Pennsylvania's Easter Train Rides
Published: March 9, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Pennsylvania, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history, offers a unique and charming way to celebrate Easter with themed train rides. These excursions provide not just a journey through scenic tracks but an immersive experience filled with Easter festivities, including visits from the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, and more. Here's a comprehensive guide to Easter-themed train rides in Pennsylvania that the whole family can enjoy.
Strasburg's caboose #12 brings up the rear of a nine-car train at Bellemont, Pennsylvania on May 13, 2022. Doug Kroll photo.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.
One of their specials is the Easter Bunny Train where kids receives gifts and ride along with Peter Cottontail.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is based in Jim Thorpe, operating trains on freight-hauling Reading & Northern from the restored former Lehigh Valley railroad station.
Each spring their Easter Bunny Special departs from Jim Thorpe where kids ride along with the Easter Bunny and receive a small treat.
Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad: The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad is a freight railroad that also offers passenger excursions over 11 miles of its system for a nostalgic trip along the Swatara Creek and features themed rides that appeal to families looking for Easter fun.
The Easter Bunny Express runs during select dates where kids get to ride along with the Easter Bunny and receive a small treat. The trip lasts for approximately 1 hour.
New Hope Railroad: The New Hope Railroad - formerly the New Hope & Ivyland - is a very popular short line/excursion carrier located in east-central Pennsylvania.
During the spring they host the Easter Bunny Express where guests board a meticulously restored vintage train car for a scenic ride through the picturesque landscapes of Bucks County. The kids can meet the Easter Bunny for photo opportunities and receive treats.
Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad: Located in the Oil Creek Valley and based in Titusville, the railroad operates on about 14 miles of track normally using a traditional diesel locomotive for power. One of their special excursions is the Peter Cottontail Express during the Easter holiday, the first excursion of the season.
The trip lasts for around 3 hours where the kids can meet Peter Cottontail and receive a small gift. Children can also enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt.
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.
The railroad handles both freight and passengers but is also an operating history book featuring historic steam locomotives with restored, period passenger cars (dating to the 1800s) earning it the distinction as the second most popular excursion railroad in the country.
One of their spring specials is the Easter Bunny Train where kids can meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy other events. For 2025 the railroad is offering Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Candy Drops.
Activities
Train Ride: Enjoy a 45-minute round-trip ride through the beautiful Amish farmlands. Guests can enjoy several different accommodation options including Premium Cars, the Dining Car, coach car, and club car table seats.
Meet the Easter Bunny: The highlight for many children, passengers get to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny.
Easter Egg Hunt: After the train ride, children can participate in an exciting Easter egg hunt.
Crafts and Activities: Onboard and at the station, enjoy various Easter-themed crafts and activities.
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad: The Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad is based in Kempton, in eastern Pennsylvania, operating a unique blend of steam and diesel locomotives. Each spring the Easter Bunny Express takes kids on a short train ride and receive treats from the Easter Bunny.
West Chester Railroad: The West Chester Railroad is based in southeastern Pennsylvania and likely due to its close proximity to Philadelphia the excursion train is quite popular. During the spring they offer a family-friendly experience with its Easter Bunny Express, combining the charm of a vintage train ride with the spirit of the holiday.
The train travels from West Chester to the Glen Mills village. The kids get to meet the Easter Bunny, receive treats, and enjoy live music. The trip lasts around 90 minutes.
Easter-themed train rides in Pennsylvania offer a delightful blend of nostalgia, scenic beauty, and holiday cheer, making them a perfect family outing during the Easter season. With a range of activities from Easter Bunny appearances to picturesque train journeys, there’s something to cater to all ages.
Be sure to check the specific dates and booking requirements for each railroad, as these experiences are popular and can fill up quickly. Prepare for a memorable Easter celebration filled with joy, laughter, and the timeless allure of a classic train ride.
Recent Articles
-
Train Rides On The Strasburg Rail Road (2026)
Apr 12, 26 04:11 PM
Few railroads in North America can claim the longevity, authenticity, and continued relevance of the Strasburg Rail Road! -
Train Rides On Florida's Sugar Express! (2026)
Apr 12, 26 12:19 PM
The Sugar Express, based in Clewiston is not merely a tourist railroad—it is a rare example of a true mainline excursion operation running over an active industrial railroad system. -
UP 4014 Route Changed Due To Weather, April 12-14
Apr 12, 26 10:26 AM
Union Pacific has announced that due to inclement weather on Donner Pass, "Big Boy" 4014 will instead operate over the ex-Western Pacific on April 12-14. -
West Virginia "Murder Mystery" Dinner Train Ride
Apr 12, 26 10:25 AM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas "Murder Mystery" Dinner Train Rides
Apr 12, 26 10:19 AM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida "Beer Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 12, 26 10:14 AM
Among the Sugar Express's most popular “kick off the weekend” events is Sunset & Suds—an adults-focused, late-afternoon ride that blends countryside scenery with an onboard bar and a laid-back… -
Illinois "Beer Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 12, 26 10:10 AM
Among IRM’s newer special events, Hops Aboard is designed for adults who want the museum’s moving-train atmosphere paired with a curated craft beer experience. -
New Hampshire "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 12, 26 10:06 AM
This article details New Hampshire's most enchanting wine tasting trains, where every sip is paired with breathtaking views and a touch of adventure. -
New Jersey "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 12, 26 10:04 AM
If you're seeking a unique outing or a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion, wine tasting train rides in New Jersey offer an experience unlike any other. -
North Carolina Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Apr 12, 26 12:18 AM
North Carolina train rides offer many restored steam locomotives to see in action and plenty of scenery. The information here provides complete coverage of train rides in NC, from the Tweetsie Railroa… -
Iron Mountain Railway's Murder Mystery Dinner Trains
Apr 11, 26 02:09 PM
The St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway—often simply called the “Iron Mountain Railway”—is one of Missouri’s most unique heritage railroads. -
The “Knickerbocker”: NYC's Secondary St. Louis Train
Apr 11, 26 11:35 AM
The Knickerbocker remains one of the more obscure yet historically significant services of the NYC, a secondary train connecting New York and St. Louis. -
Florida "Murder Mystery" Dinner Train Rides
Apr 11, 26 10:51 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains." -
New Hampshire "Murder Mystery" Dinner Train Rides
Apr 11, 26 10:48 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
Wisconsin "Beer Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 11, 26 10:47 AM
The East Troy Railroad Museum's Beer Tasting Train, a 2½-hour evening ride designed to blend scenic travel with guided sampling. -
California "Beer Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 11, 26 10:08 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
Missouri "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 11, 26 10:06 AM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 11, 26 10:01 AM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Maine Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Apr 10, 26 11:50 PM
Maine train rides offers the public incredible views of the state's back country with experiences including narrow-gauge operations, trolleys, and more. -
The “Thoroughbred”: Monon's Streamliner to the Bluegrass
Apr 10, 26 04:33 PM
The “Thoroughbred” was the flagship streamlined passenger train of the Monon Railroad, a modest Midwestern carrier whose identity was deeply tied to the state of Indiana. -
N&W 611 To Operate On The Virginia Scenic Railway
Apr 10, 26 01:18 PM
Beginning June 12, 2026, the 611 will power passenger excursions departing from Staunton and Louisa, Virginia, offering riders a rare opportunity to experience mainline steam railroading in the Common… -
BNSF, Metra Reach New 10-Year Passenger Service Agreement
Apr 10, 26 12:31 PM
In a significant development for commuter rail in the Chicago region, BNSF Railway and Metra have reached a new long-term agreement that will extend passenger service on the busy BNSF Line for another… -
The “Black Hawk”: CB&Q's Overnight Chicago-Twin Cities Train
Apr 10, 26 11:32 AM
Among the many passenger trains operated by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad—better known as the Burlington Route—the “Black Hawk” held a distinctive place as the road’s primary overnight s… -
Third & Townsend Depot — San Francisco’s Lost Terminal
Apr 10, 26 11:30 AM
This article traces the full history of the Third & Townsend Depot, from its origins in the earliest rail expansion into San Francisco, through its heyday as a bustling passenger hub, to its decline a… -
The “Coast Daylight”: The Most Beautiful Train in the World
Apr 09, 26 06:55 PM
Few passenger trains in American history achieved the fame, visual identity, and sustained popularity of the Coast Daylight, Southern Pacific’s premier streamliner linking San Francisco and Los Angele… -
RJ Corman To Unveil 250th Anniversary C40-8Ws 1776 & 2026
Apr 09, 26 02:00 PM
The RJ Corman Railroad Group has announced it will unveil a pair of specially painted C40-8Ws to honor America's 250th anniversary later this summer. -
New Jersey, Indiana & Illinois Railroad: A South Bend Shortline
Apr 09, 26 01:05 PM
Despite its grand-sounding name, the New Jersey, Indiana & Illinois Railroad (NJI&I) was one of the smallest yet most fascinating industrial railroads in the United States. -
Canadian National 4-8-4 No. 6218
Apr 09, 26 10:27 AM
Few steam locomotives in Canada achieved the fame and longevity of Canadian National 4-8-4 No. 6218, a powerful “Confederation” type engine that bridged the gap between the steam era and the age of pr… -
The “Snowball Express”: Park City’s Festive Ski Train
Apr 09, 26 10:25 AM
The “Snowball Express” was one of the more colorful late-era passenger excursions operated by the Union Pacific Railroad, a seasonal ski train that carried winter sports enthusiasts from Salt Lake Cit… -
The "Land O’Corn": A Midwestern Streamliner’s Rise and Fall
Apr 09, 26 09:11 AM
The Land O’Corn was one of the Illinois Central Railroad’s most distinctive secondary passenger trains, linking Chicago with northeastern Iowa. -
“Twin Cities Zephyrs”: Speed, Style, and Sophistication
Apr 08, 26 10:37 PM
Few trains better captured the glamour and technological optimism of America’s streamlined era than the Twin Cities Zephyrs of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. -
NJ Transit "Conrail" Heritage GP40PH-2B 4208
Apr 08, 26 02:46 PM
New Jersey Transit’s GP40PH-2B No. 4208 stands as a tribute to one of the most influential railroads in the Northeast: Conrail. -
North Carolina "Dinner Train" Rides At Spencer
Apr 08, 26 02:33 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee "Dinner Train" Rides At TVRM
Apr 08, 26 10:32 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania "Dinner Train" Rides At Boyertown
Apr 08, 26 10:21 AM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
New York "Dinner Train" Rides In The Adirondacks
Apr 08, 26 10:17 AM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
New Jersey "Beer Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 08, 26 10:16 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Connecticut "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 08, 26 10:14 AM
If you’re looking for a signature “special occasion” experience, the Essex Steam Train's Wine & Chocolate Dinner Train stands out as a decadent, social, and distinctly memorable take on dinner… -
Minnesota "Beer Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 08, 26 10:09 AM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train. -
Massachusetts "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 08, 26 10:06 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Palmetto Railways To Reactivate 40-Mile Salkehatchie Subdivision
Apr 08, 26 09:57 AM
Palmetto Railways has announced plans to reactivate its long-dormant Salkehatchie Subdivision, a 40-mile line running through Hampton and Colleton counties that has been out of service since 2012. -
Ahnapee & Western Railway: Door County’s Lifeline
Apr 07, 26 10:28 PM
The Ahnapee & Western Railway was one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive short lines—a modest 34.5-mile railroad that nonetheless played an outsized role in opening Door County to industry, agriculture… -
"Colorado Connector" Selected As Name For Front Range Passenger Rail
Apr 07, 26 12:56 PM
Colorado officials have formally unveiled “Colorado Connector”—or “CoCo”—as the official name for the state’s long-planned passenger rail service linking the Front Range corridor from Fort Collins to… -
New Mexico "Beer Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 07, 26 11:51 AM
Sky Railway's New Mexico Ale Trail Train is the headliner: a 21+ excursion that pairs local brewery pours with a relaxed ride on the historic Santa Fe–Lamy line. -
Oregon "Beer Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 07, 26 11:50 AM
If your idea of a perfect night out involves craft beer, scenery, and the gentle rhythm of jointed rail, Santiam Excursion Trains delivers a refreshingly different kind of "brew tour." -
New York "Murder Mystery" Dinner Train Rides
Apr 07, 26 11:49 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Pennsylvania "Murder Mystery" Dinner Train Rides
Apr 07, 26 11:48 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Virginia Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Apr 07, 26 11:46 AM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley with gu… -
Tennessee "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 07, 26 11:45 AM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
Maryland "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Apr 07, 26 11:44 AM
This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure.
