Dillinger Express: Vintage 1920s Train Ride Across Swatara Creek in Middletown

On the Dillinger Express, a restored 1920s coach clacks through Middletown, Pennsylvania, offering a short, cinematic passage across Swatara Creek and the agricultural lowlands that cradle the town. Operated by mhrailroad, this heritage run honors its namesake — founding member Wendell J Dillinger — and gives riders a living slice of early-20th-century rail travel. The trip begins at Middletown's boarding point, where polished brass, wooden benches, and period details set the tone, and concludes after a round-trip that highlights river corridors, stone culverts, and weathered railroad masonry.

The key features are compact and compelling: a vintage 1920s passenger coach, the Swatara Creek bridge crossing, low river floodplain vistas, and a friendly crew that narrates local history and mechanical curiosities. The coach's woodwork, original fixtures, and the rhythmic thrum of steel on rail create an intimate, tactile connection to industrial-era travel. The landscape is dominated by broad fields, hedgerows, and stands of mixed deciduous forest; birders may spot kingfishers, herons, and migrating songbirds along the creek. Local geology is evident in the gently rolling valley and bedrock outcrops that have guided the rail alignment for a century.

This outing is short and accessible—ideal for families, history buffs, and photographers who want richly textured foregrounds without a long hike. The crew shares useful, personable context about the line's restoration and the equipment, turning a simple scenic ride into a social history lesson. For visitors staying in Middletown or nearby communities, the Dillinger Express is an efficient way to experience regional character and riverine nature from a comfortable seat.

Why book it: the trip is one of the few opportunities in the region to travel in authentically restored 1920s rolling stock while learning from volunteer or staff narrators who know the corridor intimately. It’s also a low-impact outdoor activity that brings attention to local waterways and historic infrastructure, reinforcing community stewardship of the Swatara Creek corridor.

Practical notes: tickets and schedules are available through the booking link; expect accessible boarding but limited shelter at the loading area. The experience pairs well with a riverside picnic, a nearby historical museum visit, or a seasonal foliage drive. Whether you’re drawn by mechanical charm, local lore tied to Wendell J Dillinger, or the pleasure of a slow approach to landscape, the Dillinger Express offers a short, memorable ride that reframes Middletown as a place where rail history and everyday nature meet.

Plan to arrive early to explore the small station area and chat with the crew; they allow a peek into the engine or coach during off-peak times. Bring binoculars for creek-side birding and a weatherproof layer—the exposed bridge can be breezy. Book early for weekend runs and holidays, when trains and interest frequently sell out in advance.