Do all passengers need a ticket?

Yes. Every passenger must have a ticket; children's pricing is available for ages 0-12.

Is the ice cream included?

Yes. Each ticket includes a 6 oz serving from Cream Valley Custard; flavors are selected at booking.

Is the fireworks site accessible by car?

No. Access to Bil-Dol Farm's fireworks field for this event is by train and tractor-pulled wagon only.

Are restrooms available during the farm portion?

Restrooms may not be available off the train at the viewing field; use facilities at South Woodstown Station before departure.

Is the experience suitable for families?

Yes—this is family-friendly, though guests should expect uneven terrain, night conditions, and loud fireworks.

What happens if fireworks are canceled for weather?

Fireworks are weather-dependent; rail transport and other elements may still run. A rain date may be offered when possible.

Ride the Red, White & Boom Express: Train-to-Farm Fireworks at Bil-Dol Farm (Woodstown, NJ) | Train | Farm

On a warm summer evening in South Woodstown, New Jersey, the Red, White & Boom Ice Cream & Fireworks Express reclaims a piece of Americana. Departing from South Woodstown Station at 650 Alloway-Woodstown Road, Woodstown Central Railroad's vintage train carries riders through Salem County's open farmland to a private field at Bil-Dol Farm for a choreographed fireworks show. The two-and-a-half-hour experience pairs historic rail operations with old-fashioned treats: every guest receives a 6-ounce serving from Cream Valley Custard in a flavor chosen during booking. Boarding the open-air gondola delivers instant atmosphere - no roof, no windows, only elevated benches and the smell of diesel and cut grass. Narration on board explains local history and the railroad's role in the landscape as the train pauses at Fenwick Grove for a Wye turnaround, an operational maneuver rare on public excursions. The train then continues to the reopened whistle stop at Penton Station where guests disembark and climb aboard tractor-pulled wagons that cross Bil-Dol Farm's working fields to the fireworks viewing area. What makes this event unique is access: the fireworks site is reachable only by rail and farm wagon, which creates a crowd-controlled, intimate viewing environment. The program blends tactile experiences - the click of rail joints, the rumble of a steam or diesel locomotive, and the crunch of field tracks under wagon wheels - with cinematic payoff as red, white, and blue shells puncture the night sky for about 20 minutes. While the display is the headliner, the journey itself is a highlight: the Wye turnaround, the open-air sightlines, and the station platform photo ops at South Woodstown Station. Practical details matter here. Trains depart promptly and check-in is 30 minutes before departure at the ticket window; free parking is available on site. Expect uneven terrain at the field, limited lighting after dark, and no dedicated seating or electrical hookups at the viewing area - bring a chair or blanket. The railroad notes historic equipment is not ADA-compliant and warns of loud horn blasts at crossings; guests sensitive to noise should pack hearing protection. Ice cream flavors include Chocolate Custard, Vanilla Custard, Creamsicle Custard, Sweet & Salty, Cookie Dough, and Cherry Water Ice. For travelers seeking a small-scale, sensory Fourth celebration that leans into rail history and farm culture, the Red, White & Boom Express offers a rare, carefully produced night: arriving by train, savoring a local custard, and watching a private fireworks display under an unlit rural sky. Reservations are limited to two departures for the night; arrive early, choose your ice cream flavor at booking, and remember this event runs rain or shine with a rain date—perfect for families who want a managed, low-stress fireworks evening without highway congestion.

About Woodstown Central Railroad

Woodstown Central Railroad preserves and operates historic passenger excursions in Woodstown, New Jersey, offering seasonal and private train experiences that highlight Southern New Jersey scenery and rail heritage. Founded and maintained by a dedicated preservation team, the operation runs restored vintage equipment including the 1927 Pennsylvania Railroad Table Car "Mineral Spring" and restored 1930s passenger cars for special events. The railroad offers a variety of scheduled excursions, from short family-friendly rides—such as the Woodstown Fall Fest excursion and the Princess‑Superhero Special—to longer scenic trips like the two‑hour Scenic Rambler and 32-mile roundtrip journeys. Seasonal offerings include the Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Train with pumpkin picking at Fenwick Grove, the Salem Ghost Train with storyteller-led historic tours, and holiday and event-specific runs like the Independence Day Express and Father's Day Express.

Private rentals are available for up to 50 guests aboard the Mineral Spring table car, making the railroad a unique venue for birthdays, corporate outings, and group events. Each excursion departs from Woodstown or South Woodstown stations and traverses landmarks such as the Oldmans Creek Trestle and Memorial Lake, offering repeated opportunities for photography and nature viewing. Safety protocols and volunteer-led operations emphasize preservation, education, and community engagement. Ticketed excursions are scheduled seasonally; advance reservations are recommended due to limited seating in first class, deluxe, table car, coach, caboose, and open-air seating options. Woodstown Central Railroad combines authentic historic railcars, curated storytelling, and scenic Southern New Jersey routes to deliver memorable rides for families, history enthusiasts, and railfans. Tickets sell quickly.