Northwest Pennsylvania is where America's first oil deposits were discovered and refined, and the railroad was an integral part of that industry. Along the three-hour ride, tour guides will narrate the history of oil in the region, which dates back to the 1800s. Visitors can send a postcard home via the onboard post office, the only one of its kind. Riders can also choose to take the train one way, and either bike or canoe their way back through Oil Creek State Park. Special tours are offered for fall foliage sightseeing, murder mystery dinners, and rides with Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. The train can even be rented for private events.
Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
409 South Perry St.
Titusville, PA 16354-2159
814-827-6228
octrr.clarion.edu
This railway is located in the heart of Amish country in Lancaster County. At more than 175 years old, Strasburg boasts being the country's oldest short line railroad. Strasburg offers several rail experiences: a self-propelled car, open air car, coach, first class and even air-conditioned cars in the summer months. Lunch, dinner, Pennsylvania Dutch and wine tours present several dining experiences. Visitors can ride the coal-powered train or other vehicles on site such as the pump car. Rail enthusiasts will also be happy to know Strasburg is home to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the National Toy Train Museum.
The Strasburg Rail Road
301 Gap Road
Ronks, PA 17572
717-687-7522
strasburgrailroad.com
The 11-mile trip takes riders along Union Canal and Swatara Creek just outside the capital of Harrisburg. The line dates back to the 1890s. This railroad was once part of the Reading Railroad (famous to anyone who has played Monopoly) but has been independently operated since the 1970s. Passengers will learn more about the history of the railroad and the region as they ride. M&H also offers dinner trains with live music in the style of Frank Sinatra. Special train rides are offered during the fall harvest season, Christmas and Easter.
Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad
136 Brown St.
Middletown, PA 17057
717-944-4435
mhrailroad.com
Another heavy industry that was once common in Pennsylvania is coal mining. The Pioneer Tunnel train ride takes passengers around Mahanoy Mountain, north of Harrisburg, to see a strip mining operation. Among the other unique sights to see along the way are the remnants of the Centralia mine fire, which has never been fully extinguished. The half-hour tour complements the adjacent coal mine tour, which takes visitors for a ride in mine cars into the heart of the mountain.
Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train
2001 Walnut St.
Ashland, PA 17921
570-875-3850
pioneertunnel.com
