Get Ready for Thomas the Train Strasburg!
Each year, there’s much anticipation for one of the biggest railway traditions in Lancaster, PA, Thomas the Train at Strasburg Rail Road. This iconic blue locomotive has delighted kids and train lovers for decades on TV, and it’s even better to see him live as he makes an appearance on the rails for a “Day Out With Thomas” each June and September.
The Strasburg Rail Road is a must-visit attraction in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania—especially for families and anyone who loves trains. It’s not only the oldest continuously operating railroad in the Western Hemisphere (founded in 1832!), but it’s also one of the country’s most immersive and scenic heritage railways. Thomas the Train Strasburg is just one of the many themed excursions, including holiday rides with the Easter Bunny and Santa.
For true train enthusiasts, our beautiful farm in the rural countryside of Pennsylvania is one of the best places to stay, as the Strasburg Rail Road cuts directly through our property. This means that when Thomas the Train is in town, onlookers can see him on the rails multiple times during your stay. Our charming historic farm is the perfect place to escape the city for a few days to disconnect and relax. Check out our upcoming availability and book your farm stay in PA today!
Thomas the Train Strasburg & More Family-Friendly Train Activities
Strasburg Rail Road offers a chance to ride in beautifully restored, real steam-powered trains through the picturesque Amish countryside. For kids (and adults!) who are obsessed with trains, this is the ultimate experience. You can sit in a historic passenger car pulled by a working steam engine, watch the engine turn around on a turntable, and even peek into the engineer’s cab. Train fans of all ages will be in awe of the history and machinery on display.
The Thomas the Train event on the Strasburg Rail Road is a unique experience, especially for fans of the Thomas the Tank Engine show. This 30-minute journey traverses the scenic Lancaster County countryside aboard Thomas the Train! This year, excursions are June 14-16 and 19-22, as well as September 13-14 and 18-21. There will also be great photo opportunities and themed events at the depot.
There are a few other notable themed excursions at the Strasburg Rail Road:
- Easter Train Rides are coming up very quickly on the calendar! The Easter Bunny Train ride is the perfect way to celebrate; as you travel, the Easter Bunny will hop from car to car, spreading Easter cheer to the little ones on board.
- If you’re traveling with kids over the age of ten and they appreciate a good mystery, the Murder Mystery Train Experiences are immersive and memorable. These themed rides are 45 minutes long and include a front-row seat and participation in solving a crime.
- If you’re heading to Lancaster with romance in mind, add a Date Night Concert with Strasburg Rail Road to your itinerary. These two-hour events include a scenic ride on the vintage locomotive in the first-class car, a meet and greet with the artist, and a live concert in Lefever Hall.
Other Train-Themed Things to Do in Lancaster, PA:
While seeing Thomas the Train along the Strasburg Rain Road is a must for train lovers, there are a few other spots nearby to add to your plans:
- The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a must for any train enthusiast! With over 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars on display, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of rail transport. Little ones can engage with hands-on exhibits and educational programs that offer insights into the mechanics and history of trains.
- The Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, is a delightful family attraction with an intricately detailed 1,700-square-foot model train layout that brings Lancaster County to life in miniature. With over 150 hand-built animations and scenes—including a working fire scene, a circus, a zoo, and Amish country settings—this display captivates both kids and adults.
Book Your Family Getaway with a Farm Stay in PA
One of the biggest draws for families to our farm, especially groups with little train lovers in tow, is watching the vintage trains roll through our property, which is even more exciting when Thomas the Train is in town! Our idyllic historic farm is the perfect destination for those seeking a quiet country retreat away. There’s nothing better than taking a moment with the peaceful rolling hills surrounding you, the gentle hum of the train off in the distance, and breathing a deep breath of our fresh air.
Staying at Verdant View Farm isn’t about luxury; it’s about connecting with nature, disconnecting from our screens, and returning to our roots. Guests can unwind in charming farm stay accommodations that blend rural simplicity with comfort. We have cozy guest rooms in the 19th-century farmhouse to a private cottage, each offering peaceful views of rolling fields and the sounds of nature. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch or waking up to the soft mooing of cows, this is the kind of place where you can truly slow down.
Mornings at Verdant View Farm are peaceful and fulfilling. After guests participate in morning routine and farm chores, they’ll sit down to a hearty farm-to-table breakfast, served in a communal setting that brings guests together around the table. The menu features homemade favorites, incorporating fresh eggs from our hens, locally sourced meats, seasonal fruits, and scratch-made baked goods, always accompanied by rich, hot coffee. We can’t wait to host you and your entire family at the farm; book your lodging today!
