Maryland "The Polar Express" Train Rides On The WMSR
Published: November 4, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Steam, storybook nostalgia, and mountain scenery converge on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR), a heritage line that turns a day out into a full-fledged time trip.
Based in Cumberland, Maryland, the railroad climbs the Alleghenies along a storied stretch of track, delivering classic excursion rides year-round and, come the holidays, a beloved, family-forward experience inspired by the season’s most famous train tale.
Whether you’re a railfan, a history buff, or a parent looking to wrap the year in wonder, the WMSR offers an unforgettable ride.
Preserving The Western Maryland
A living link to Western Maryland railroading
WMSR operates on roughly 16 miles of former Western Maryland Railway track between Cumberland and Frostburg.
It’s a short distance on the map, but a dramatic climb in real life—roughly 1,300 feet of elevation gain through the Narrows and into the mountains.
The route threads landmark railfan vistas like Helmstetter’s Curve, where the train bends gracefully across a sweeping horseshoe, and plunges through the photogenic Brush Tunnel before cresting at Frostburg.
The experience begins at the historic Western Maryland Railway Station in Cumberland, a handsome brick landmark at Canal Place, steps from the C&O Canal towpath.
Excursions On The WMSR
Onboard, you’ll find a mix of vintage coaches and refurbished cars, with seasonal offerings that range from classic coach seating to premium and event-dining experiences. In warm months, you’ll sometimes see open-air cars; in winter, the train keeps to enclosed, heated equipment.
One of the railroad’s calling cards is steam. WMSR’s crown jewel, former Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309, is among the largest operating steam locomotives in the United States.
When conditions and scheduling allow, it leads excursions up the mountain in a spectacle of sound and smoke. Diesel power steps in for certain operations and seasonal reliability, but no matter what’s on the point, the railroad’s focus on presentation and storytelling shines.
What a typical round trip is like
Most standard excursions are a half-day adventure. After boarding in Cumberland, the train eases west along Wills Creek and into the Narrows, swapping urban scenery for rolling farms and forested hillsides.
Expect big-window views, local narration, and light concessions. At Frostburg, the train usually lays over for about an hour. This is your chance to watch the locomotive turn on the turntable, stroll to Frostburg’s Main Street for a coffee or fudge, and snap photos. Then it’s back aboard for the downhill glide to Cumberland, with the mountain scenery now spread beneath you.
A community engine for heritage and tourism
Beyond the romance of steel and steam, WMSR is an engine for regional tourism, drawing visitors to Allegany County and connecting them with nearby trails, museums, and mountain towns.
The line’s restoration work, shop operations, and special events support skilled jobs and preserve rare railroad craft. Over the years, the railroad has devised themed rides—from dinner trains and murder mysteries to fall foliage journeys—that fill calendars and local dining rooms alike.
Enter the holiday season: The Polar Express
As the days shorten and the first frosts sparkle on the ridgelines, the WMSR transforms. The marquee experience for many families is the immersive holiday train ride inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book and the beloved film. The officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS is a theatrical, music-filled re-creation of that story’s central magic: a night journey to the North Pole and the reminder that belief is a gift in itself.
What To Expect
Golden tickets and conductor moments: Kids receive the iconic golden ticket, which is traditionally “punched” by the conductor in a nod to the film’s whimsical sequences. It’s a tiny detail with outsized memory power.
Hot chocolate and cookies: Dancing “chefs” and uniformed staff bring trays of hot chocolate and cookies to your seat, turning the car into a cozy, rolling cocoa party.
Storytelling and song: Narration and music carry the story forward. Expect sing-alongs, call-and-response fun, and lively character interaction that keeps even the wiggliest riders engaged.
The North Pole: Lights, set pieces, and festive staging evoke the approach to Santa’s domain. Depending on logistics and the year’s production design, the “North Pole” may be a trackside scene the train rolls past or a location where Santa boards.
Santa and the first gift of Christmas: The moment everyone waits for. Santa arrives to meet each child, often presenting a keepsake silver bell—“the first gift of Christmas”—and pausing for photos and wishes.
Pajamas encouraged: Families lean into the spirit by wearing pajamas, just like in the story. Layer up—this is a mountain railroad in winter—and bring a warm coat for station platforms.
How it differs from standard excursions
THE POLAR EXPRESS is shorter and more theatrical than the classic Cumberland–Frostburg roundtrip. It focuses on the immersive storyline rather than mountain mileage. Trains typically run multiple times per day on select dates in late November and December, including weekdays closer to Christmas. The ride is designed around children but remains charming for all ages.
Ticketing, seating, and sell-outs
Holiday trains historically sell out fast, especially prime weekend and evening departures. You’ll usually find several fare tiers, from standard coach to upgraded seating with extra legroom, keepsakes, or at-seat service. Pricing varies by date and class of service, and infants may have specific lap policies.
Practical planning tips
Book early. As soon as dates go on sale, choose your time and car. If your schedule is flexible, off-peak times can be quieter and less expensive.
Arrive 45–60 minutes ahead. You’ll want time for parking, ticket pickup if needed, photos in front of the locomotive, and settling in.
Dress warmly. Platforms can be breezy. Pajamas over base layers keep the theme fun and the kids warm.
A note on naming and availability
Holiday programming can vary by year. In recent seasons, WMSR has offered an officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS experience. Because branding and event details are subject to change, always confirm the current season’s offerings, schedules, and policies directly with the railroad before you purchase.
Make a weekend of it
Allegany County becomes especially picturesque during the holidays. Combine your train ride with a stroll through downtown Cumberland’s shops, a visit to the C&O Canal National Historical Park, or a side trip to Frostburg for boutique browsing and hot cocoa. If you’re coming from farther afield, consider an overnight in a local inn or hotel—nighttime departures paired with morning mountain views make for a restful mini-getaway.
Why it resonates
For adults, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad scratches a deep nostalgic itch—windows that open, the rhythmic sway of heavyweight coaches, and the romance of a turntable spin. For kids, THE POLAR EXPRESS is a story stepping off the page.
The blend of performance, hospitality, and place is the secret sauce: this is not a generic venue dressed with tinsel, but a genuine mountain railroad where steam whistles echo off hillsides and winter air smells like coal smoke and pine. The setting elevates the script, and the script sparks the setting.
Final boarding call
If your ideal holiday tradition mixes authentic railroading with pure make-believe, put the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad high on your list. Book early, bundle up, and bring your sense of wonder.
On these rails, belief isn’t just part of the story—it’s built into the journey. And long after the silver bell finds a home on your tree, the sound you’ll still hear most clearly is a memory: your family laughing, the conductor’s punch, and the train slipping into the winter night.
Recent Articles
-
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:18 PM
Elbe–Mineral steam excursions through Cascade foothill forests—~75-minute scenic trains into autumn. Adults from ~$34. Book mtrainierrailroad.com. -
Conway Scenic Pumpkin Patch Express (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 11:01 PM
Conway Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Patch Express—North Conway to White Mountain Cider Co. / Glen area pumpkin pick, family October special, 2026 booking tips. -
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 10:46 PM
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains—Ringoes/Flemington family pumpkin package, steam #60 when rostered, maze and wagon activities, 2026 booking tips. -
Halloween Train Rides (2026): Pumpkin Patch, Haunted & Spooky Trips
Aug 14, 26 10:02 PM
2026 Halloween train rides—pumpkin patch trains, haunted excursions, and family fall specials at tourist railroads across the U.S. National hub with state directory and planning tips. -
Vermont Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 09:35 PM
Vermont tourist trains—Green Mountain Railroad / Champlain Valley Dinner Train, Shelburne Museum context, foliage and lake-country planning. 2026 guide. -
Virginia Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 08:04 PM
Virginia tourist trains and rail museums—Virginia Scenic Railway, Buckingham Branch context, VMT Roanoke, C&O Heritage Center, O. Winston Link Museum. 2026 planning guide. -
Scenic Train Rides (USA 2026): State Guide to Tourist Railroads
Aug 14, 26 07:44 PM
Find scenic and tourist train rides in every U.S. state—heritage railroads, steam excursions, dinner trains, and fall foliage. National hub with history, what to expect, and state-by-state guides. -
Rhode Island Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 07:01 PM
Rhode Island tourist trains—Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad and the Rhode Island Railroad Museum. 2026 Ocean State guide. -
Commuter Rail (USA): Definition, History & Systems Directory
Aug 14, 26 06:36 PM
American commuter rail—private suburban trains to public agencies (LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, Metra, Metrolink, and more). History, vs light rail, and a national systems directory. -
New Jersey Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 06:23 PM
New Jersey tourist trains—Black River & Western, Woodstown Central, Cape May Seashore Lines, Delaware River Railroad, Pine Creek, Whippany. 2026 guide. -
Rail Tours (USA & Canada): Luxury Trains, Cruise Trains & History
Aug 14, 26 06:11 PM
North American rail tours explained—luxury multi-day trains vs Amtrak packages vs tourist excursions. Rocky Mountaineer, Chepe Express, historic AOE, New River Train, and directory of AR profiles. -
Massachusetts Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 04:23 PM
Massachusetts tourist trains—Cape Cod Central, Berkshire Scenic, Edaville, Shelburne Falls Trolley. 2026 Bay State scenic and heritage guide. -
Amtrak Unique Trainsets: TurboTrain, Turboliner, Metroliner & More
Aug 14, 26 03:44 PM
Amtrak’s distinctive trainsets—United Aircraft TurboTrain, French RTG and Rohr RTL Turboliners, German ICE and Swedish X2000 tests, and Budd Metroliners on the Northeast Corridor. -
Amtrak Locomotive Roster: Historical & Current Power
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Amtrak motive power—heritage E/F/SDP40F/F40/Genesis roster research plus mid-2020s ALC-42 Chargers, state SC-44s, ACS-64 electrics, NextGen Acela, and Airo ALC-42E dual-modes. -
Connecticut Dinner Train Rides From Essex
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Virginia Dinner Train Rides From Staunton
Aug 14, 26 01:41 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you. -
Discontinued Amtrak Trains: Lost Named Services & Routes
Aug 14, 26 01:25 PM
List of discontinued Amtrak and Amtrak-era named trains—Broadway Limited, Floridian, Pioneer, Desert Wind, Metroliners, North Coast Hiawatha, and dozens more with route and date notes. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides From The MRM
Aug 14, 26 01:11 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Georgia Dinner Train Rides From Nashville
Aug 14, 26 01:05 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could slow down, trade traffic for jointed rail, and let a small-town landscape roll by your window while a hot meal is served at your table, the Azalea Sprinter delivers tha… -
Amtrak Ridership by Year (1971–2025): Passengers, Miles & Revenue
Aug 14, 26 01:03 PM
Amtrak fiscal-year ridership tables 1971–2019 from American-Rails.com research, plus FY2024–FY2025 record years from Amtrak public reports. -
Amtrak (USA): History, Routes, Ridership, Fleet & The National Network
Aug 14, 26 12:21 PM
Amtrak history and network—Railpax 1970, May 1 1971 startup, Northeast Corridor and long-distance trains, ridership through FY2025 records, Superliners to NextGen Acela and Airo, ALC-42s, and route di… -
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides Departing From Bardstown
Aug 14, 26 11:10 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Railroad Infrastructure (USA): Track, Bridges, Signals, Yards, History
Aug 14, 26 10:54 AM
American railroad infrastructure—what it means (track, ballast, ties, bridges, tunnels, signals, yards, towers), T-rail and standard gauge roots, and a full directory of fixed-plant topics. -
Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams
Aug 14, 26 10:48 AM
While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining. -
Railroad Maintenance-of-Way Equipment: Machines, Track Work, History
Aug 14, 26 12:22 AM
Railroad maintenance-of-way (MOW)—section gangs to mechanized track work: ballast, tampers, undercutters, Jordan spreaders, spike machines, Sperry defect cars, and a full equipment directory. -
Railroad Freight Cars (USA): Types, History, AAR Codes, Modern Designs
Aug 14, 26 12:10 AM
American freight cars—from Granite Railway tram flats and B&O gondolas to boxcars, hoppers, tanks, reefers, autoracks, well cars, AAR type codes, and a full car-type directory. -
Maine Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 12:03 AM
Maine train rides offers the public incredible views of the state's back country with experiences including narrow-gauge operations, trolleys, and more. -
Passenger Train Cars (USA): Types, History, Pullman & Streamliners
Aug 13, 26 11:53 PM
American passenger cars—from stagecoach-style coaches and B&O’s Imlay cars to Pullman sleepers and diners, heavyweights, air-conditioning, streamliners, and a full type directory (coach, dome, RPO… -
Electric Locomotives (USA): History, Models & Preservation
Aug 13, 26 10:41 PM
American electric locomotives—from B&O’s 1895 Belt Line and Sprague’s streetcars to PRR GG1s, Milwaukee Little Joes, Virginian rectifiers, NEC power, and a roster of preserved classic motors. -
Steam Locomotive Terms & Definitions: Glossary of Parts, Types & Talk
Aug 13, 26 09:14 PM
Steam locomotive glossary—articulated, Mallet, superheater, feedwater heater, cab-forward, camelback, Shay/Heisler/Climax, duplex-drive, pop valve, quartered drivers, and more shop and type terms used… -
Steam Locomotives (USA): History, Types, Whyte Notation & Builders
Aug 13, 26 08:47 PM
American steam locomotives—from Trevithick and Stephenson to Tom Thumb, Super Power Berkshires, Big Boys and Challengers, How steam works, Whyte types, Baldwin/Alco/Lima, dieselization, and living ste… -
Locomotive History (USA): Steam, Electric & Diesel Power
Aug 13, 26 04:50 PM
How American trains are powered—steam, electric, and diesel-electric locomotives from Tom Thumb and Stourbridge Lion through B&O’s Howard Street motors, EMD FT, and today’s Progress Rail &am… -
Interurbans & Streetcars (USA): Definition, History & State Guides
Aug 13, 26 04:09 PM
American interurbans and trolleys—what an interurban was, peak ~15,580 miles (1916), Hilton & Due, Midwest epicenter, decline, survivors (South Shore, Iowa Traction), and links to state traction h… -
Maryland Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 03:09 PM
Maryland tourist trains—Western Maryland Scenic, Walkersville Southern, B&O Railroad Museum, streetcar museums. 2026 mountains-to-Baltimore guide. -
Streamliners (USA): History, Famous Trains & Why They Mattered
Aug 13, 26 02:51 PM
American railroad streamliners—UP M-10000, Burlington Pioneer Zephyr, Hiawatha, Super Chief, California Zephyr, Art Deco design, diesel power, and the decline into Amtrak. Full named-train directory. -
Michigan Dinner Train Rides From Owosso
Aug 13, 26 02:28 PM
The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train! -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides From Duluth
Aug 13, 26 01:02 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Delaware Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:58 PM
Delaware tourist trains—Wilmington & Western Railroad steam and specials in the Red Clay Valley. 2026 planning guide. -
Connecticut Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:42 PM
Connecticut tourist trains—Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Naugatuck Railroad, Danbury Railway Museum, Connecticut Trolley Museum, Shore Line Trolley. 2026 planning guide. -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides From Spencer
Aug 13, 26 12:15 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… -
West Virginia Railroads: History, Map, Coal Lines & Today’s Network
Aug 13, 26 12:09 PM
West Virginia railroad history—B&O, C&O, N&W, Virginian, Western Maryland; coal and logging heritage; abandonments; CSX, Norfolk Southern, short lines; Amtrak Cardinal; Cass and mountain tourist train… -
Railroad Bridges (USA): History, Types, Trusses & Famous Spans
Aug 13, 26 11:51 AM
History of American railroad bridges—from stone viaducts and wooden trestles to Howe, Pratt, and Warren trusses, plate girders, movable spans, and landmarks still carrying freights and Amtrak today. -
California Dinner Train Rides From Sacramento
Aug 13, 26 11:47 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails. -
New Jersey Dinner Train Rides From Woodstown
Aug 13, 26 11:42 AM
For visitors who love experiences (not just attractions), Woodstown Central’s dinner-and-dining style trains have become a signature offering—especially for couples’ nights out, small friend groups, a… -
Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR
Aug 13, 26 11:38 AM
Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in. -
Iowa Dinner Train Rides From Boone
Aug 13, 26 11:07 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum… -
Railroad Landmarks (USA): Famous Bridges, Tunnels, Passes & Grades
Aug 13, 26 11:04 AM
U.S. railroad landmarks hub—Horseshoe Curve, Tehachapi Loop, Hoosac and Moffat tunnels, Starrucca and Thomas viaducts, mountain passes, cutoffs, and railfan hot spots. Engineering feats still carrying… -
Indiana Dinner Train Rides From Jasper
Aug 13, 26 10:00 AM
In the rolling hills of southern Indiana, the Spirit of Jasper offers one of those rare attractions that feels equal parts throwback and treat-yourself night out: a classic excursion train paired with… -
Panhandle Route (PCC&StL): PRR's Pittsburgh-Midwest Main Line
Aug 13, 26 09:26 AM
History of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad—the PRR’s Panhandle Route—from Pittsburgh & Steubenville and Hollidays Cove through 1890 consolidation, Blue Ribbon passenger trains… -
Railroad Cowcatcher (Pilot): History, Design, Purpose & Evolution
Aug 13, 26 09:11 AM
What a railroad cowcatcher (pilot) is—why it existed, Isaac Dripps and the John Bull (1833), Charles Babbage’s 1830 idea, how wedge pilots work, footboard and drop-coupler types, snowplows vs pilots…
