Looking for exciting new ways to explore and travel, while enjoying much-needed family time? You may be surprised to learn about the scenic railroads you can visit, and the unique train rides you and your family can take right here in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Even just a quick review of the American Rails website will give you an extensive list of Pennsylvania and West Virginia train trips, as well as travel information and the history of the railroads.
The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad will take you on an exciting train travel adventure, where you and your family can learn all about the history of Pennsylvania Oil Country. This three-hour round-trip tour guides you through Oil Creek State Park, where a variety of wildlife can be seen from the train.
“There’s something undeniably magical about train travel. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels, the changing scenery and the cozy camaraderie within the passenger cars create a unique atmosphere perfect for family bonding,” says J.C. Caton, Marketing Director for the OC&T Railroad. “Our excursions aren’t about getting from point A to point B. They are about creating lasting memories.”
While on your journey, you can even mail a letter from the Railway Post Office Car – it is the only one still in operation in the United States! Each piece of mail receives an official USPS Oil Creek & Titusville hand stamp. At the main station, Perry Street, families can visit the railroad’s museum and gift shop. And there are concessions at both Perry Street and Rynd Farm Station, which is located at the halfway point.
Caton adds, “This isn’t just any train ride; it’s a portal to the past! As you travel along the tracks, you’ll be transported to the heart of Pennsylvania’s oil boom era. Learn about the fascinating history of the region, from Colonel Drake’s groundbreaking well to the bustling boom towns that sprang up overnight. Tales of innovation, rivalry and the transformative power of ‘black gold’ will captivate young and old alike.”
Owned and operated by the nonprofit Oil Creek Railway Historical Society, The OC&T Railroad also offers special events like wine and beer tasting tours, murder mystery dinners, holiday and seasonal rides and school tours. And at the Caboose Motel, families can stay overnight in an actual train car situated on stationary tracks at Perry Street Station.
The Allegheny Portage Railroad, which began operating in 1834, was the first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains. According to Wikipedia, the railroad was an “all-weather, all-seasons operation”, except for rare moments during severe storms. Now a national historic site, the remains of the railroad are preserved within the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and operated by the National Park Service.
Although no longer active, the site is still a great place to visit, with most buildings open daily. At the Visitor’s Center, you can watch an orientation video, browse the interactive exhibits, stroll through the bookstore and visit the passport stamp station.
Just a short walk from the Visitor’s Center, families can also tour the famous Lemon House. In its heyday, owners Samuel and Jean Lemon would host travelers as they dined and relaxed, while awaiting the rest of their journey on the Allegheny Portage Railroad. Today, sightseers can explore the Lemon House, which includes a barroom, parlor, dining room and exhibits. Visitors can also check out the Skew Arch Bridge and the Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter. And, with over 15 miles of trails in different sections of the park, hiking is also a great way to explore this historic railway.
Located in Boyertown, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers two-hour expeditions aboard one of their century-old railcars. All train rides voyage south and either travel to Pottstown or Pine Forge. Many train expeditions include dining option; meals are available in the Edwardian-style Lion Gardiner dining car or the Garden Café car, which is handicapped accessible.
Author: Leslie Savisky
