The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad is about 100 miles from State College in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Passengers can enjoy riding in vintage coaches that date to the 1920s. The scenic 11-mile route begins in Middletown and follows the historic Union Canal and Swatera Creek. En route to the Indian Echo Cave Platform, the area's history and folklore is shared with passengers. On the way back to the Middletown station, passengers can join in for a sing- along of tunes that date to the heyday of railroading. In summer 2010, tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for adults older than 60 and $7 for children between the ages of 2 and 11. Children younger than 2 ride free.
Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad
136 Brown St.
Middletown, PA 17057
717-944-4435
mhrailroad.com
About 130 miles from State College, the Strasburg Railroad is in the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The railroad was founded in 1832 and was initially used for freight and passenger transportation. The railroad was opened as a tourist railroad in 1958 and remains a thriving attraction in the heart of Amish country. Strasburg Railroad features coal-powered steam engines and impeccably restored trains. The scenic ride lasts about 45 minutes and winds though the peaceful countryside filled with rolling Amish farm country and grazing livestock. Prices vary in accordance with the car in which passengers ride. In 2010 the President's Car, an air-conditioned luxury coach, cost $25 per person. Coach tickets cost $14 for adults, $7 for children between the ages of 3 and 11 and free for children under the age of 3.
Strasburg Railroad
301 Gap Road
Ronks, PA 17572
717-687-7522
strasburgrailroad.com
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is about 145 miles from State College in historic Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The railway takes travelers along what used to be the main line of the Jersey Central Lines and the Lehigh Valley main line. The scenic train ride is 16 miles round trip from Jim Thorpe to Old Penn Haven and back. Coaches date to the 1920s and do not have air conditioning; however, windows at each seat can be opened. An open-air car seats 50 people. Trains are diesel-powered, handicap-accessible and welcome well-behaved dogs to accompany passengers for no additional charge. In 2010, rates were $12 for adults, $9 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Children under the age of 3 ride free.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
P.O. Box 91
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
570-325-8485
lgsry.com
