Ride the Strasburg Railroad

What could round out a visit to Lancaster County any more than a visit to the Strasburg Railroad! The Strasburg Railroad has been an icon in the county, and has been visited by thousands over the years. Walk through the historic area and around the rolling stock on site. Visit the Thomas the Tank Engine store and pick out some of those items you just can’t get at home! Let the kids ride on a train pulled by a small steam engine! You can spend a day between there and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania just across the road.

The Oldest Short Line RR in Operation

The Strasburg Railroad was given its charter by the State of Pennsylvania on June 9, 1832. It has been operating ever since, and is America’s oldest short line railroad. What you will find at this site is the love of railroading and the history of the old steam machines. Many of the people working at the railroad have been here much of their life. Even though it’s an attraction, the employees love their jobs enough that if there was no money coming in, these people would still come to work. That’s why you’ll find genuine Lancaster County hospitality and friendship when you visit here.

You Will Enjoy the Countryside

The trains consist of various cars depending on the weather and the time of year. Most of the time you will be able to sit in the open air cars, where you can feel and smell the fresh country air, or so that’s what the local residents call it. Or you can find a spot in an enclosed car or one of the specialty cars. As the train finds its way down the tracks to Paradise, you will be able to see the grandeur of the farms that have made the county so popular, and have been the life and heritage of so many of its residents.

The Luxurious Parlor Car

If you would rather not be out in the open, there are closed cars for you to ride as well as the Parlor Car. That’s my personal favorite. It’s decorated in the older style with oil lamps, plush seats, and a potbelly stove. It’s roomy and comfortable, and you will find your own host or hostess in that car to serve beverages.

If you are hungry and want to have a unique experience, the “Lee E. Brenner” Dining Car is worth the wait. For an additional cost, you can enjoy a home cooked meal on the train, or you can enjoy a wine and cheese trip. Either way, it’s a nice addition to your trip while you view the picturesque farms of the surrounding countryside.

You Can Have a Picnic

If you are adventuresome, you can take a picnic lunch with you on the train, and when it makes a stop part way down the line, you can get off and have a picnic at Groff’s Grove picnic area. This is at a location that is only accessible by the train. The picnic area has drinking water, picnic tables, fireplaces, and rest rooms. When the train comes back through, it will stop and you can hop back on and go to the station.

There is much to see at Strasburg Railroad, so make sure you carve out a good portion of your day to spend in the area. There is also a miniature train layout within a few minutes drive of the railroad where you can watch trains and other vehicles in action. That’s worth the time spent there too.

Related Posts

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Enjoy your time, and happy railroading!!

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