Strasburg Railroad Pennsylvania, Lancaster Amish Country

Reviewing Lancaster Pennsylvania's Best

Strasburg Railroad, Pennsylvania
Lancaster Amish Country

The Strasburg Rail Road, located just east of the town of Strasburg, Pennsylvania in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is a historical steam locomotive powered tourist railroad that dates back to 1832. It is considered the oldest railroad company operating in the United States under its original charter, dated June 9, 1832. The Strasburg Rail Road was run by local interests until 1957, when service ended due to severe storm damage. A group of railroad buffs restored it to operation, and excursions started in 1959 as one of the first tourist railroad in the US, and today, is among the most successful tourist railroad operations.

The Strasburg Rail Road takes visitors on a 45-minute journey to Paradise; literally, to the town of Paradise as it travels past breath-taking scenery and real working Amish farms. Passengers ride in beautifully restored, authentic passenger cars as they are pulled by a huge, coal-burning steam locomotive. The train also has a dining car which allows visitors to eat while enjoying a scenic ride.

Passengers buy their train tickets from the East Strasburg Station, circa 1915, where they'll discover shops including a Thomas the tank engine gift shop, a restaurant, rail car displays, a historic water tower and historic buildings.

At the station, you can take a ride on a Cagney miniature steam train, power a vintage Pump Car. Children can have fun on a vintage ride called the Cranky Cars.

Take a Noon Shop Tour and watch steam engines and passenger cars being built and refurbished / restored in the rail road's own shop.

One of the highlights of the year at the Strasburg Rail Road is the Day out with Thomas The Tank Engine events, scheduled three times throughout the year. Children, young and old can take a ride pulled by a steam powered Thomas the tank engine.

Directly across the street from the Strasburg Train Station is the the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. The railroad functions as the museum's link to the Amtrak main line in Paradise.