Adventure Collective
Ride the Rails on Memorial Day Express: Scenic Train Adventure from New Freedom, Pennsylvania - New Freedom

Ride the Rails on Memorial Day Express: Scenic Train Adventure from New Freedom, Pennsylvania

New Freedomeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels as the train does the work; mostly sitting and light walking.

Overview

Experience the nostalgia and scenic beauty of southern Pennsylvania aboard the Memorial Day Express, departing from New Freedom. This vintage train journey offers historic charm and stunning countryside views perfect for a holiday outing.

New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Memorial Day Express

All Ages • 45 Minutes • Holiday Special • Diesel Locomotive • Seitzland • 1800s Style Coach Cars •

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About This Adventure

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with NCR!

Duration

45 Minutes

About

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a relaxing train ride through beautiful Southern York County. NCR is running a ticket special for the Memorial Day weekend!

Please Note

  • Please visit our Gift Shop to check in and receive your boarding pass.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before boarding.

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

Book Early

Memorial Day Express rides can fill quickly; reserve your tickets in advance to secure a spot.

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to explore the train yard and learn about the locomotives.

Dress Comfortably

Wear layers as spring temperatures can fluctuate; early mornings and evenings might be chilly.

Bring a Camera

Keep your camera ready to capture scenic views of rural Pennsylvania from the train windows.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Eastern box turtles commonly seen near railway embankments.
  • Songbirds native to Pennsylvania woodlands in springtime.

History

The Northern Central Railway was an important Civil War supply route, with trains running since the 1800s.

Conservation

The railway preserves historic infrastructure while encouraging sustainable tourism and educating visitors on regional rail heritage.

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Adventure Hotspots in New Freedom

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Light Jacket

Essential

Temperatures on the train and platform can be cool during late May.

spring specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

To capture the stunning countryside and vintage train experience.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

For exploring the station area before and after the ride.

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated during your visit, especially on warmer days.

spring specific