How long is the trip?

The experience is a one-hour scenic train ride.

Meet at 149 Eagle Dr., Romney, WV; check-in is a few minutes before departure at the Romney station.

How much does it cost and what’s included?

The ticket price is $24 per person and includes First Class seating and a complimentary cupcake.

Are the windows open for photography?

No, First Class windows do not open; the car is climate controlled for comfort.

Do you guarantee bald eagle sightings?

Sightings are common but not guaranteed. Guides provide timed narration and keep an eye out for eagles along the route.

Is this suitable for children and older adults?

Yes — the short duration, comfortable seating, and educational narration make it family-friendly and accessible for older guests.

Celebrate West Virginia's Birthday & Bald Eagle Day on a First-Class Romney Train Ride | Train | Sightseeing Tour

On a crisp morning at 149 Eagle Dr., Romney, West Virginia, the WV Birthday Trip — First Class delivers an hour of easy, celebratory travel through the eastern edge of the Appalachians. This one-hour scenic train ride marks West Virginia’s statehood and National American Bald Eagle Day with narrated facts, close-up views, and a complimentary cupcake served in climate-controlled First Class seating.

The route threads the low ridges and mixed hardwood forests that define this part of the state, the kind of landscape where bald eagles quarter the skies and white-tailed deer slip between pines. Guides share concise historical notes — West Virginia became a state in 1863 — and local anecdotes that bring the valley’s past to life without slowing the pace of the trip. Keep your eyes on the river valleys and high perches; eagles often appear on thermal lifts over wooded ridgelines.

Practical comforts set this outing apart. First Class is climate controlled and heated as needed; the windows do not open, which makes the cabin quiet and comfortable in any season. For $24 per person you get premium seating and that celebratory cupcake; reservations are required. The train’s compact length makes it ideal for families, older travelers, and anyone who wants wildlife viewing without a long hike.

Why book this over a standard wildlife tour? The combination of heritage celebration and train travel is rare here: short, accessible, and social. The locomotive frames the landscape into moving panoramas, and the guide’s facts are timed to sightings, making this equal parts education and spectacle. For photographers, the fixed windows offer steady framing; for parents, the controlled environment keeps young riders comfortable.

Logistics are straightforward: meet at the Romney station (149 Eagle Dr.) a few minutes before departure, dress for the season, and bring binoculars if you have them. The operator emphasizes seasonal comfort and hydration during summer heat. While the trip won’t replace a multi-day birding excursion, it’s a high-value, low-effort way to celebrate West Virginia’s birthday and spot the nation’s emblem in its element.

Plan to arrive twenty minutes early to check in; trains run to a tight schedule and boarding closes shortly before departure. Children enjoy the narration and the cupcake, and the short duration makes this an excellent first rail outing for grandparents and kids. Pair the ride with a stroll through Romney’s historic main street—Romney was established in 1762—or a picnic on nearby greens to stretch the visit into a relaxed half-day and bring binoculars if available.

About Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad operates scenic passenger train excursions in West Virginia, specializing in wildlife viewing, historic railcars, and themed dining experiences. The railroad runs multiple trip formats — short 75-minute family rides, 1.5–3 hour scenic trips through the South Branch and Trough Canyon, and full-day 9-hour round trips to Petersburg with a three-hour layover. Trains travel southbound to Sycamore Bridge and along the Potomac and South Branch rivers where passengers commonly sight nesting bald eagles and dramatic rock formations. Vintage, beautifully restored dining and lounge cars are climate-controlled and feature period details such as Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad china; seating options include standard coach, standard dining, superior and premium dining, and exclusive club service. Advance reservations are required for dining and recommended for premium or holiday trains. Seasonal and special event departures include the interactive North Pole Express, holiday-themed Holiday Trough Canyon trips, Sunset Trough monthly evening runs, and community events like the Moorefield Fourth of July train that supports the American Eagle Foundation. The company also packages excursions with boxed lunches or meal service and connects passengers to local destinations during the Petersburg layover for shopping and dining. Safety, historic preservation, and customer service are emphasized through restored equipment and trained crew. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad partners with local businesses and attractions such as Smoke Hole Caverns to expand family-friendly options. These curated rail experiences combine natural scenery, regional history, and comfortable vintage rail travel to create reliable, memorable outings for families, photographers, and rail enthusiasts.