Full Steam Ahead on the Strasburg Railroad
When you visit Lancaster County, there are a number of unique ways to tour our beautiful Amish countryside – on a scooter, in a hot air balloon or by helicopter. Well, consider adding a historic steam train ride to your list of amazing options. When you hop aboard the Strasburg Rail Road, you can take a ride on America's oldest operating short line railroad in a turn-of-the-century wooden rail car.
The Strasburg Rail Road dates back to 1832 and once provided freight and passenger service in an era when covered wagons and canals were still commonplace. Business ebbed and flowed over the next century. By 1954, the Strasburg Rail Road had weathered four wars, three depressions and one government takeover. It was bought in 1958 by a group of investors committed to preserving and growing the railroad. Today, about 300,000 passengers a year embark on Strasburg Rail Road's round-trip excursions.
The train cars are pulled by larger-than-life steam locomotives, traveling the same 4.5-mile track as when the railroad first began. Every ride – from regular daily service to special events –is a 45-minute, round-trip journey through the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. Choose to travel in First Class, Coach or Open Air passenger cars, all beautifully restored. Or up your experience by opting to dine in the luxurious Lee E. Brenner Dining Car, where you'll enjoy freshly prepared food and drinks while you travel in style.
With so many fun excursions to choose from, you'll find the perfect rail adventure in any season. A favorite is the Wine and Cheese train, which makes a great date night, girls' night out or unique outing with friends. In your first-class accommodations, you'll be served carefully selected wines from Lancaster County's own Waltz Vineyards perfectly paired with gourmet cheeses. Check out Strasburg Rail Road's other special onboard events, such as murder mysteries, cabaret shows, escape rooms and more.
With Christmas fast approaching, Strasburg Rail Road will help you make the season extra special with four holiday-themed excursions in November and December. The Santa Paradise Express has been a Strasburg tradition for more than 60 years. Ride the rails with Santa, who will be handing out gifts and posing for pictures. Holiday carolers, musicians and a Christmas market add to the festivities. The Santa Claus Limited train is Strasburg's regular daytime train ride but with Santa on board. There's also The Night Before Christmas ride, where guests enjoy cookies and milk while professional performers bring the classic holiday poem to life, and a Christmas Tree Train that takes travelers to Leaman Place Grove, where you can choose a pre-cut Fraser Fir and have it delivered back to the station.
The Strasburg Rail Road is about 4 miles from After Eight Bed & Breakfast, which makes our historic inn a great place to stay when you ride the rails in Lancaster County.
