Discover Amish Country on the Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg Rail Road
Route 741, 301 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA, 717-687-7522
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For those of us lucky enough to live a 90-minute ride away, the Strasburg Rail Road in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, is a frequent travel destination for weekend getaways, activity packed day-trips, or train rides through scenic Lancaster County. The oldest operating steam railroad in North America, the Strasburg features a massive coal-burning steam locomotive, which pulls restored passenger cars through the farms and rolling hills of Amish country, from Strasburg to Paradise. Riders can choose to dine in Victorian ambiance, participate in theme excursions or special events offered throughout the year or just enjoy the scenery, choosing accommodations from first-class, open air or coach.

Accommodations: The President's Car, originally built for the railroad "top brass" and dignitaries, seats 20 and is graced with handcrafted woodwork, overstuffed furniture and carpeting. The First Class Lounge Car features upholstered captain's swivel chairs, and the First Class Parlor Car features tables and upholstered chairs and couches. Coach cars are standard bench seats with Victorian iron footings, heated by an authentic potbelly stove. Riders can also enjoy a wide-open view of the countryside on the Open Air coaches. Refreshments are available for purchase.

Dining: All hourly steam trains serve lunch in the Dining Car. The lunch menu includes hot and cold sandwiches, salads and a children's menu. On Wednesdays, Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy a home cooked dinner and live entertainment, choosing Prime Rib, Crab Stuffed Flounder, Chicken Cordon Bleu or a Vegetarian Pasta Platter. In July and August, the railroad features a Pennsylvania Dutch Dinner of Country Ham and Tom Turkey with all the trimmings. Reservations are required for all dining excursions; tickets are available online or at the station.

Wine and Cheese Train : On select evenings in April through October, the Parlor Car features a selection of wine, cheese and crackers, and twice a year, the Wine and Cheese Train hosts wine tastings. Mixed drinks, beer and non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages are also available for purchase. Click here for more information.

Special Events:

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: Passengers are invited to interact with the troupe and become sleuths during the Strasburg Rail Road's murder mystery dinner theaters, while enjoying prime rib, stuffed flounder or vegetarian pasta. Call (717) 687-6486 for reservations. Click here for current event dates and ticket prices.

A Day Out With Thomas: Thomas the Tank Engine, a colorful full-sized steam locomotive, will visit the Strasburg Rail Road from November 18 to 20, 2011. "A Day Out With Thomas" features rides on the Cranky Car, Pump Car, Track Car, the Lancaster, Oxford & Southern motor car and Cagney miniature steam train. Other activities include photos with Sir Topham Hatt, videos and storytelling, wooden play tables and the Imagination Station. The Trackside Café is offering a special breakfast menu on Thomas days and the gift shop offers a plethora of Thomas merchandise. Tickets are available at Ticketweb.com or by calling 866-468-7630.

Santa's Paradise Express: Beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing the first three weekends of December, "Santa's Paradise Express" leaves the Strasburg station with a very special guest. Santa makes an appearance on the train, visiting good little boys and girls and their parents. Children from ages 3 to 11 will receive a gift from Santa and his helper. Potbelly stoves warm the cars and live musicians will conduct a sing-along at the station. Call 717-687-7522 to reserve tickets.

Nearby Railroad Attractions : Round out your day with a visit to the following railroad museums and exhibits,which are minutes from the Strasburg Rail Road.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is located across the street from the train station. More than 100 locomotives and rail cars are on display, including the Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Collection. Special exhibits and educational programs are featured. Visit this page for information on combination passes to the Strasburg Rail Road and the Railroad Museum.

The "Choo Choo Barn" (226 Gap Road, Strasburg) is a 1,700 square foot miniature exhibit of Amish Country, including 21 functioning trains and more than 150 animated figures and vehicles. Visit this page for ticket information.

The National Toy Train Museum (300 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA) is home to one of the most extensive toy train collections in the world, housed in a museum built to resemble a Victorian era train station. Operated by the Train Collectors Association, visitors are invited to interact in operating the train layouts. Click here for hours and admission fees.