Check in at the Gift Shop at New Freedom Historic Station and pick up your boarding pass; arrive 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the trip?

The excursion is a one-hour round-trip to Glen Rock and back.

Are the cars accessible?

The D. Reed Anderson coach is handicapped accessible and contains restrooms; staff can advise about boarding assistance.

Are refreshments included?

Yes—fresh-baked donuts and ice-cold juice are served as part of the Donuts With Grown Ups Express experience.

Can I choose a specific coach?

Coach options are described during booking; request seating preferences but availability varies by departure.

Is this suitable for very young children?

Yes; it’s designed for all ages, though guardians should supervise children on platforms and around historic equipment.

Donuts With Grown Ups Express: 1-Hour Heritage Train Ride from New Freedom to Glen Rock, PA | Train | History Tour

Donuts With Grown Ups Express delivers a one-hour round-trip heritage rail ride from New Freedom to Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, that reads like a living-history postcard. Boarding at New Freedom Historic Station, 117 North Front Street, this family-friendly excursion on the Northern Central Railway of York pairs fresh-baked donuts and ice-cold juice with coal-stove warmth, operable windows, and views of rolling hills and the South Branch of the Codorus Creek. The train runs vintage coaches—D. Reed Anderson, Abraham Lincoln, New Freedom and the open-air South Branch car—each restored to reflect 19th- and early-20th-century rail travel. Sit on Hale and Kilburn–style walkover seats in the D. Reed Anderson, sink into the Victorian‑era plush green of the Abraham Lincoln car, or take an outward-facing seat in South Branch for unobstructed valley panoramas. This outing is simple to love: it’s one hour long, easy for youngsters and grandparents alike, and organized so families can focus on the sensory pleasures—donut warmth, juice chill, the lilt of rail wheels. It’s also an on-ramps history lesson. Northern Central Railway tracks carried President Abraham Lincoln en route to Gettysburg in 1863 and later the Lincoln Funeral Train; New Freedom Railroad Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and New Freedom borough was incorporated in 1873. Guides and restoration volunteers keep stories alive on every departure. Practical details make it a smooth, accessible experience. Check in at the gift shop and pick up boarding passes; arrive 30 minutes before departure. The D. Reed Anderson coach is handicapped accessible and contains restrooms, while most coaches replicate original heating with coal stoves for cool-weather comfort and open windows for spring and summer airflow. The South Branch open-air coach is a photographer’s favorite when its windows are rolled down and the landscape breathes past. Why book it? The ride stitches together living-history cars, a bite of local flavor, and enough scenery to feel like a mini-escape without committing a full day. It’s especially suited for families, history buffs, and anyone craving a low-effort outdoor excursion that still feels authentic. Combine this hour with a stop at the engine house or a stroll through New Freedom’s historic district to round out a morning or afternoon visit. Whether you’re chasing simple moments—donuts, juice, a train whistle—or a tangible link to Civil War-era railroads, Donuts With Grown Ups Express is a compact, well-crafted way to move through Pennsylvania’s southern York County countryside. Plan a departure to pair the ride with a visit to Glen Rock's Main Street or Codorus State Park for hikes. The modest time commitment makes Donuts With Grown Ups Express an ideal stop on a regional itinerary—easy to slot between museum visits or exploring southern York County and beyond.

About Northern Central Railway

Northern Central Railway, based in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, operates heritage train excursions on the original Northern Central Railroad corridor. The railway offers a variety of themed rides aboard restored vintage coaches and locomotives, including steam locomotive No. 85 and historic PRR GP9 diesel power. Trips range from short family excursions to multi-hour historic journeys, with highlights such as the Wild West Express reenactment of Jesse James–era robberies, the Hanover Junction Specials retracing President Lincoln's route to Gettysburg with a stop at the Hanover Junction Museum, seasonal outings like the Pumpkin Patch Express and Oktoberfest Ales on the Rails, and family favorites including the Sundaes on Sunday Express and Pirates and Pixies Adventure Express. Many excursions include on-board narration, scenic travel along the Heritage Rail Trail, and curated stops at historic sites. The railroad emphasizes preservation of railroad heritage through restored equipment and educational experiences that connect communities across southern York County. Vehicles and onboard experiences are maintained by experienced volunteers and staff who follow safety and conservation practices. Tickets, schedules, and trip details are published for each event, and proceeds support continued preservation and operation of historic rail equipment. Northern Central Railway partners with local organizations and museums to provide authentic historical context on select excursions. For visitors, the railway provides accessible parking in New Freedom, clear trip descriptions, and family-friendly amenities, making it a reliable choice for history enthusiasts, families, and railfans seeking authentic heritage train experiences.
Advance reservations are recommended for popular seasonal and special event excursions online.