitched into the hills. Everything here moved at the speed of memory. I remember thinking, “This is what small-town America feels like when it still runs on kindness and coal.” There was no rush, just fresh air, wooden benches, and the creak of history carried forward.
What I Loved Most: Sitting in an open-air car while cows grazed nearby and the sun flickered through the trees—every detail grounding and honest.
Where I Ate... A stop at Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market on the way there. I grabbed a slice of warm apple pie and a cinnamon cider slushie—simple, sweet, and perfectly Pennsylvania. I ate it on a hay bale before boarding, feeling like I’d walked into a postcard.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Stewartstown, PA
- Drive Time from Lancaster or Baltimore: ~1 hour
- Vibe: Rustic, family-friendly, local heritage
- Highlights: Short rides, open-air cars, seasonal events, rural scenery
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for open cars and pumpkin train specials
- Cost: ~$10–15 per adult
- Hours: Saturdays and Sundays; check calendar for themed rides
Stewartstown Railroad, 21 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Stewartstown, PA 17363, Phone: 717-746-8123
Lancaster County magic on the Strasburg Railroad
The Strasburg Railroad was storybook-perfect—horse-drawn buggies outside the station, steam curling into blue sky, and fields of corn waving in rhythm with the train. The ride was short but rich, every mile a painting of Amish farms and rolling green. I remember thinking, “If joy had a sound, it might be this whistle.” It was the kind of day that reminded me what wonder feels like when it doesn’t need to try.
What I Loved Most: Watching children press their faces to the windows as cows wandered past, and hearing their laughter echo softly under the sound of steam.
Where I Ate... Lunch next door at Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery in Strasburg. I had the Firebird sandwich—grilled chicken, pepper jack, ranch, and buffalo drizzle on a pretzel roll—with a side of golden kettle chips. Eating on their shaded patio before the train, it felt like one of those small joys you want to bottle up for later.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Strasburg, PA
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.5 hours west
- Vibe: Iconic, family-friendly, picturesque
- Highlights: Open-air and vintage coaches, Amish countryside, historic station
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall; holidays for themed rides
- Cost: ~$20–35 per adult depending on seating
- Hours: Open daily; multiple daily departures year-round
Strasburg Railroad, 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, Phone: 866-725-9666
Where the Journey Is the Destination
I came back from every one of these rides carrying something invisible—a little more calm, a little more wonder, a deeper connection to the land and its stories. Pennsylvania’s railroads aren’t just about where they go, but *how* they go. Slow. Steady. Present.
If you’re craving a day trip that lets you lean back, look out, and let go—these rails are ready to carry you. Sometimes, the best way forward is on tracks that remember where we’ve been.
Related Travel Ideas for Rail Fans and Explorers
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Storybook rails through the Secret Valley with Colebrookdale Railroad
- • Steam and farmland nostalgia with Everett Railroad Company
- • Mountain majesty on rails with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
- • River rides and small-town rhythm on the Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad
- • Timeless elegance on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
- • Oil country rails and forest quiet on the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
- • Living legacy and Civil War rails on the Northern Central Railway
- • Industrial echoes at Steamtown National Historic Site
- • Charming rails and country breeze on the Stewartstown Railroad
- • Lancaster County magic on the Strasburg Railroad