Halloween Train Rides (2023)

Last revised: June 6, 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

California

Colorado

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

New Jersey

New York

Ohio

Pennsylvania

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.

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.

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

No events known.

Georgia

No events known.

Hawaii

No events known.

Idaho

No events known.

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.

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 Mexico

No events known.

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.

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.

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

No events known.

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