Maryland - Ice Cream - Tasting Train Rides
Published: July 2, 2026
By: Adam Burns
In the far western corner of Maryland—where the Potomac River bends through rugged ridges and the Alleghenies begin to feel properly mountainous—the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) delivers one of the East’s most satisfying heritage-rail experiences. Based in Cumberland with service to Frostburg, the railroad combines a storied mainline route, classic passenger equipment, and headline-grabbing motive power with an excursion calendar that ranges from full-length scenic trips to quick, family-friendly rides.
Among those shorter outings, one event punches well above its “simple fun” weight class: the Ice Cream Train—a breezy, budget-friendly way to get families (and railfans who secretly want sprinkles) on board for a taste of the WMSR experience without committing half a day.
Norfolk & Western T6 #11 is seen here parked in front of the WMSR's beautifully restored Western Maryland station in Cumberland, Maryland on November 11, 2005. Wade Massie photo.From Western Maryland Railway roots to today’s WMSR
WMSR’s narrative starts with the original Western Maryland Railway, whose history stretches from the mid-19th century into the modern era before the railroad disappeared into mergers and corporate change; WMSR notes the WM operated from 1852 to 1983. While the “Western Maryland” name carries deep regional resonance, the modern scenic railroad came later—built on preserved infrastructure and community interest in keeping the line alive as an attraction.
According to WMSR’s own history, the story of excursions on this route gained steam in 1988, when the Allegany Central Railroad began operating steam and diesel trips from Cumberland to Frostburg, and in 1991 operations continued under the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad name. That through-line—heritage equipment on a historically significant mountain route—remains the railroad’s identity today.
The Scenic Line: Cumberland to Frostburg
The signature WMSR journey is the scenic run between Cumberland and Frostburg, a route that climbs into Allegany County’s mountains and showcases the kind of topography that makes railroad engineering feel dramatic. WMSR describes its classic trip as a 4.5-hour round trip beginning and ending at Cumberland, with a 90-minute break in Frostburg so passengers can explore shops and restaurants on Main Street.
Even if you’re riding the shorter Ice Cream Train, it helps to know what makes this line special. The WMSR route page highlights a handful of places that railfans recognize instantly and first-time riders remember just as vividly:
- Cumberland Station: The railroad’s home base, a historic depot built in 1913, later restored and now used as WMSR’s primary station.
- The Narrows: Just west of Cumberland, where the line threads a dramatic gap between mountains and runs alongside waterways and other transportation corridors—an ideal “you’re in the mountains now” moment.
- Helmstetter’s Curve: A celebrated photographic location overlooking Cash Valley, with a sweeping curve that flatters both steam and diesel power.
- Brush Tunnel: Opened in 1911 and 914 feet long, built wide enough for two tracks back in mainline days—still a signature “through the mountain” highlight.
- Frostburg Station: A restored depot originally built in 1891 (for the Cumberland & Pennsylvania), now anchoring the railroad’s mountain layover experience.
Collectively, these landmarks give WMSR something not every tourist railroad can claim: a route that feels like “real railroad” geography, not just a park loop.
Motive Power
WMSR can absolutely satisfy casual riders with scenery, comfort, and themed events—but it also holds a special place for steam enthusiasts. The railroad’s biggest star is steam locomotive No. 1309, a massive articulated engine whose restoration became a major heritage-rail story in its own right.
WMSR notes that No. 1309 was built by Baldwin in 1949 for the Chesapeake & Ohio, retired in 1956, and returned to steam on the last day of 2020 after an extensive restoration. The railroad also credits the engine’s first seasons in operation with helping make it a major tourist attraction in the region.
That said, not every trip is steam-hauled every day. WMSR’s route description explicitly mentions operations behind steam No. 1309 or historic diesel locomotives, depending on the day and assignment. For many visitors, either option is a win—steam for the drama, diesel for the classic “railroad excursion” feel and often a different soundscape through tunnels and curves.
The Ice Cream Train
Now to the sweetest ride on the schedule.
What it is (and why it works)
WMSR’s Ice Cream Train is designed as an easy “yes” for families: short, affordable, low-planning, and anchored by a treat that turns the trip into an event for kids (and, let’s be honest, adults too). The railroad bills it as a summer outing that’s equal parts community tradition and scenic sampler: check in at the station, choose an ice cream flavor, then board for a 35-minute round trip through The Narrows and back.
That formula is precisely why it works. You get the station atmosphere, the anticipation of boarding, the motion and rhythm of rail travel, a mountain-side scene almost immediately, and the “reward” (ice cream) built into the experience rather than tacked on afterward.
Duration, departure points, and seating
WMSR lists the Ice Cream Train as a 35-minute experience, open to all ages, with departures from Cumberland Station—and, on select dates, also from Frostburg.
Seating is typically offered in Coach and Open-Air cars, giving riders a choice between breezy outdoor vibes (great on warm evenings) and traditional indoor comfort. Open-air seating is especially fun for families because it turns even a short ride into a sensory experience—wind, the sound of the locomotive, and wide-open views through The Narrows.
The Narrows: big scenery on a short schedule
The best part of the Ice Cream Train is that it doesn’t feel like a compromise. Because it runs through The Narrows, riders get a concentrated hit of the same mountain personality that makes the longer Cumberland–Frostburg run famous. WMSR describes The Narrows as a well-known gap west of Cumberland—popular with photographers—and notes you’ll see the waterway and even the nearby mainline railroad corridor in the area.
In other words: you don’t need a 4.5-hour itinerary to feel like you traveled somewhere.
When it runs
Ice Cream Trains are presented as a summertime offering, with the railroad listing specific date blocks and evening departure times on the event page (which can vary by year).
Final Thoughts
WMSR is often discussed in terms of “big” experiences: mountain railroading, a historic route, and a famous articulated steam locomotive. All true—and worth celebrating. But the Ice Cream Train shows another side of what heritage railroads do best: make railroading approachable.
It’s short. It’s cheerful. It’s easy for families who don’t know a driver diameter from a dining car. Yet it still delivers the core WMSR ingredients—historic station charm, real scenery, and the satisfying click-clack of wheels rolling into Mountain Maryland. To learn more about this event please click here to visit the railroad's website.
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