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Ride the rails through Maine’s autumn landscape before selecting the perfect pumpkin at Unity’s beloved Pumpkin Express. This 90-minute family adventure blends scenic train travel with seasonal outdoor fun.
Ride the rails through Maine’s autumn landscape before selecting the perfect pumpkin at Unity’s beloved Pumpkin Express. This 90-minute family adventure blends scenic train travel with seasonal outdoor fun.
Book with Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad · Unity, Maine
Located in the heart of central Maine, Unity offers a distinct seasonal getaway thanks to the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad’s Pumpkin Express. Departing from 212 Depot St in Unity, this family-friendly excursion pairs a nostalgic train ride with the simple joy of pumpkin picking. Onboard, travelers settle into vintage railcars that rattle gently along historic tracks, winding through open countryside framed by fields and woodlands revealing the early blush of autumn.
The Pumpkin Express runs approximately 90 minutes, making it an accessible outing for families and guests of all ages. After a scenic journey, the train stops at a cozy pumpkin patch where visitors can wander through rows of vibrant orange gourds, searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve or decorate. This combination of old-fashioned rail travel and hands-on seasonal activity offers a low-stress, immersive way to celebrate fall in Maine’s rural landscape.
Unity and the surrounding Waldo County region are characterized by gently rolling hills, mixed forests, and fertile farmland, creating an ideal backdrop for this experience. The railroad itself preserves a slice of New England’s rich rail heritage, and the Pumpkin Express emphasizes outdoor engagement while fostering local agriculture. This seasonal event stands out as a genuine community tradition, connecting visitors to the rhythms of harvest time and the landscape’s seasonal transformations.
With fresh air, the gentle motion of the train, and the festive atmosphere of pumpkin picking, the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad offers a rare combination of recreation, history, and family-focused adventure. For travelers seeking an autumn outing that’s both charming and rooted in Maine’s outdoor culture, the Pumpkin Express provides a memorable, hands-on experience just an hour northeast of Bangor and within reach of greater New England’s outdoor destinations.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels including young children and seniors, involving mostly sitting and light walking.
The round-trip ride lasts between one hour and 90 minutes, including time at the pumpkin patch.
Yes, the experience is designed as a family-friendly outing perfect for children and adults alike.
The train departs from 212 Depot St, Unity, ME 04988.
Yes, after the train ride, you can select and purchase pumpkins directly from the patch.
Pets are generally not permitted on the train for safety and comfort reasons.
Advance booking is highly recommended as trips often sell out, especially on weekends.
The Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad has roots stretching back to the late 19th century, reflecting Maine’s rich rail heritage.
The railroad supports sustainable tourism by promoting local agriculture and maintaining historical rail corridors.
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad operates heritage and scenic train rides from Unity, Maine, offering seasonal and special-event trips that showcase central Maine landscapes. The railroad runs one-hour scenic rides such as the Fall Foliage Train Ride and the Maine Train Ride, plus themed excursions including the Santa Express, Santa’s Sunset Limited, Pumpkin Express, Halloween Train Ride, Halloween Pizza Train, Pizza & Whoopie Pie Train, Toys for Tots, and trains to the Common Ground Country Fair. Passengers travel in classic coaches or an open-air observation car, enjoying views of pine forests, rolling fields, creeks, and fall colors. Seasonal events add family-friendly amenities like complimentary hot chocolate and cookies on holiday runs, trick-or-treat bags for costumed children on Halloween services, a pizza buffet and whoopie pies on dining excursions, and gift programs for kids under eleven. The Pumpkin Express transports riders to a nearby pumpkin patch in Unity for up to ninety minutes of outdoor activity. The railroad supports community events by providing convenient access to the Common Ground Country Fair with station options and unlimited travel day passes. Unity Station serves as the primary boarding point for many departures. Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad emphasizes safe, scenic, and accessible outings suitable for families, rail enthusiasts, and visitors exploring Waldo County. Ticketing, schedules, and event-specific details are published by the railroad; prospective riders should consult official schedules and reservation channels for up-to-date information.
Book with Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad