Check in at the Ironstone Ranch platform; enter the property at 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA.

Is the train ride included with the VIP Dinner?

Yes — VIP Dinner purchasers receive a complimentary ticket for the 4:00 p.m. train ride.

Are there restroom facilities?

Mobile restrooms are available near the train platform and full restrooms are inside Ironstone Ranch.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

A wheelchair lift is available on request; contact info@stonegablesestate.com or call 717‑902‑9791 to arrange assistance.

What should children expect?

Children can tour the encampment and ride the train; toddlers 2 and under ride free. Supervision is required around demonstrations.

What happens if weather cancels the train?

Refunds for canceled train rides are issued by the railroad; the venue will update ticket holders via email and social channels.

Ride, Dine, Remember: Lincoln Funeral Train VIP Dinner at Stone Gables Estate | Train | History Tour

Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, opens a gate to a very specific slice of American history with the Lincoln Funeral Train VIP Dinner Experience. On April 25, 2026, the estate stages a living‑history evening across 285 acres that combines a narrated ride on the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad, a walk through a full‑scale replica of President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral car “The United States,” and an immersive Civil War encampment staffed by reenactors and historians. The program is anchored at Ironstone Ranch, where a catered dinner by C&J Catering follows the late‑afternoon train ride. The train ride itself runs on restored track that crosses the same corridor where the real funeral train once passed, offering views across rolling farmland, the Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, and settings such as the Star Barn Village and St. Michael’s Vineyard. Inside the replica funeral car, the hush of period interiors gives way to interpretation that places Lincoln’s last journey in local context. Reenactors demonstrate soldier life at the encampment, showing equipment, cookfires, and material culture that make turn‑of‑the‑century accounts tangible. Hosts David and Tierney Abel guide the evening’s vision, and after dinner attendees hear from historian David Abel and Richard “Fritz” Klein, whose Lincoln portrayal is known for accuracy and warmth. The meal presents a hearty buffet—carved brisket, bacon‑wrapped pork loin, mac and cheese, and regional sides—served banquet‑style at Ironstone Ranch’s upper level with a cash bar available. Practical details are straightforward: check‑in at 1160 North Market Street, arrive at least 15–20 minutes before the scheduled 4:00 p.m. train, and expect roughly a 45‑minute ride plus a three‑hour dinner program. Mobile restrooms and full facilities at Ironstone Ranch accommodate guests; a wheelchair lift is available on request. Children under three ride free; rates vary by age. This event stands out because it marries theatrical history with an on‑site landscape actually crossed by the original funeral train, and because Stone Gables Estate operates as a mission‑driven venue donating net profits to Brittany’s Hope. For travelers interested in living history, rural Pennsylvania heritage, or theatrical reenactment framed by genuine local settings, the Lincoln Funeral Train VIP Dinner is a focused, evocative evening where food, film‑quality performance, and railroad nostalgia converge. Tickets include the 4:00 p.m. ride on the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad and access to reenactor encampments and historical exhibits; VIP Dinner purchasers receive complimentary train admission. Plan to allow extra time for parking and follow on‑site signage to the Ironstone Ranch platform. Period or patriotic clothing is welcome but not required; dress for cool April evenings with layers. If weather forces cancellation, refunds for train rides are issued by the railroad; email [email protected] or call 717‑902‑9791 for updates and accessibility requests. Enjoy responsibly.

About Stone Gables Estate

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.