THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride a replica 1868 steam locomotive through Stone Gables Estate, then pick pumpkins, visit a petting zoo, and enjoy fall games on a compact 60–90 minute family outing. Affordable, accessible, and tied to a charitable mission, this seasonal experience is ideal for kids and multigenerational groups.
Ride a replica 1868 steam locomotive through Stone Gables Estate, then pick pumpkins, visit a petting zoo, and enjoy fall games on a compact 60–90 minute family outing. Affordable, accessible, and tied to a charitable mission, this seasonal experience is ideal for kids and multigenerational groups.
Book with Stone Gables Estate
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Stone Gables Estate · Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Stone Gables Estate, Elizabethtown— a short drive from Lancaster and Harrisburg, Stone Gables Estate offers an accessible, family-focused fall outing at 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown PA 17022. On crisp October weekends a replica 1868 steam locomotive steams through pastoral fields and past the Ironstone train platform, pulling an 1848 Pioneer Coach, a mid‑1860s Combine Coach, and an 1860s Day Coach for a narrated 20‑minute run that charms kids and parents alike.
The ride is the headline: brass fixtures, wooden seats, and a rumbling steam whistle punctuate the rolling farmland. Guides share short local stories about the railroad and the estate while the train threads views of a working horse ranch, vineyard plots at St. Michael's Vineyard, and historic settings including Star Barn Village and the Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge. Those details give the excursion a rooted, tangible local character beyond the usual tourist loop.
Before or after the whistle blows, families can pick and paint pumpkins in the patch, take part in lawn games, and visit a petting zoo home to JR the pig and mini donkeys Leroy and Banjo when weather permits. Snack vendors serve seasonal treats, and photo ops near the train and over pasture backdrops yield postcard‑ready shots. Plan for 60–90 minutes to enjoy the full experience including queuing; a single train departure lasts about 20 minutes.
Practical notes make the visit easy: arrive 15–20 minutes early to check in at the Ironstone train platform; late arrivals may miss their ride. Mobile restroom facilities and a wheelchair lift are available on request. Children under two ride free on a parent’s lap. Bus tours can call 717‑902‑9791 for arrangements. Tickets include pumpkin picking and fall yard games, and snacks are available for purchase.
Stone Gables Estate spans roughly 280 scenic acres and combines farming, equestrian, and preservation projects. The property is faith‑based; its stated mission is to donate 100% of net profits to Brittany’s Hope, a nonprofit that aids abandoned children worldwide. That philanthropic purpose gives visits added meaning beyond simple recreation.
For photographers, low autumn light across open fields and saturated foliage creates dramatic contrast; ideal viewpoints include the platform, a pasture fence line, and the approach to Star Barn Village. For families, the compact layout, short ride, and hands‑on activities make this a standout seasonal destination in Lancaster County. Check schedules, arrive early, and allow an hour to 90 minutes to savor the antique rail, farm animals, and classic pumpkin patch energy. If you want to extend the outing, nearby Elizabethtown has cafes, small shops, and inns for warming up after a chilly afternoon, making this stretch of countryside an easy day trip for families and multi‑generational groups. Reserve tickets early, especially for weekend departures.
easy.
60–90 minutes.
Light walking and standing; suitable for families with young children and older adults
Each narrated train departure lasts about 20 minutes; expect 60–90 minutes for the full visit including activities and lines.
Enter at Brittany's Hope: 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown PA 17022 and check in at the Ironstone train platform as noted on arrival.
Yes—ages 2 and under ride free and must sit on a parent’s lap during the train ride.
Inclement weather may lead to cancellations; check email, social media, or call 717‑902‑9791 for updates and refund information.
A wheelchair lift is available upon request; contact 717‑902‑9791 ahead of your visit to ensure accommodations are ready.
Pets are not allowed on the train; service animals should be coordinated with staff in advance.
The estate includes features such as the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad replica steam locomotive and the historic Star Barn Village—markers of regional agricultural and rail heritage.
Stone Gables operates with a charitable mission; stay on designated paths, pack out trash, and respect animal enclosures to minimize impact.
Stone Gables Estate is an event venue and historic property in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, hosting seasonal festivals, theatrical dinners, family attractions, and outdoor adventures. Located on scenic grounds that include Ironstone Ranch and the Star Barn Village, the estate stages holiday experiences such as The Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch, the National Christmas Center, the 8th Annual Christmas Light Drive-Thru, and Santa Express aboard a steam locomotive. The estate programs live performances and dinner events in the Star Barn, featuring acts like Servant Stage Cabaret, Grammy Award-winning duo Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, and Irish tenor Mark Forrest. Dinner-and-show evenings combine a festive buffet, gift shopping, and a drive-thru light display. Outdoor offerings include guided horseback trail rides and date night trail rides across shaded forest trails and open pastures, with scenic stops near Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge and other historic landmarks. Seasonal celebrations include the 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza with self-guided tours, live performances, yard games, and a petting zoo. Food trucks, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities appear across multiple events, and shuttle access is available for select festivals. Stone Gables Estate emphasizes family-oriented programming, local vendors, and curated entertainment to create memorable experiences. Event listings, performer lineups, and specific amenities are published for each season so guests can plan visits. The estate’s combination of historic venues, themed holiday attractions, live music, and outdoor recreation defines its offerings in Lancaster County. Tickets, schedules, accessibility details, and parking instructions are published with each event to help visitors plan. Check event pages for updates.
Book with Stone Gables Estate