FALL FUN AT THE NORTHERN CENTRAL RAILWAY

NEW FREEDOM, PA - September 3, 2022 – Northern Central Railway is kicking off its ever-popular fall season with a series of unique autumn-themed excursions through the southern York County countryside and the Heritage Rail Trail County Park. 

Leaf peeping season will soon arrive and the Northern Central Railway’s annual Fall Foliage excursions will once again offer you the chance to, sit back, relax and enjoy a kaleidoscope of fall colors on board the William H. Simpson No. 17 replica steam locomotive or No. 6076 PRR GP9 historic diesel locomotive. As you plunge through the stunning autumn forests and rolling hills of Southern York County on your way to Glen Rock, Hanover Junction, or the Howard Tunnel your conductor and brakeman will share more about the history and growth of the towns and villages you pass along the way. Tickets for the Fall Foliage excursions which run on select weekends October 1 through November 20th are now on sale.  

If you are looking to create some new autumn traditions this year, consider climbing aboard one of the many family-friendly train excursions the Northern Central Railway has to offer this Fall. On September 29, join your favorite meddling kids and their big brown dog for some mystery-solving fun on Meddling Kids Special or Campfire Flyer with Meddling Kids! During the Meddling Kids special you will enjoy a 1-hour trip to Glen Rock PA and some mystery-solving, groovy fun on Freedom Green upon your return to the station. The Campfire Flyer with Meddling Kids is a 2 ½ hour excursion that offers you the chance to solve a mystery, meet your favorite crime-solving dog, and roast marshmallows for s’mores during our 90-minute stop at Railroad Park.

Saturday, October 8 & Sunday, October 9th take the tracks back and transport yourself to the Wild West during PA Cowboy Weekend! This 2-day celebration of cowboy culture immerses visitors in the most unique movement of the 1800s. Cowboys were referred to as “the most reckless class of outlaws in the wild country.” Ride the No. 17, which is an exact replica of the steam locomotive that ran during the expansion of the west, with “the most reckless class of outlaws in the wild country,” and prepare for an experience straight out of the most beloved cowboy films– complete with train robberies, shootouts, live performances, and so much more! 

October 15 Captain Hook, and Tinkerbell invite you to join them for an exciting new voyage, the Pirates and Pixies Steam Adventure! During this excursion, you’ll enjoy live sea shanties, go on a treasure hunt, and participate in an interactive show with the buccaneers & fairies. Make sure to arrive in your pirate or pixie attire! 

There's no shortage of Halloween-themed fun at the Northern Central Railway either. On October 22, voyage down the tracks and through the woods to Seitzland, PA as you enjoy fascinating kid-friendly ghost tales with the narrator, Nancy Pritt, and a campfire at Railroad Park complete with hot dogs and s’mores! An adult-only Ghost Track excursion with more frightening tales and a campfire will be offered on October 29th as well. 

It wouldn't be Halloween without trick or treating! This year’s Halloween Express will be held on October 29th. All riders are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costume to enjoy this ride to Glen Rock. After your train returns to our New Freedom station, children are invited to participate in the trunk-or-treat in the High Street parking lot next to Marge Goodfellow Park (weather permitting). In the event of inclement weather, trunk-or-treating will be held inside the train station.

In addition to the family-friendly and fall scenic excursion, the Northern Central Railway will also offer history lovers of all ages the unique opportunity to relive the emotion and passion of the 1860s when we recreate Lincoln’s November 1863 ride on the Northern Central Railway’s Lincoln & The Hanover Junction Railroad Experience. Join living historian James Hayney on November 12 or 13 to learn more about how President Lincoln traveled these rails on his way to Gettysburg to present the Gettysburg Address, and listen to Mr. Hayney recite President Lincoln’s famous speech. Veterans and active-duty military ride free on this excursion! Call 717-942-2370 at least 3 days in advance to reserve your ticket. 

Whether you are interested in the history of the railroad, looking to create a memorable family experience, or wanting to enjoy the beauty of the southern York County countryside, there is a special excursion waiting for you this fall at the Northern Central Railway. For more details on all of our Fall events and to purchase your tickets please visit northerncentralrailway.com.