Train Rides & Railroads

All aboard!! Take a step back in history and ride the rails along the beautiful York County countryside.

The south central Pennsylvania area is a haven for train lovers and novices alike. Whether it’s the machine or the experience that piques your interest, here are the top local train rides in York County to check out!

Ma & Pa Railroad

Travel back to 1915 when the Ma & Pa Railroad was at the center of village life. Costumed interpreters welcome you to the A.M. Grove General Store, mill, and grain elevator. Motorcar trains offer a five-mile trip through the scenic Muddy Creek Valley on the famous Ma & Pa Railroad. A wide variety of themed rides are scheduled throughout the year; check our online calendar of events for details.

Stewartstown Railroad Company

Home to the venerable "Mighty-Mo," a vintage 1943 Plymouth switcher locomotive, Stewartstown Railroad Company offers train rides in some of the most beautiful scenery in the northeastern United States. Along the hills and forests of the Deer Creek valley, passengers enjoy a remarkable journey to a historic place and time thought long forgotten. Check our online calendar of events for details on special rides throughout the year.

Northern Central Railway of York

Northern Central Railway of York chronicles historical events on the line of the same name. A wide variety of themed rides feature musicians, magicians, holiday and seasonal trains, superhero and princess tea parties, cowboy robberies, and historical reenactments. Visit our online calendar of events for dates and times, and then reserve your seats. All Aboard!!!

Strasburg Rail Road

Just east of York County, Strasburg Rail Road offers a 45-minute steam train ride through scenic Lancaster County farmland. Stop for a picnic, try railroad station activities, tour the restored shop, relish a ride aboard First Class, or enjoy seasonal special events!

Plus: York Train Fair

If you'd rather collect trains than ride them, the York Train Fair is worth circling on your calendar. Hosted by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association, it comes to the York Expo Center twice a year, in spring and fall.

It's one of the biggest gatherings of its kind, filling six halls in the building with model trains, operating layouts, and dealers from across the country. A few things make it easy for visitors to drop in:

  • A free pre-show that's open to the general public, so you can get a taste before committing
  • An all-new Day Pass that gets you into all six halls of trains and displays
  • A family-friendly setup that works for longtime collectors and first-timers alike

Whether you're hunting for a rare piece or just want to see what the hobby is all about, it's a fun stop. Check our calendar of events for the next dates.

Start Planning Your Next Getaway to York County, PA

With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, York County, PA, is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Whether you're exploring the charming streets of downtown York City or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the countryside, you'll find something to captivate your senses at every turn.

Request a York County Travel Guide to start planning your getaway today. For additional travel inspiration delivered to your inbox twice a month, sign up for Explore York's Getaway Guide emails, where there is also a chance to win a prize in every issue. We hope you’ll visit soon!