Published: August 25, 2025
By: Adam Burns
As the leaves turn and a subtle chill fills the air, Halloween ushers in a season of whimsy and spooktacular fun. While Florida might not boast the quintessential autumnal surroundings, it more than compensates with an array of Halloween-themed attractions.
Among these, train rides during this spooky holiday stand out as a unique way to celebrate the season, combining the thrill of a spooky story with the joy of a scenic journey. While a few locations host a pumpkin train experience, where the kiddos can ride out and pick up a pumpkin to carve, only one hosts a truly Halloween-themed event.
In Williston, Florida, the Kirby Family Farm transforms its historic 1800s railroad into a "Scary Train" during Halloween. It is one of seven attractions the farm hosts for the holiday.
The farm is renowned for its dedication to preserving Florida's heritage through authentic train rides on a historic narrow-gauge railroad. However, during Halloween, the tracks become a stage for a unique, spooky reenactment.
According to the farm the event offers guests the chance to step back in time aboard their historic steam locomotives (more information about these can be found below), complete with open-air passenger coaches.
During the trip, Conductor Clydeen will be your storyteller, weaving eerie tales of life and death along these storied tracks. Glide past ghostly boxcars and listen to macabre stories from the traveling circus as you pass by the legendary "Circus Train." Then, plunge into the heart of the Florida wilderness, where Clydeen will unveil the mysterious legend hidden within the woods.
This immersive experience is both entertaining and educational, highlighting an often-overlooked slice of Floridian history.
Kirby Family Farm is an educational and recreational facility located in Williston, Florida. This non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving historical artifacts while providing learning experiences for visitors of all ages. The farm is especially known for housing one of the last operational steam locomotives in Florida, offering unique train rides and interactive learning opportunities about railroad history.
Spanning over 175 acres, the Kirby Family Farm hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including holiday-themed celebrations and educational field trips. These events often include hands-on activities, petting zoos, and antique equipment demonstrations, providing an immersive experience for families and visitors.
The farm is driven by its mission to educate the public about history and agriculture while supporting community engagement. It often partners with schools and local organizations to offer programs that are both entertaining and educational, focusing on topics such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and environmental conservation.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the farm's operations, helping to maintain the grounds and assist with events. This community-oriented approach makes Kirby Family Farm not only a destination for fun and discovery but also a valuable resource for fostering connections and learning.
Number | Class | Gauge | Original Owner(s) | Status | Serial Number | Builder | Completion Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19 | 0-4-0 | 36" | Great American Scenic Railway | Operational | - | Vulcan / Custom Fabricators | - | A diesel hydraulic engine. |
(No Number) | - | 36" | Mackie Clemens Fuel (Lehigh Stone) | Stored | - | Vulcan / Custom Fabricators | 1977 | Converted to diesel hydraulic. |
3/5 | 4-B-R | 36" | Johns Plantation (Enterprise Plantation) | Operational | 4643 | H.K. Porter | 9/1910 | Originally built as a 2-4-4RT. Converted to diesel hydraulic. |
4 | - | 4' 8 ½" | Holly Hill Lumber Company | Display | 10168 | Glover #10168 | 1/1925 | Ran on compressed air. |
4 | - | 36" | Warner Brothers Studio | - | Display | Crown Metal Products (Elizabeth) | 1964 | - |
7 | - | 36" | Six Gun Territory | Operational | Glover #10168, 01/1925 | Crown Metal Products (Elizabeth) | 1964 | - |
Halloween-themed train rides offer a unique blend of history, mystery, and spooktacular fun. So this Halloween, gather your family, don your favorite costume, and climb aboard one of these fantastical trains for an eerie adventure through the Sunshine State. Whether you're in the mood for a light-hearted ghost story or an immersive murder mystery, these experiences are bound to leave you with delightful memories that last far beyond Halloween night.
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