Take the Exciting Strasburg Train Ride on Your Visit
All aboard for a Strasburg train ride! This historic railway in the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is the perfect outing for families, especially if you have a train enthusiast in your group. Established in 1832, the Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest continuously operating railroad and the most visited in the US. Originally constructed to connect the town of Strasburg with the main line, it played a pivotal role in transporting goods and passengers, ensuring the town’s economic vitality.
Over the decades, while many railroads succumbed to modernization, the Strasburg Rail Road persevered, evolving into a revered heritage railroad that offers visitors a nostalgic journey through time. Today, the Strasburg Rail Road invites guests to experience the charm of steam-powered travel aboard beautifully restored trains. The standard excursion is a 45-minute round-trip journey, traversing the picturesque landscapes of Pennsylvania Amish Country. Each car is a piece of history, lovingly maintained to provide an authentic experience.
As the holiday season approaches, a Strasburg train ride is a festive addition to any visit to Lancaster and the surrounding areas. For true train lovers, one of the best places to stay in Lancaster, PA, is Verdant View Farm. The Strasburg Train line cuts directly through our property for fantastic up-close viewing. You’ll hear the train whistle off in the distance, setting the tone for a magical getaway. Our property offers an immersive getaway away from the city; a farm stay includes hands-on activities, a family-style fresh morning meal, and cozy accommodations. Learn more about a farm stay in PA here and book your lodging today!
Your Guide to an Exhilarating Strasburg Train Ride
Adding a Strasburg train ride to your itinerary is such a lovely addition to any farm stay in PA—especailly around the holidays! There’s a great selection of themed excursions designed to delight the little ones, and adults get all swept up in the magic, too. As a guest at our farm in Pennsylvania, you’ll be less than five minutes by car to the train depot, and you’ll see these majestic steam engines as they cut through our property on their tracks.
Here’s all you need to know about the Strasburg Rail Road and ride options:
- A Day Out with Thomas: If you have a fan of the iconic children’s show “Thomas the Tank Engine,” they will be floored with excitement when they get to ride a full-sized operating steam locomotive led by the big blue Thomas himself. This 30-minute excursion creates memories that last a lifetime! Tickets for the June and September 2025 rides are available starting in January.
- Christmas Strasburg Train Rides: As the holiday season approaches, the Strasburg Rail Road becomes a festive wonderland. Each of these holiday offerings is designed to immerse guests in the spirit of the season, blending the nostalgia of steam railroading with the warmth of Christmas traditions, including Santa’s Paradise Express, Night Before Christmas Excursion, and a Christmas Feast with Mrs. Claus.
- Lunch & Dinner Trains: Enjoy a beautifully crafted meal as the train heads down the tracks through the striking scenery of PA; it is such a treat. The Strasburg Rail Road offers everything from Mother’s Day Brunch and Whiskey Tastings to elegant fine dining with an up-scale menu prepared on board.
- Wine & Cheese Train Ride: The wine and cheese adventure is one of our favorites of the Strasburg train rides. The featured wines are thoughtfully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and the cheeses are paired to complement them flawlessly.
- Murder Mystery Train Experience: Immersive experiences are becoming increasingly popular, and the murder mystery train ride with Strasburg Rail Road is such a great way to escape and try your hand at solving a case. With talented actors and guest participation, this will be a highlight of your visit to Lancaster, PA.
Next Stop: Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, located in Strasburg, Lancaster County, is dedicated to preserving the history of this iconic mode of transportation. It has an impressive collection of over 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars representing various eras and railroads that operated in Pennsylvania.
Visitors can explore meticulously restored steam, diesel, electric locomotives, and passenger and freight cars. The museum also hosts events throughout the year. Whether you’re a railroad enthusiast, traveling with kids, or interested in exploring a significant aspect of American history, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Book Your Farm Stay for Your Next Holiday Adventure
Adding a Strasburg train ride to your itinerary is always a magical expedition, especially around the holidays. If you’re traveling with little kids, just imagine the smiles on their faces when a life-size Thomas the Tank Engine zips by or Santa emerges from a steam engine. The location of Verdant View Farm puts you in the ideal place to explore all things trains in Lancaster, PA.
Staying at our farm in Pennsylvania isn’t a traditional getaway. We strive to be a place where people can unplug and reconnect with nature hands-on. For example, all of our guests get a chance to assist our farmers each morning with the chores: feeding the animals, milking the cows, and collecting the eggs. Afterward, we’ll follow our morning farm routine with a beautifully fresh breakfast, served family style with our staff and farm hands. It’s a collective experience of learning more about the slower pace of life in the country.
Our property has two buildings with lodging options: the 1898 Farmhouse, which has four units, and the Cottage, which has three rooms. You’ll want to select the best lodging option for your arrangement. The Cottage has a fully equipped kitchen and is perfect for larger families hoping to get away for a more extended stay; the whole building can also be reserved. Accommodations are comfortable and rustic, but you’ll feel right at home, and they offer great respite after a long day on the farm and exploring the nearby attractions. Book your farm stay in PA today!
