Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides On The M&H

Published: December 3, 2025

A local treasure with a national following, the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad - the "Milk & Honey Line" - offers a charming, unhurried way to experience central Pennsylvania’s scenery and history.

Based in Middletown, just outside Harrisburg and Hershey, this heritage railroad operates vintage coaches pulled by classic diesel locomotives along the Swatara Creek.

Passengers come for the views, stay for the storytelling, and return for the creative themed excursions that keep the calendar fresh year after year. Among those special events, the railroad’s murder mystery dinner train experiences are perennial crowd-pleasers—part theater, part culinary outing, and entirely memorable.

Middletown & Hummelstown's "Civil War Steam Special," led by Canadian National 2-6-0 #91, departs Middletown for Indian Echo Caverns on September 30, 2007. Rob Kitchen photo.

What the regular excursion is like

A standard M&H trip typically lasts about an hour, covering an out-and-back route that traces the tree-lined banks of the Swatara Creek toward Hummelstown.

The pace is deliberately leisurely so riders can enjoy wildlife sightings, creek vistas, and glimpses of regional history—including remnants of the 19th-century Union Canal that once connected the Susquehanna River with the port of Philadelphia.

Onboard narration adds color without overpowering the moment, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories of local industry, immigration, and the role railroads played in building the region.

Equipment varies by season and operational needs, but you can expect comfortable, restored coaches with picture windows and, in fair weather, open windows for that classic railfan breeze.

Conductors and attendants are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to talk about the railroad’s equipment, operations, and the communities it serves.

Most departures originate from the Middletown depot, with free or modestly priced parking close at hand. As with any historic railroad, there are steps to board; if accessibility is a concern, call ahead so the crew can advise and assist.

Popular themed excursions

M&H keeps its schedule lively with a rotation of themed trips designed for families, couples, and casual railfans alike. While specifics vary from year to year, these are the kinds of excursions you’re likely to find on their calendar:

Springtime and holiday trains: ExpectEaster Bunny runs with photo ops, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day trains, and festive rides as the holiday season approaches. The Santa-themed departures are usually among the most popular of the year, pairing the cozy charm of vintage coaches with carols and treats.

Fall foliage: When the leaves turn along the creek corridor, the railroad becomes a rolling front-row seat for gold and crimson canopies. These trains often sell out, especially on peak-color weekends.

Pumpkin or Halloween events: Family-friendly autumn trips can include lighthearted Halloween touches, costumes, or a short stop for pumpkins when logistics allow.

- Ice cream or dessert trains: Warm-weather afternoons sometimes bring sweet-tooth specials, where the ride pairs with ice cream sundaes or other treats.

Because heritage operations adapt to trackwork, permits, and community partnerships, offerings change. The best way to know what’s running in a given season is to check the railroad’s official site or call the depot.

Spotlight: Murder mystery dinner train experiences

The railroad’s murder mystery events bring a theatrical twist to the rails, blending live, interactive whodunits with a leisurely evening ride. If you’ve never done one, think of it as a compact dinner theater that moves—actors mingle in-character with passengers, clues unfold in scenes staged in the aisle or between coaches, and you work with your party (or new friends) to deduce the culprit before the final reveal.

In 2025 the railroad held this event on March 15th, September 20th, October 4th, October 25th, and November 8th.

What to expect

A full evening out: Plan for roughly two to three hours, including boarding, a relaxed run time with staged scenes, and unhurried service for the meal or courses. The pacing is part of the fun—there’s time to chat, compare theories, and enjoy the view.

Interactive performers: The cast will likely greet guests as you board and then pop up throughout the trip for scripted moments. Don’t be surprised if a “detective” asks what you overheard, or a “suspect” tries to sway your opinion. Participation is encouraged, but you won’t be put on the spot beyond your comfort level.

A meal timed to the drama: Format can vary—catered entrée service in your coach, plated courses served in the depot before boarding with dessert on the move, or hearty boxed dinners for simplicity. Regardless, the railroad and its caterer plan service around the story beats so you’re never balancing a fork during a key clue.

A reveal and prizes: Toward the end, you’ll submit your best guess. Some events recognize the sharpest sleuths with small prizes or a shout-out when the curtain falls.

Why the format works so well on a train

Trains are natural stages. Each coach is an intimate theater where sound carries just enough for your section and every seat has a good “sightline.” The gentle sway and scenic backdrop add atmosphere without distracting from dialogue. Because the route is quiet and unhurried, the experience feels immersive—you’re in a contained world with a clear beginning, middle, and end, all in one evening.

Final Thoughts

The Middletown & Hummelstown succeeds because it blends simple pleasures—a comfortable seat, a friendly crew, and a pretty piece of track—with imaginative programming.

Themed excursions make each visit feel new, while the murder mystery dinner trains elevate the experience into a night out you’ll talk about for weeks.

Whether you’re celebrating, planning a unique date, or just craving a different kind of evening, these theatrical rides deliver story, scenery, and a sense of occasion in one package.

For dates, details, and booking, go straight to the source: the railroad’s official channels will have the latest on what’s running and how to reserve your seats.