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Ice Cream Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: May 19, 2025

By: Adam Burns

For those who love both railway journeys and frozen treats, ice cream-themed train rides offer a unique blend of nostalgia, family fun, and delicious desserts. Across the United States, several scenic railroads have created special excursions that combine the romance of rail travel with everyone's favorite frozen dessert. Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the most delightful ice cream train rides in America.

Colebrookdale Railroad

The Colebrookdale Railroad, known as the "Secret Valley Line," is a historic railroad in Pennsylvania that operates between Boyertown and Pottstown. Built in 1869, this scenic rail line was originally used to transport iron ore and agricultural products through the picturesque Secret Valley. Today, it operates as a heritage railroad offering tourist excursions in beautifully restored vintage cars.

Passengers can enjoy themed rides like the Autumn Splendor, Santa Claus Polar Bear Express, and Valentine's Day specials while traveling through the lush landscape. The railroad plays an important role in preserving local railway history and providing unique entertainment experiences for visitors.

One of their special events is the "Sunday Sundaes Adventure" featuring fresh ice cream from Longacres Modern Dairy and even upgraded first-class service in the parlor car if guests so choose.

Catskill Mountain Railroad

The Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR) is a heritage railroad operating in Ulster County, New York, preserving and celebrating the rich railroad history of the Catskill Mountain region. Originally part of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad system that operated from 1866 to 1932 until joining the New York Central, today's CMRR runs scenic train rides along a portion of the historic route.

Operating primarily between Kingston and Mount Tremper, the railroad offers tourists and train enthusiasts an opportunity to experience rail travel through the picturesque Catskill Mountains. The volunteer-operated railroad features both diesel and historic locomotives pulling vintage passenger cars through scenic countryside and along Esopus Creek.

Throughout the year, the railroad hosts special themed excursions including fall foliage tours, holiday trains like the popular Polar Express, and various seasonal events. One popular excursion is the Ice Cream Express where patrons can enjoy a sweet treat during their trip.

The CMRR has faced various challenges over the years, including track maintenance issues and debates over rail-trail conversion, but continues to operate thanks to dedicated volunteers and community support. The railroad serves as both a tourist attraction and a living museum, preserving an important piece of Catskill Mountain transportation history for future generations.

Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum

The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, located in Lenox, Massachusetts, preserves and celebrates the rich railroad heritage of the Berkshire region. Founded in 1984, this non-profit organization operates both as a museum and a scenic railway experience.

The museum is housed in the restored Lenox Station, which dates back to 1903. It features exhibits of railroad artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of how railways shaped the development of the Berkshires. Visitors can explore vintage railroad equipment, including historic locomotives and passenger cars.

One of the museum's main attractions is its scenic train rides, which operate seasonally between Lenox and Stockbridge. These excursions allow passengers to experience rail travel as it was in the golden age of railroading, while enjoying the picturesque Berkshire countryside.

The museum is staffed primarily by volunteers who are passionate about railroad history and preservation. They offer educational programs for school groups and conduct special events throughout the year, including holiday-themed rides.

One of their popular such trips are the ice cream trains held on select dates throughout the summer where guests can enjoy sweet treats once the train has departed from the Adams station.

For train enthusiasts and families alike, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum provides an engaging blend of historical education and entertainment, helping to keep the region's railroad heritage alive for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Ice cream train rides offer a perfect combination of classic railroad adventure and sweet treats. These unique experiences provide families with memorable outings that celebrate both America's railway heritage and its love affair with ice cream.

Whether you're traveling through Pennsylvania's Amish Country, Colorado's Rocky Mountains, or Arizona's desert canyons, these special excursions offer a delightful way to experience scenic rail travel while enjoying everyone's favorite frozen dessert.

For the best experience, plan ahead, check weather conditions, and don't forget to bring your camera to capture these sweet moments on the rails. As more railways add ice cream-themed events to their schedules, these unique adventures continue to grow in popularity, offering new ways to experience America's railroad heritage one scoop at a time.