All Aboard for a Rail Adventure in Lancaster County

Full steam ahead to the Strasburg Rail Road and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania! Whether you’re a train enthusiast, history buff, or looking to learn a little more about the railroads that connected our nation, these two attractions are perfect additions to your to-do list when you visit Lancaster County and stay at our historic B.F. Hiestand House Bed and Breakfast.

Strasburg Rail Road
Start off your train tour of Lancaster County by taking a ride on America’s oldest operating railroad. Dating back to June 9, 1832, the Strasburg Rail Road was originally used as a freight and passenger train before being turned into an exciting tourist attraction. Today, about 300,000 passengers a year embark on Strasburg Rail Road's round-trip sightseeing excursions.

When you purchase your ticket to ride aboard a real steam railroad, you can expect a 45-minute, round-trip experience through the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. Talk about a relaxing journey! You'll travel in perfectly restored train cars pulled by larger-than-life steam locomotives. Throughout the trip, you’ll be delighted with stories and facts about the railroad as well as the surrounding areas. For something special, book a ride for one of the Strasburg Rail Road's special events, like Trivia Night, Escape Room on a Train, or a Wine and Cheese tasting experience, all as you ride in style in first-class accommodations.

With Christmas fast approaching, Strasburg Rail Road will help you make the season extra special with three holiday-themed excursions in November and December. The Santa's Paradise Express has been a Strasburg tradition for 65 years. Ride the rails with Santa, who will be handing out gifts and posing for pictures, as carolers and musicians perform holiday favorites. There's also The Night Before Christmas Train, where guests enjoy cookies and milk while professional performers bring the classic holiday poem to life, and the Santa Claus Limited train is Strasburg's regular daytime train ride but with Santa on board.

After you finish your steam train ride through picturesque Amish Country, make sure to stop by Café 1832 for a delicious lunch, dinner or even a quick bite. Situated on the platform of the Strasburg Rail Road, guests will enjoy scratch meals made with fresh ingredients while they take in the historic atmosphere the restaurant offers. You can also make arrangements to dine onboard in the historic Lee E. Brenner Dining Car.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
If you enjoyed your Strasburg Rail Road excursion, then you'll want to continue your trip back in time with a visit to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. You’ll be able to explore the Commonwealth's rich railroad history and learn the stories behind the industry that helped build a nation.

Admission to this Smithsonian-affiliate museum gives you access to real trains, historical displays and interactive exhibits. There are over 100 locomotive and railcar displays from the mid-19^th and 20^th centuries. Because of the museum’s extensive restoration efforts, the trains look exactly like they did when they were originally manufactured. It will be like you just took a step back in time! Together with a world-class collection of artifacts and photographs, these pieces of history live on to educate the public about the significant role of railroading in Pennsylvania.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania also hosts special events throughout the year. Check out offerings like the upcoming Home for the Holidays event, Rails and Ales, the Garden Railway Tour, the 1940s Swing Dance, and more. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is sure to excite every one of its guests who walk through its door. Make sure you check it out the next time you stay at B.F. Hiestand House.