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Halloween Express Train Ride in New Freedom, PA - York, PA

Halloween Express Train Ride in New Freedom, PA

New Freedomeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5–2 hours

Fitness Level

No special fitness required as this is a seated train ride suitable for all ages.

Overview

Board the Halloween Express in New Freedom for a spooky train ride to Glen Rock. Dress up, enjoy vintage coaches, and end with a trunk-or-treat event at Vortex Brewery.

New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Halloween Express

All Ages • One Hour • Glen Rock Express Specialty Train • Diesel Locomotive

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About This Adventure

Experience a thrilling Halloween-themed train ride on the Glen Rock Express! Dress as your favorite character and enjoy a scenic journey to Glen Rock, followed by a trunk-or-treat event at Vortex Brewery. With unique vintage coaches and a festive atmosphere, this adventure promises unforgettable memories for families and friends.

Glen Rock Express Speciality Train!

Duration

One Hour

About

All aboard ghosts, goblins, princesses, superheroes! All riders are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costume to enjoy this ride to Glen Rock. After your train returns to our New Freedom station, children are invited to participate in the trunk-or-treat located at Vortex Brewery on Franklin Street. (one block) (weather permitting).

Please Note

  • Please visit our Gift Shop to check in and receive your boarding pass.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding. -Train will board at New Freedom Historic Station

Coach Accommodation Options

D. Reed Anderson Car

!Anderson 2

With a seating area for passengers as well as a storage area for baggage, the aptly-named combine car was important to railroads in the late nineteenth century. Our combine car, the D. Reed Anderson coach, holds special meaning as it is named for one of Northern Central Railway of York’s co-founders. Patterned after an 1880s-era combine car, this coach can seat up to 32 passengers, and is available for public seating as well as small group private seating. When constructing this coach, special attention was paid to restoring 1920s-vintage Hale and Kilburn cushioned walkover seats, which can be reversed to face the direction of travel. The D. Reed Anderson houses two restrooms and is handicapped accessible. Like our other passenger cars, this coach features coal stoves and operable windows for all-season use.

Abraham Lincoln Car

!Lincoln2

The Northern Central Railway will forever be connected with President Abraham Lincoln, who rode these rails to and from delivering the Gettysburg Address in 1863. Sadly, less than two years later, on April 21, 1865, the nine-car Lincoln Funeral Train would use these tracks when traveling from Baltimore to Harrisburg and beyond. Our Abraham Lincoln car incorporates the look and feel of an 1870s passenger coach. The vibrant car embraces Victorian motifs and features plush green seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. Like our other passenger cars, the Abraham Lincoln coach incorporates authentic nineteenth century heating via coal stoves as well as operable windows to bring the outside in and provide fresh, cool air. New Freedom Car

!New Freedom 1

Named for the home base for the Northern Central Railway of York, the New Freedom replicates the appearance of a standard passenger coach from the 1860s. In true Victoria Era fashion, the lavish car features a colorful interior, with plush red seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. With seating for up to 56 passengers, the New Freedom coach incorporates authentic 19th century heating and cooling – coal stoves to heat the car during the cold months and open windows to cool the car during the warm season. As for the car’s namesake, New Freedom was incorporated in 1873 and named for the Free family. The borough houses both our engine house as well as our passenger station – the historic New Freedom Railroad Station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

South Branch Car

!South Branch

The tracks of the Northern Central Railway wind through the rolling hills and peaceful valleys of southern York County, paralleling and occasionally crossing the South Branch of the Codorus Creek. South Branch also happens to be the name of our 1860s-era open-air coach, which offers a unique riding experience. With seating for up to 36 passengers, the layout of the coach features cushioned seats in the center of the car, facing outward on each side to provide spectacular views of quaint towns and picturesque countryside. During the warmer months, the large windows are open to allow refreshing airflow, while in the colder months the windows are closed to retain the warmth courtesy of an era-appropriate coal stove. Wicker chairs provide additional seating options for passengers.

Adventure Tips

Dress in Costume

Wearing a costume enhances the festive vibe and might even earn you special treats during the trunk-or-treat event.

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to find parking and get settled on the vintage train cars.

Bring Cash

Some vendors and activities during the trunk-or-treat event may only accept cash, so bring some just in case.

Check Weather Ahead

Prepare for cool fall temperatures by checking the weather and dressing in layers to stay comfortable during the ride.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern gray squirrels

History

Northern Central Railway played a key role in regional transportation history dating back to the 19th century.

Conservation

The railway maintains efforts to preserve vintage coaches and minimize environmental impact while promoting local heritage tourism.

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Adventure Hotspots in York, PA

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered Clothing

Essential

Keeps you comfortable through changing temperatures during the Halloween Express.

fall specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture festive moments and scenic views along the railway route.

Cash

Essential

Useful for buying treats or vendor items at the trunk-or-treat event.

Insect Repellent

Helpful for keeping bugs away during warmer weather rides and outdoor brewery stops.

summer specific