Tips for traveling on historic railways
The Strasburg Railroad in Pennsylvania operates steam locomotive tourist trains daily through the summer. In June 2023, ex-Canadian National 2-6-0 No. 89 will pull a westbound tourist train on Cherry Hill Road. By Brian Solomon
North America has a lot of classic railroad fun, and the summer travel season is the busiest time for many historic railroads across the country. But each railroad sets its own schedule and operating days. So careful advance planning can help you make the most of your railroad visit and avoid disappointing misses. Unlike commuter systems, Amtrak, or other rail services that cater to year-round travel, historic railroads focus their operations on the days and times of the week that they expect to generate the most passengers and therefore the most sustainable revenue. The effects of the post-COVID economy have made the situation even more complicated. Many tourist destinations continue to suffer from labor shortages and rising material and fuel costs, leading some historic railroads to reduce their operating days or run fewer trains. Still, there are still plenty of great rides and historic amenities to explore. This summer, visit both famous and lesser-known historic railroads for a great experience. Here are some tips for your historic railroad summer trip.
Plan your historic train journey in advance
Conway Scenic Railroad’s open-ended Parlor Observation Car crosses “No. 3 Railroad Bridge” over the Saco River west of Bartlett, N.H. Conway Scenic’s Sawyer River Train runs daily from Memorial Day through November. Brian Solomon
If you haven’t visited your favorite scenic railroad since 2019, assume things may have changed. Be sure to consult the railroad’s website and social media sites before visiting the railroad. Most railroad companies publish their operating calendars and train schedules online. The busiest operators, such as the Strasburg Railroad and Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad in Pennsylvania, the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire, the Royal Gorge Route in Colorado, and the Grand Canyon Railroad in Arizona, operate seven days a week during the summer, while many other lines only offer excursions on certain days. The Mid-Continent Railroad Museum in Wisconsin advertises excursions Wednesday through Sunday from June 13 to September 4, while the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad in Iowa operates Thursday through Sunday from May 27 to October. The Arcade & Attica in New York has a summer schedule centered on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays.
The Strasburg Railroad’s vintage wooden passenger cars offer guests an authentic early 20th century railroad experience. Brian Solomon
Plan your trip in advance and buy your tickets online. If your railroad company has reserved seating and you are traveling in a group, we recommend that you book tickets for everyone in your group at the same time so that everyone can sit together. Make sure you arrive at your departure station at least 20-30 minutes before the train’s departure is announced. Don’t expect to be able to buy tickets just before the train leaves the station. Many railroads offer different classes of travel. Seats in the more unusual and attractive carriages, such as open cars, domes, and rear-most observation cars, are sold at a premium price. Although the price is higher, they are often in high demand and can sell out weeks in advance. Some railroads offer a taxi ride option. This is the most exciting, but also the most expensive travel option, and naturally has limited availability. Paid taxi experiences include the “Crew for the Day” at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in California. The Strasburg Railroad’s on-board experience includes options for the engineer, engineer’s assistant, and “jump seat” (observer). And the Nevada Northern Railroad in Ely, Nevada, allows up to two people to ride with the engineer on scheduled sightseeing rides.
Great historic railway events coming up in 2023
The Twilight Train and Trolley is a special event jointly organized by the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum and the New York Transit Museum. It features a two-mile round trip aboard a diesel locomotive and an electric trolley. Otto M. Vondrak
Many tourist railways hold themed events, usually on weekends. Often these are organised to attract the public and increase passenger numbers and exposure. They can be the busiest at this time of year, so if you want a quieter visit to your favourite historic railway, you might consider a non-event day in the off-season (usually around the peak school summer period).
Pennsylvania’s East Broad Top Railroad is running the recently restored 10-foot gauge 2-8-2 No. 16 on many tours this summer and fall. Jonathan Smith, director of sales and marketing for EBT, said the 2023 season has been going well so far, advising visitors, “We’re not just a train ride. Plan extra time to take in guided tours of the shop and locomotives. We’re currently offering discounted ‘combo tickets,’ which are selling fast.”
Smith said most tourist trains are pulled by steam locomotive No. 16, but advises railfans who want to see a steam locomotive in action to check the website. “On days when there are no diesel locomotives advertised, No. 16 should be on the train,” Smith said.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, an hour and a half drive from EBT, plans to operate former Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 Mallet No. 1309 on peak Friday and weekend Frostburg Flyer tours throughout the summer and fall. Smaller historic lines also host cool events. Consider the “Trains and Trolleys at Dusk” evening event, co-hosted by the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum and the New York Transit Museum, on July 1 and August 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. It’s an opportunity to ride a diesel-hauled train with a vintage Erie and Penn Central caboose and transfer to a former Philadelphia & Western electric car. The highlight of the event is live jazz music. The train boards from the former Erie Railroad Industrial Depot in Rush, New York, about 20 miles south of Rochester, New York.
When planning your historic railroad trip, be sure to check out Trains.com’s Tourist Railroad Profile section, which features information on over 500 historic railroads and museums across the U.S. You can also find historic railroads and museums in the Tourist Trains Guidebook — 9th edition, now available at KalmbachHobbyStore.com.
