THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard vintage 1920s rail cars for a memorable ride through Maryland’s scenic autumn farmland. Pause to pick your perfect pumpkin at a charming patch, creating a family-friendly fall adventure steeped in history and seasonal charm.
Step aboard vintage 1920s rail cars for a memorable ride through Maryland’s scenic autumn farmland. Pause to pick your perfect pumpkin at a charming patch, creating a family-friendly fall adventure steeped in history and seasonal charm.
Book with Walkersville Southern Railroad
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Walkersville Southern Railroad · Walkersville, Maryland
Journey back in time with the Pumpkin Patch Express, a distinctive rail excursion departing from Walkersville, Maryland. This unique experience invites travelers to ride aboard fully restored vintage 1920s passenger cars along historic tracks laid down in 1872 by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Spanning approximately 45 minutes—with an additional 20-minute stop at a charming pumpkin patch—this trip perfectly blends nostalgia, scenic beauty, and seasonal delight.
Walkersville rests in the heart of Maryland’s rolling farm country, an area known for its bucolic landscapes, golden fields, and crisp autumn air. As the Pumpkin Patch Express chugs through this rural setting, riders catch glimpses of gently rolling hills, vibrant fall foliage, and the rustic architecture of vintage barns dotted along the route. The railroad station itself, a turn-of-the-century structure, adds historic character and sets the tone for an immersive journey through time.
Unlike ordinary train rides, this excursion is family-focused, ideal for autumn enthusiasts and children who crave an engaging seasonal outing. The highlight is the pumpkin patch layover—guests disembark to pick their perfect pumpkin from the curated patch, providing a hands-on, festive activity that pairs perfectly with the surrounding scenery.
What makes this experience exceptional in the Maryland outdoor recreation area is the seamless blend of history, rail heritage, and agricultural tradition. The trains run rain or shine, offering year-round reliability during the fall season’s prime pumpkin harvest. While the ride’s pace is gentle, it captures a snapshot of the pastoral landscape, showcasing native flora typical of the mid-Atlantic countryside.
The Pumpkin Patch Express is also a special part of Walkersville Southern Railway’s commitment to preserving and operating historic rail lines. It represents one of the few remaining passenger excursions that operate along tracks dating back to the 19th century here, making it a stand-out attraction among local outdoor activities.
Those planning a visit should note that the excursion includes a few steps for boarding and pumpkin patch access, and accessibility may be limited for some visitors. The Southampton parlor car offers a climate-controlled option, while other cars provide open-air or heated environments, depending on the season. Portable restroom facilities are nearby but not aboard the train, so plan accordingly.
Overall, this ride offers a distinct way to engage with Maryland’s countryside, combining heritage rail travel with the simple joys of the harvest season. Whether you’re an adventurer embracing local culture or a family seeking a festive escape, the Pumpkin Patch Express delivers an autumnal journey that resonates far beyond the tracks.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels, including young children and seniors; mostly seated ride with a short stroll at the pumpkin patch.
Yes, it’s a family-friendly ride with plenty of seating and a short, safe walk to the pumpkin patch where kids can choose a pumpkin.
Pets are not permitted on the excursion, except for service animals.
Due to historic equipment and steps, the pumpkin patch and train cars are not wheelchair accessible.
The excursion operates rain or shine, though some cars offer better shelter options.
There is no food or beverage service on the train, so bring your own snacks if desired.
The Walkersville Southern Railway station is at 34 West Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville, Maryland.
The tracks were originally laid by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1872, linking this area to broader rail networks during America’s industrial age.
Walkersville Southern Railway emphasizes preservation of historic rail equipment and supports local agriculture through its pumpkin patch partnership, promoting sustainable tourism in the region.
Walkersville Southern Railroad operates heritage train experiences from Walkersville, Maryland, offering a blend of historic equipment and curated excursions for families, couples, and groups. The railroad runs vintage passenger cars—some dating from the 1920s—along historic tracks originally built in 1872, providing an authentic rail atmosphere framed by Maryland farmland and wooded scenery. The railroad’s signature offerings include the Dinner Train, a scenic two-hour ride paired with a three-course meal served by Bollinger's Restaurant; seasonal family favorites like the Pumpkin Patch Express and the Santa Train; and themed adult experiences such as Costumes & Cocktails featuring moonshine from Rosie Cheeks Distillery for guests 21 and over. Special holiday trips, including the Cowboy Christmas Tale, provide private accommodation options such as a cozy Caboose or a Lounge Car for families who want a more intimate experience. Walkersville Southern Railroad emphasizes accessibility for a wide range of guests, with seating options that include parlor-car couches, vintage first-class seating, and unique seating configurations on select excursions. Crossings over the Monocacy River and views of the Catoctin Mountains and Barricks Farm highlight the route. The railroad’s mix of seasonal programming, historic rolling stock, and local partnerships creates memorable, trustable experiences for visitors seeking scenic train rides and festive events in Maryland.
Book with Walkersville Southern Railroad