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Pennsylvania Ice Cream Train Rides

Published: June 27, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Pennsylvania's rich railroad history combines perfectly with everyone's favorite frozen treat on several scenic railways across the state. These special ice cream train excursions offer families and dessert enthusiasts a unique way to experience both railway heritage and delicious frozen treats.

Colebrookdale Railroad

The Colebrookdale Railroad, also known as the "Secret Valley Line," is a historic railway located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. This scenic rail line runs between Boyertown and Pottstown through the picturesque Secret Valley, following a route that was originally established in 1869.

The railroad played a crucial role in the region's industrial development, particularly in transporting iron ore, steel, and other raw materials during Pennsylvania's industrial age. It helped connect the iron furnaces and forges of the Colebrookdale District to larger markets.

Today, the railroad operates as a heritage railway, offering tourists and train enthusiasts a unique experience through restored vintage rail cars. The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust maintains and operates the line, providing scenic excursions that showcase the area's natural beauty and historical significance.

Passengers can enjoy various themed rides throughout the year, including fall foliage tours, Santa Claus specials, and dinner trains. The railway features meticulously restored cars from the Gilded Age, providing guests with an authentic Victorian-era rail experience.

The two-hour round trip journey takes visitors through dense forests, over rushing creeks, and past historic sites, offering a glimpse into Pennsylvania's rich industrial heritage while preserving an important piece of American railroad history.

During the summer months they host their popular "Sunday Sundaes Adventure", a 90-minute train ride that allows guests to enjoy locally made ice cream from Longacres Modern Dairy.  You can also upgrade to first class to enjoy this experience in their parlor car!

Everett Railroad

The Everett Railroad is a historic shortline railroad located in south-central Pennsylvania. Originally chartered in 1954, the railroad operates between Hollidaysburg and Martinsburg, with its headquarters in Duncansville, Blair County.

The railroad began as a freight-only operation serving local industries but has since evolved to include popular tourist excursions. These scenic train rides, often pulled by restored steam locomotives, allow passengers to experience rail travel as it was in the golden age of railroading. Their steam locomotive #11, built in 1920 by the Alco-Cooke Locomotive Works, is a particular point of pride.

The railroad plays an important role in the local economy by providing freight service to various businesses along its route. It interchanges with Norfolk Southern, connecting local customers to the national rail network. The railroad handles various commodities including lumber, agricultural products, and industrial materials.

Today, the Everett successfully combines its freight operations with heritage tourism, offering regular excursions throughout the year, including special seasonal events like fall foliage tours and Santa trains. The railroad serves as both a working freight carrier and a living museum of American railroad history, preserving traditional railroading practices for future generations.

Their "Ice Cream Special" runs on select dates during the summer, a train powered by their historic steam locomotive between  between Hollidaysburg and Roaring Spring.  The railroad states the ice cream will be served at the Roaring Spring Station.

Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad

The Middletown & Hummelstown (M&H) is a historic short line located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1888, this railway originally served as a vital transportation link between the towns of Middletown and Hummelstown, primarily hauling limestone from local quarries.

The railroad spans approximately 7 miles and parallels the Swatara Creek for much of its route. During its early years, the M&H played a crucial role in the region's industrial development, transporting materials for local businesses and connecting to larger rail networks.

While many short-line railroads have disappeared over the years, the M&H has managed to survive by adapting its operations. In more recent decades, the railroad has become known for its tourist excursions, offering scenic train rides that showcase the area's natural beauty and historical significance.

The railroad operates both freight and passenger services, though tourist operations have become an increasingly important part of its business model. Vintage equipment, including historic locomotives and passenger cars, helps create an authentic railroad experience for visitors.

One of their popular special events during the summer season are "Ice Cream Sundae Caboose Rides" where passengers can enjoy a trip within an authentic caboose lasting about 1 1/2 hours and enjoy a sweet frozen treat along the way.

Today, the M&H continues to serve as both a working railroad and a living piece of Pennsylvania's transportation heritage, preserving traditional railroading practices while adapting to modern needs.

Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad

The Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad (WK&S), also known affectionately as the "Hawk Mountain Line," is a heritage railroad located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Operating on a portion of former Reading Company trackage, this scenic railroad began tourist operations in 1963.

The railroad runs through picturesque Pennsylvania Dutch Country near Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, offering passengers a nostalgic journey through rolling farmland and wooded areas. The main line extends approximately 2.7 miles from Kempton to Wanamaker.

The WK&S operates vintage diesel locomotives and restored passenger coaches, typically running excursions from spring through fall, with special events during the holiday season. Popular events include fall foliage tours and Santa Claus rides for children.

During the summer months their "Sweet SUNDAE Special" is another popular event held on National Ice Cream Day, July 20, 2025.  After the excursion has concluded guests can enjoy a sundae from locally produced ice cream courtesy of B.A.D. Farm.

Originally, this section of track was part of the Reading Company's Schuylkill & Lehigh branch, which served local agricultural and industrial customers. When the Reading began abandoning branch lines, railroad enthusiasts formed the WK&S to preserve this scenic portion.

Today, the railroad is operated by volunteers who maintain the tracks, equipment, and facilities. The Kempton station serves as the primary boarding location and houses a small gift shop. The WK&S continues to provide visitors with an authentic railroad experience while preserving an important piece of Pennsylvania's transportation heritage.

Final Thoughts

Ice cream trains offer a delightful combination of Pennsylvania's railroad heritage and frozen treats. These excursions provide families, tourists, and train enthusiasts a unique way to experience the state's scenic beauty while enjoying a timeless dessert. Whether you're a railway buff, ice cream aficionado, or simply seeking a unique family outing, Pennsylvania's ice cream trains deliver an experience that creates lasting memories.

For specific schedules, rates, and availability, contact individual railways directly as offerings may vary by season and location. Consider making ice cream train excursions part of a larger Pennsylvania travel itinerary to maximize your experience in the Keystone State.