Halloween Train Rides (2023)

Last revised: February 15, 2023

By: Adam Burns

The Halloween/pumpkin-themed rides have only started to catch on in recent years but already there are currently several organizations offering some type of themed trip during the fall months.  

Presented here are all of the known locations where such rides are available, listed by state.   Please let me know if your railroad/organization is not listed!  

Nearly all of the organizations presented on this page have their own website, which describe their particular ride/trip in more detail, including respective dates.   

Please Note!:  The below 2023 schedule is now available.   While I have striven to make sure the information presented is  accurate to the best of my knowledge, I cannot say-so with 100% certainty.  

Please contact each individual organization regarding available trains, specific dates, times, and ticket pricing.

State Guide

Over the years, themed train rides have grown to become an increasingly popular form of entertainment.  Most such trips are hosted by either railroad museums or tourist lines (organizations which specialize in train rides).  

The most wildly successful has been the Polar Express trips and related Christmas-themed rides.  

These are typically tailored towards the children with trips lasting around an hour, enjoying refreshments, listening to a story (or watching a movie), and meeting Santa.

Other holidays have also become popular venues such as the Easter Bunny, Independence Day, and even Halloween.  The latter has included everything from the traditional "scary" ride to one in which kids pick out pumpkins to carve for the holiday.   

Alabama

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum:  The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum has been telling the Alabama's railroad history since 1963 and today offers a wide range of exhibits to see.  

They also provide various excursion train rides throughout the year including a "Pumpkin Patch Express" during the fall.  

It is offered during weekends throughout October and usually lasts around 90 minutes.  Among the many activities includes a stop at the patch allowing the kids to pick up a pumpkin to carve.

North Alabama Railroad Museum:  Similar to the Heart of Dixie, the North Alabama Railroad Museum offers both exhibits to see and train rides from their restored Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway depot.  

During October they offer their "Pumpkin' Pickin' Train" which allows the kids to enjoy a train ride and pick out a pumpkin during their trip.

Alaska

No events known.

Arizona

Grand Canyon Railway:  The Grand Canyon Railway operates the Santa Fe's former Grand Canyon Branch, which it acquired in 1974.  

Today the tourist line is one of the most popular excursions in the country with its top-notch services and stunning scenery of the Arizona desert and Grand Canyon National Park.  

Each fall they host the Pumpkin Patch Train for the kids to pick out a pumpkin to carve, running on select dates in October.  They also host the "Colorado Shiver Haunted Train Car."  To learn more please visit their website.

Arkansas

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad:  The A&M is a large, short line railroad operating between Fort Smith, Arkansas and Monett, Missouri.  

In 2015 they began hosting "Treats On The Train" where the kids can enjoy Trick-Or-Treat on the train, carnival games, live music, a haunted house, and much more.

California

Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad:  This little operation based in Los Gatos provides scale train rides.  They operate nearly year-round but have different hours depending on the seasons.  

During three weeks in October they host "The Pumpkin Train" where kids can enjoy a ride out to the pumpkin patch and pick out one to carve for Halloween.

California State Railroad Museum:  The large CSRM presents a fantastic collection of artifacts and rolling stock to peruse focused largely on the history of the state's railroads.

 They also offer excursion trips on the grounds, including the "Spookomotive Train Ride" during October.  This particular excursion is meant largely for fun where kids get to enjoy treats and sing-along to Halloween songs.

Fillmore & Western Railroad:  Located in Fillmore, California just up the coast from Los Angeles the Fillmore & Western Railroad offers numerous different train rides to choose from, including dinner trains and murder mystery specials.

The railroad is perhaps best known for being the location of many films.  Each fall they offer the PumpkinLiner where kids can pick out a pumpkin, and the unique Zombie Hunter excursion.  To learn more please visit their website.

Irvine Park Railroad:  The Irvine Park Railroad is situated in Orange, California offering scale-train rides throughout much of the year within the Irvine Regional Park.  

During the fall season, from mid-September through Halloween they host the "Pumpkin Patch" at the park where kids can pick out one for Halloween in addition to other activities.

Orange Empire Railway Museum:  This railroad museum offers several excursion trains to choose from including steam powered trains and trolleys (you can also operate a diesel locomotive), which operate along their 1.5 mile system.  

In conjunction with the California State Railroad Museum they host the PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express each October where kids are encouraged to dress up for Halloween as the ride out to the pumpkin patch and meet Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy.  There are man other activities associated with this event.

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum:  Every month but December the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum offers at least one of its many excursion options along its 16-mile round trip railroad near Campo, California.  During select dates in October they host the Pumpkin Express for Halloween.

Roaring Camp Railroads:  Owned and operated by the same organization that operates the Skunk Train the Roaring Camp operates a number of different trains including a beach train and forest train.

During October they offer two different Halloween-related rides: the "Harvest Faire & Steam Festival" provides a range of fun things to enjoy from watching steam locomotives to picking out a pumpkin.  

They also host the "Thomas And Percy Halloween Party" where kids can dress up for Halloween, enjoy a short train ride, meet Thomas and Friends, and take part in other activities.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park:  Railtown 1897 is located in Jamestown offering excursions pulled by historic steam locomotives and restored vintage railroad equipment.  They also house their equipment within the town's vintage shops and roundhouse.  

During October they host their Haunted Harvest Express for a number of weekends where each weekend features a different themed dress code. 

Sacramento RiverTrain:  The Sacaramento RiverTrain, based in Woodland, offers upscale dinner train packages during the fall months which provide entertainment with your meal. 

One particular special event held every year is the "Pumpkin Train" for the kids featuring a train ride (lasting upwards of 3 hours), songs during the trip, and picking out a pumpkin among other activities.  They also offer the "Trick or Treat Train" each Halloween.  

Skunk Train:  The famed Skunk Train, one of the most popular California tourist trains, is located in the northern region of the state between Fort Bragg and Willits.  One of its themed rides is the "Pumpkin Express" during October where the kids get to enjoy treats and pick out a pumpkin.

Western Pacific Railroad Museum:  The WPRM is located in in Portola, California (known as the Portola Railroad Museum prior to 2006) and maintains the history of the Western Pacific via a large collection of preserved locomotives and rolling stock.  

They also host train rides including the Pumpkin Patch Express during October where the kids can ride out and pick out a pumpkin for carving.

Colorado

Colorado Railroad Museum:  The Colorado Railroad Museum, based in Golden, houses a large collection of rolling stock and locomotives.  They also host train rides during the weekends and other special events.  

One such trip is the Treat Or Treat Train hosted in late October offering several activities for the kids to enjoy.  They also host the "October Harvest Festival" on October 14th.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad:  One of the premier tourist trains you will found anywhere in the country.

The Durango & Silverton operates on the fabled narrow gauge lines of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western in the beautiful rugged regions of southern Colorado, still using the same steam locomotives that operated under the D&RGW.  

Each fall they host the Snoopy-themed, Peanuts™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, where the kids can ride the train, meet the Peanuts gang, and pick out their favorite pumpkin to carve.

Georgetown Loop Railroad:  The narrow-gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad is a short, but very popular and scenic tourist railroad located in Georgetown, Colorado and operated by the Colorado Historical Society as the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park.

They host a number of special excursions during the year including "Pumpkin Festival Trains" during select days in October where kids can decorate pumpkins, play games, and enjoy other activities.  They also offer the "Haunted Forest Train" for Halloween.

Connecticut

Connecticut Trolley Museum:  The Connecticut Trolley Museum, based in East Windsor, highlights the history of the region's long-gone interurban and trolley services.  

One of their events is a Pumpkin Patch special where kids can ride the trolley to the pumpkin patch and pick out one for Halloween.

Naugatuck Railroad:  Operated by the Railroad Museum of New England the Naugatuck Railroad operates a 20-mile round trip excursion from its home base in Thomaston, Connecticut.

Trains are boarded from the restored Thomaston Station.  One of their annual specials is Pumpkin Patch Trains during October where kids can enjoy a train ride and pick out their favorite pumpkin to carve.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad:  The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is another tourist railroad that operates part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western’s super-scenic trackage in the state utilizing 24 miles of its famous line through the Royal George.  

They do not host an event for Halloween but do offer their upscale "Oktoberfest" event.  

According to their website: "Our First Class Oktoberfest Train is Colorado’s most unique rolling restaurant paying homage to America’s most favorite German Holiday, Oktoberfest!

Where you pair amazing food with locally brewed beer. Come ride with us and take in the majestic views while enjoying our German dish of Veal Bratwurst with Spatzel or try one of our other traditional entrees.

While you are on board go out to our open air car and enjoy 360 degrees of unhindered views while listening to Barry, our Oktoberfest accordionist playing while roaming from car to car."

Shore Line Trolley Museum:  This museum operates historic streetcars and trolleys, offering rides throughout the year.  They also host Pumpkin Patch specials during October where kids can pick out a pumpkin to carve for Halloween.  They also offer the Haunted Aisle events for the Halloween holiday.

Delaware

Wilmington & Western Railroad:  The Wilmington & Western, located in Wilmington, is a popular freight railroad which also offers steam-powered excursions on a 10-mile segment of a former Baltimore & Ohio branch.  

They offer their Halloween Express on October 30th with a Hayride Express hosted on select dates.  To learn more please visit their website.

Florida

Florida Railroad Museum:  While the Florida Railroad Museum mostly focuses on preserving the state's and region's railroad history it also operates a nearly a 7-mile stretch of former Seaboard Air Line trackage running between Parrish and Willow.

Each fall they offer a Pumpkin Patch Express where the kids can ride out and pick out their favorite pumpkin.

Seminole Gulf Railway:  The Seminole Gulf Railway, located in Fort Myers, Florida is a shortline freight railroad that also hosts excursion trains, which have become quite popular over the years.  

They host a fall special each year during Halloween known as the Halloween Ghost Train which includes a murder mystery show just for the occasion.

Orlando & North Western Railway:  A new experience launched in 2017 over what was formally the Tavares, Eustis & Gulf Railroad.  They are based in Tavares and will host excursions from the town's station.  One of their special events is "The Royal Pumpkin Limited."  

According to the railroad: "Enjoy a 75-minute excursion, including a stop at Farmer Brown’s.  Children’s activities will be available and each child will be able to pick out one pumpkin to take home."

Georgia

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway:  Perhaps the most popular tourist railroad in Georgia is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

The railroad is located in the northern mountainous regions of Georgia and operates over 13 miles of a former Louisville & Nashville Railroad branch line (originally part of the Marietta & North Georgia Railroad).  

They host a number of fall trips including the Pumpkin Express offered late October each year.

Southeastern Railway Museum:  This museum is one of Georgia's more prominent such facilities.  It is located in Duluth and houses a large collection of rolling stock and various railroad displays.  

One of their special events is the Train Or Treat hosted during October which offers costume parties, crafts, wagon rides, and other activities.

St. Marys Railroad:  The St. Marys Railroad is long-time, short line freight carrier serving the local region around St. Marys near the coast.  

In recent years they began offering excursions to the public, which have grown in popularity.  One of their special events is the "Halloween Express" offered during late October each year.

Hawaii

No events known.

Idaho

No events known.

Illinois

Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad:  Often forgotten the tiny Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad offers a gem of a train ride using a restored 2-truck Heisler steam locomotive for excursions.

Based in Freeport, Illinois the railroad uses nearly 2-miles of ex-Milwaukee Road right-of-way which had to be completely rebuilt in the mid-1980s.  One of their specials in October is the "Train Of Terror" where spooky scenes await travelers trackside.

Indiana

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum:  The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is based North Judson mostly looks to preserve and keep alive the region's rail history.

They also host up to 20-mile round trip excursions utilizing a combination of cabooses and open air cars. During select dates in October they host Pumpkin Trains where passengers can ride out to English Lake and select a pumpkin to carve.  

According to the railroad it is a 13 mile round-trip lasting just over an hour.  Also, they host a special "Halloween Train" for the holiday.

Whitewater Valley Railroad:  The 19-mile Whitewater valley Railroad connects Metamora and uses one of several diesel locomotives on the property to power their trains.

The railroad hosts a number of special events throughout the year such as the Polar Express and A Day Out With Thomas, the tank engine.  

Two offered for Halloween include the "Pumpkinliner" (where the kids to ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick out their favorite for carving) and the "Ghost Train of Metamora."

Iowa

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad:  The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, based in Boone, Iowa, is actually a museum as well as an operating tourist railroad.  One of their excursions is the "Pumpkin Express" hosted during select days during October.

Midwest Central Railroad:  The Midwest Central Railroad, based in Mt. Pleasant offers a unique collection of operating locomotives. The railroad only uses about 1 1/4-mile of trackage but its large collection of operating steam locomotives makes it a large draw to visitors every year.  

They get into the Halloween spirit with a number of activities and train rides related to the holiday including "The Great Pumpkin Train" and Midwest Haunted Rails.

Kansas

No events known.

Kentucky

Big South Fork Scenic Railway:  The Big South Fork Scenic Railway, based in Stearns, Kentucky operates a 16-mile round-trip tourist train through the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.  During October they host the Blue Heron Ghost Train, Zombie Train, and Trick-Or-Treat Train.

Blue Grass Scenic Railroad & Museum:  This organization is based in Versailles and tells the history of Kentucky's railroads through static displays as well as offering visitors train rides on a 7-mile round trip.  

One of their specials is the "Halloween Haunted" ride during select dates in October.  In addition, they host Pumpkin Patch Trains allowing the kids to ride out and pick up a pumpkin to carve for the holiday.

Kentucky Railway Museum:  KRM is located in New Haven with a history tracing back to the 1940's.  Along with a collection to peruse on the ground the museum was also able to purchase a former L&N branch some years ago, enabling train rides to be offered.

Today, they offer numerous special trips including "The Great Pumpkin Patch Express" in late September.

Louisiana

No events known.

Maine

Downeast Scenic Railroad:  The Downeast Scenic Railroad is located in Ellsworth, Maine using trackage originally owned by the Maine Central Railroad.

It offers a ten-mile round-trip traveling along the Bar Harbor.  Each October they offer a "Pumpkin Train" on select dates where kids can pick out their pumpkin to carve for Halloween.

Maine Narrow-Gauge Railroad & Museum:   Much like the Boothbay Railway Village the Maine Narrow-Gauge Railroad & Museum operates a two-foot narrow-gauge railroad using restored steam locomotives.

The railroad operates a number of special events and trains throughout the year including the Pumpkin Train every October where kids can enjoy a train ride and take home a pumpkin to carve.

Seashore Trolley Museum:  The Seashore Trolley Museum has hundreds of preserved trolley cars, some of which are in operation and used to ferry visitors on its 1 1/2-mile restored rail line.  Beginning in September they host three events related to Halloween; the Pumpkin Patch Trolley and Trolley-ween.

Maryland

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum:  The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum today is one of the most recognized, respected and highly regarded railroad museums, not only in this country but also the world.

It houses historic railroad equipment in the B&O’s famous Mount Clare shops.  Along with its extensive collection the museum also offers short train rides (about a mile or so) on its property.  

One of their specials is the Wizards Express offered one day during October each year.  To learn more please visit their website.

Massachusetts

No events known.

Michigan

Coopersville & Marne Railway:  The Coopersville & Marne Railway, based in Coopersville, Michigan offers a wide variety of train rides to choose from including train robberies, "Pizza Trains", and seasonal trips.

Their popular "The Famous Pumpkin Train" is offered during several weeks in the fall where kids can pick out a pumpkin, sing songs, and enjoy other activities during the trip.

Huckleberry Railroad:  The Huckleberry Railroad is part of the Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Park.  The railroad’s star attractions are two steam locomotives, #2 and #464 which pull numerous trips throughout the year.  

One of their successful specials is the "Ghost Train Express" celebrating the Halloween holiday, which lasts nearly an hour.

Little River Railroad:  The Little River Railroad is based in Coldwater, Michigan offering rides as far west as Quincy, about 6 miles away. The railroad normally uses its 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive to pull trains although they also have a small 0-4-0 tank engine on hand for special events as well.

Minnesota

North Shore Scenic Railroad:  The North Shore Scenic Railroad is part of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and is the state's most popular tourist train. The 26-mile route operates its trains using both steam and diesel locomotives.

One of their popular special events is the very successful "Pumpkin Train" during select days in October where the kids can ride the train and pick out a pumpkin for carving.  The ride is only 10 miles and lasts a little over an hour.

Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway:  Based out of Osceola, Wisconsin, right along the border with Minnesota this tourist railroad is operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum with a typical operating season running between May and October.

Their longest excursion is a 20-mile round trip and passengers are on-board for nearly two hours.   During October they host the "Pumpkin Express" where kids can ride to the patch and pick out a pumpkin.

Mississippi

No events known.

Missouri

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad:  The Belton, Grandview & Kansas City is based in Belton, Missouri and offers a 5-mile excursion ride.  They offer several season special trips including the "Pumpkin Express" during select dates in October with games for the kids and pumpkins for sale.

St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad:  The St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern is based in Jackson and offers a ten-mile excursion through the rolling, open countryside of southeastern Missouri.  

During October they host their "Halloween Train."  According to the railroad this trip offers, "a costume contest, auction just for kids, face painting, balloon animals, pumpkin decorating, Halloween pictures to color, a Halloween story, and special treats.

Kids in costume receive a discount on their ticket price."  They also host the Ghost Dinner Train and Pumpkin Patch Express.

Montana

No events known.

Nebraska

No events known.

Nevada

Nevada Northern Railway:  The Nevada Northern Railway's goal is preserve the history of the state's once profitable copper industry and the company's history dates back to 1905.

They offer several different special trains including BBQ trains, wine trains, charters, the Chocolate Express, and holiday specials.  

These are usually pulled by historic steam locomotives.  One particular special is the "Haunted Ghost Train" which runs during October.  The trip involves sing-a-longs, spooky scenes along the track, and other entertainment.

Nevada Southern Railway:  The Nevada Southern Railway is based in Boulder City and operates on trackage once owned by a railroad known as the Nevada Southern Railway, a government sponsored operation built to help construct the now-Hoover Dam in the late 1920s through the 1930s.  One of their special events is the "Halloween Express" hosted each fall.

New Hampshire

Conway Scenic Railroad:  The Conway Scenic Railroad, based in North Conway is one of the more popular tourist trains in the country which features first-class dining services on some of their trains as you enjoy your journey through beautiful New England in the Mt. Washington Valley.  

Each fall they host the Pumpkin Patch Express during select dates in October where kids ride the train to White Mountain Cider Company in Glen to pick out their favorite pumpkin.

Hobo Railroad:  The Hobo Railroad, based in Lincoln, New Hampshire offers train excursions along the Pemigewasset River with trains boarding from the local town depot. The railroad also features dinner trains and special excursions throughout the year.  

While they do not exactly host a Halloween special the railroad does offer the "Hobo Harvest Time Express" which allows passenger to see the vibrant fall foliage and take part in numerous family activities.

New Jersey

Black River & Western Railroad:  The Black River & Western Railroad, based in Ringoes operates from the town's restored depot. The tourist line is actually part of the Belvidere & Delaware River Railway Company, a shortline freight railroad.

During the fall they offer Pumpkin Trains during select dates in late September and during October where kids can enjoy a trip and pick out their favorite pumpkin.

Delaware River Railroad Excursions:  The Delaware River Railroad Excursions are based in Phillipsburg, operated by the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society.  Throughout October the railroad hosts the Great Pumpkin Train where kids can ride out and pick out their favorite pumpkin among other activities offered.

Pine Creek Railroad:  The Pine Creek Railroad is operated by the New Jersey Museum of Transportation. The railroad operates every day through the summer and on a limited scheduled in the late winter and September through December.  During several dates in October they host the "Haunted Express" that runs at night and includes a walk through Allaire State Park.

Whippany Railway Museum:  The Whippany Railway Museum, base in Whippany, New Jersey also operates excursion trains on the museum grounds using one of a few operational diesel locomotives on hand.  

They host a big fall gala each October known as the Pumpkin Festival where kids can enjoy train rides, take part in arts & crafts, and many other activities.  To learn more please visit the museum's website.

New Mexico

No events known.

New York

Adirondack Railroad:  Since their first trip in 1992 the Adirondack Railroad (formerly Adirondack Scenic Railroad) has grown by leaps and bounds, literally.

Today, it operates two, unconnected sections of this former New York Central branch that once extended from Utica all of the way to Lake Placid.  One of their many popular specials is the "Family Halloween Train" operated during October.

It is decorated for the holiday and embarks on a round trip from Holland Patent Station to Remsen.  They also have other activities for the holiday including the Pumpkin Train and the Haunted History Evening Excursion.  Please visit their website to learn more about these trips and where they depart.

Arcade & Attica Railroad:  The Arcade & Attica, which also provides freight service over its rails, operates on trackage originally built and owned by the Buffalo, Attica & Arcade Railroad.  

Its passenger trains run between late May and December with several events held throughout the year.  One of these is the "Haunted Train Ride" during select dates in October.

Catskill Mountain Railroad:  Based in Mt. Pleasant the Catskill Mountain Railroad operates on trackage long-owned by the New York Central.

Today the railroad also operates freight service when possible and it eventually has plans to open the entire line between Kingston and Phonecia.  One of their popular specials is the "Pumpkin Patch Train."

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad:  The Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad is operated by the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society.  Among their many special events is the "Pumpkin Patch Train" where the 2-hour round-trip includes the kids getting their own pumpkin to carve.

Delaware & Ulster Railroad:  The Delaware & Ulster Railroad, based in Stamford, utilizes a former segment of the New York Central and travels through the scenic Catskill Mountain region. During late October, for the Halloween holiday, they host "Explore the Haunts of Rip Van Winkle."

Medina Railroad Museum:  The Medina Railroad Museum mostly looks to preserve the area's railroad history, notably that of the New York Central which operated through the town.

The museum is housed in the NYC's former freight depot and also operates a 34-mile round trip excursion train along the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor during the operating season.  

During late October each year they host Halloween or fall-related specials such as the "Jumpin' Pumpkin Jamboree" and "Terror On The Tracks."

North Carolina

New Hope Valley Railway:  The New Hope Valley Railway is based in New Hill, North Carolina and is one of only a few excursions offered in North Carolina.    

During October they play host to the "Track or Treat: Halloween Express" where the train is decorated for the holiday, scary stories are told, and other activities are offered.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad:  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad based in Bryson City has been in operation since 1988 and uses tracks once owned by the venerable Southern Railway, which the company called its Murphy Branch.

You can a train throughout the year although they also offer special events and trains as well, such as The Peanuts' Great Pumpkin Patch Express hosted each October.  To learn more please visit the railroad's website.

Tweetsie Railroad:  The Tweetsie Railroad, based in Blowing Rock, North Carolina has been operating since 1957 and is based from the historic East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad, a classic narrow-gauge system which once served both its namesake states.  

One of their annual specials is the "Ghost Train" Halloween Festival hosted on select dates beginning in late September.

North Dakota

No events known.

Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad:  The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is the one most folks go to ride in Ohio.   It uses tracks once owned by the Baltimore & Ohio and operates through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park located near Cleveland.  

Throughout the year they operate they host special events including several events for Halloween.  To learn more please visit their website.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Railway Museum:  The Oklahoma Railway Museum based in Oklahoma City looks to preserve the state's railroad history. Along with a wide collection of preserved equipment on hand the museum also operates excursion trains on a short stretch of trackage, hosting several special events throughout the year.  One such trip is a Halloween Train on October 29th.

Oregon

Sumpter Valley Railroad:  The Sumpter Valley Railroad operates on trackage originally owned by the Sumpter Valley Railway. They currently have two operational steam locomotives on their property and host several specials throughout the year.  One such event is the Halloween Express offered in later October.

Pennsylvania

Colebrookdale Railroad:  A relatively new tourist railroad, the Colebrookdale Railroad, also known as the Secret Valley Line, began service in 2014 and operates 8.6 miles between Boyertown and Pottstown. They currently offer their Eerie Limited which runs once a month from June through December. For more information please visit their website. 

Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad:  Along with freight operations the M&H also offers passenger excursions over 11 miles of its railroad, which runs from May through October.  One of their specials is the "Pumpkin Patch Train Rides" hosted during October allowing the kids to pick out a pumpkin fro carving.

New Hope Railroad:  The New Hope Railroad is a very popular short line/excursion carrier located in east-central Pennsylvania.

Today the NHRR operates roughly 16.5 miles and is perhaps best known for its steam locomotives and vintage railroad cars.  During October they host both "Trick Or Treat" as well as "Haunted Halloween" trains.

Strasburg Railroad:  The Strasburg Railroad, located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish community in Lancaster, is the country’s oldest railroad still in operation dating back to 1832.  Launched for 2017 is the "Strasburg Spooktacular" that offers guests a Halloween celebration at Groff's Grove.

Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad:  The Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern is based in Kempton and operates both steam and diesel locomotives.  They host numerous specials throughout the year including many during the fall.  

Two which are related to the Halloween holiday includes the "Pumpkin Patch Train" and "Halloween Spooktacular."  For more information about these events please visit their website.

West Chester Railroad:  This organization is based in southeastern Pennsylvania, operating former trackage of the Pennsylvania Railroad.  During select weekends in October they host the "Great Pumpkin Express" for the kids.

Rhode Island

No events known.

South Carolina

South Carolina Railroad Museum:  The South Carolina Railroad Museum, based in Columbia, predominantly looks to preserve the state's railroad heritage and has a wide collection of equipment on its grounds.

However, it also helps to tell the state's railroad history by offering excursion trains on its property between March and December, hosting a number of specials throughout the year as well.  

One of their special events is the annual "Pumpkin Patch Express" allowing the kids to ride out and pick up a pumpkin for Halloween.  Please visit their website for more information.

South Dakota

No events known.

Tennessee

Tennessee Valley Railroad:  The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is mainly a tourist railroad and has been in service since 1969, operating a six-mile round trip near Chattanooga.  Their popular "Halloween Eerie Express" runs during October and includes decorations, games, story-telling, and much more.

Three Rivers Rambler:  The Three Rivers Rambler is based in Knoxville and offers an 11-mile round trip using both steam and diesel locomotives.

The railroad also hosts numerous special and seasonal trains throughout the operating season between June and December.  One of their seasonal specials is the All Hallow’s Eve Special each October.  To learn more please visit their website.

Texas

Historic Jefferson Railway:  The Historic Jefferson Railway, also known as the Jefferson & Cypress Bayou Railway, is a 3-foot, narrow-gauge excursion located in Jefferson, Texas.  

It has been in service since 1985 and uses 4-4-0 #7 for power, pulling trains on a 3-mile journey through the Big Cypress Bayou.  Their "Runaway Fright Train & Halloween Festival" runs throughout the month of October and offers a number of activities to enjoy the holiday.

Texas State Railroad:  The Texas State Railroad is perhaps the state's most popular tourist train operating steam locomotives and a vintage diesel locomotive.  The "Pumpkin Patch Express" is hosted during the fall where the kids can pick out their favorite pumpkin, enjoy games, and dress in their favorite costume for the occasion.

Utah

Heber Valley Railroad:  Utah's most popular excursion is the Heber Valley, which has utilized the Rio Grande's 28-mile Provo Canyon Branch (Heber City to Provo) since the 1990s.  One of their specials is "The Pumpkin Train" hosted on select dates throughout October where the kids can enjoy a 40-minute train ride and pick out a pumpkin to carve.

Vermont

No events known.

Virginia

No events known.

Washington

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum:  The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum located in Chehalis, Washington operates on former Milwaukee Road property in the Chehalis Valley.  

Aside from displays they also host excursions and one of their specials is the "Pumpkin Train" where the kids can ride behind their operating steam locomotive to pick out a pumpkin.  

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad:  The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, located in Yacolt, operates on former logging trackage between Chelatchie Prairie and Lucia Falls.  The railroad's season runs from spring through fall and one of their specials is the "Headless Horseman Halloween Train" hosted during October.

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad:  The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is tourist railroad based out of Elbe, Washington and operates numerous steam locomotives taking you on either an 18 or 30-mile round trip from the restored depot in Mineral.  

"The Great Pumpkin Patch Express" lets kids pick out their favorite pumpkin while enjoying the day with the Peanuts gang (Snoopy and friends).

West Virginia

Cass Scenic Railroad:  Cass Scenic officially debuted on June 15, 1963 on a few miles of railroad originally owned by the Mower Lumber Company in Pocahontas County, which for decades had been exploiting the region's vast timber reserves.

Today, the railroad operates a fleet of five geared steam locomotives and has rebuilt more than a dozen miles of track reaching Bald Knob and the former town of Spruce where it connects with the West Virginia Central.  On Halloween they host the Halloween Train which takes the kids on an evening of Halloween fun.

Wisconsin

East Troy Electric Railroad:  The East Troy Electric, based in East Troy, hosts excursions in restored trolley and streetcars.  They offer a number of special excursions throughout the year including the Oktoberfest dinner train to celebrate the fall season.  

Their menu states the on-board meal includes Weinerschnitzel or Grilled Lake Perch served with a vegetable medley, rice pilaf, and German Chocolate Cake for dessert.  To learn more please visit their website.

Mid-Continent Railway Museum:  The Mid-Continent Railway Museum based in North Freedom looks to preserve the region and state's railroad history.

In doing so it also operates an excursion train for a 50-minute round-trip journey.  One of their annual specials is the "Pumpkin Special" where the train takes to Quartzite Lake (a 7-mile round trip) to pick out their favorite pumpkin for carving.

Wyoming

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