THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step back into 19th-century rail travel aboard the William H. Simpson No. 17 for a one-hour round trip from New Freedom to Glen Rock. Vintage coaches, open-air gondolas, and a restored caboose make this Memorial Day Special a compact, family-friendly taste of railroad history.
Step back into 19th-century rail travel aboard the William H. Simpson No. 17 for a one-hour round trip from New Freedom to Glen Rock. Vintage coaches, open-air gondolas, and a restored caboose make this Memorial Day Special a compact, family-friendly taste of railroad history.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Northern Central Railway · New Freedom, Pennsylvania
Climb aboard the William H. Simpson No. 17 replica steam locomotive for a one-hour round trip that traces a living slice of American rail history through southern York County. Departing from New Freedom Historic Station 117 North Front Street in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, this Memorial Day Special with Northern Central Railway of York follows the original Northern Central Railroad corridor through the Heritage Rail Trail County Park to Glen Rock, passing rolling farmland, small-town storefronts, and the South Branch of the Codorus Creek. The scene on platform and coach feels deliberately historic: coal stoves, reversible walkover seats, and varnished woodwork in cars like the D. Reed Anderson, Abraham Lincoln, and New Freedom invite slow conversation and wide windows for postcard views. For riders who prefer fresh air, the 1860s-era South Branch open-air coach and the newly restored 1906 Gondola offer an unfiltered view of river crossings and stone bridge abutments. Families and railfans can choose the cupola of the restored No.613 caboose for a vantage point that once guided freight crews, or sit in comfort in the ADA-accessible combine car named for a co-founder of the line. This outing is more than scenic railroading: it’s a compact lesson in local and national history. The Northern Central line has roots stretching back to 1838 and carries direct ties to President Abraham Lincoln—he rode these rails en route to Gettysburg, and less than two years later the Lincoln Funeral Train used these tracks on April 21, 1865. Along the way, narrators point out architectural details, mill sites, and the small boroughs that grew around the rails. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in at the Gift Shop and collect your boarding pass. The ride is a relaxed one-hour loop; grab a seat near an operable window on warmer days, or enjoy the coal-stove warmth on chillier mornings. Expect easy access for children and seniors, but limited restroom facilities except on select cars. Why this ride stands out: it stitches together living equipment, carefully restored period cars, and an authentic steam locomotive to create a moving museum that also functions as a vibrant part of the Heritage Rail Trail experience. For a short, accessible outdoor excursion with big storytelling and memorable photo ops—river crossings, vintage rolling stock, and historic station architecture—this Memorial Day run condenses railroad romance and regional character into sixty highly enjoyable minutes. Seats are limited on special runs, so families, photographers and history enthusiasts should reserve early online; arrive with layered clothing and a camera, expect friendly staff at the Gift Shop to assign coaches, and plan time after the ride for a walk or meal in nearby Glen Rock or New Freedom during Memorial Day runs.
easy.
1 hour.
Minimal fitness required; suitable for families, seniors, and most abilities
The train boards at New Freedom Historic Station 117 North Front Street; check in at the Gift Shop to receive your boarding pass.
This Memorial Day Special is a one-hour round trip from New Freedom to Glen Rock and back.
Yes—cars offer a range of seating and the D. Reed Anderson combine car is ADA-accessible; children should be supervised in open-air cars.
Restrooms are available in select cars such as the D. Reed Anderson and the Caboose; other vintage cars may not have facilities.
Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are typically permitted; verify any restrictions at check-in in the Gift Shop.
Reserve online through the provided booking link early—special runs have limited seating and popular coach options sell out.
The route follows the original Northern Central Railroad corridor established in 1838 and has direct ties to Abraham Lincoln’s travel and the Lincoln Funeral Train on April 21, 1865.
Rides run along the Heritage Rail Trail County Park, where stewardship groups maintain trails and encourage low-impact visitation to protect riparian corridors and rail-era structures.
Northern Central Railway, based in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, operates heritage train excursions on the original Northern Central Railroad corridor. The railway offers a variety of themed rides aboard restored vintage coaches and locomotives, including steam locomotive No. 85 and historic PRR GP9 diesel power. Trips range from short family excursions to multi-hour historic journeys, with highlights such as the Wild West Express reenactment of Jesse James–era robberies, the Hanover Junction Specials retracing President Lincoln's route to Gettysburg with a stop at the Hanover Junction Museum, seasonal outings like the Pumpkin Patch Express and Oktoberfest Ales on the Rails, and family favorites including the Sundaes on Sunday Express and Pirates and Pixies Adventure Express. Many excursions include on-board narration, scenic travel along the Heritage Rail Trail, and curated stops at historic sites. The railroad emphasizes preservation of railroad heritage through restored equipment and educational experiences that connect communities across southern York County. Vehicles and onboard experiences are maintained by experienced volunteers and staff who follow safety and conservation practices. Tickets, schedules, and trip details are published for each event, and proceeds support continued preservation and operation of historic rail equipment. Northern Central Railway partners with local organizations and museums to provide authentic historical context on select excursions. For visitors, the railway provides accessible parking in New Freedom, clear trip descriptions, and family-friendly amenities, making it a reliable choice for history enthusiasts, families, and railfans seeking authentic heritage train experiences. Advance reservations are recommended for popular seasonal and special event excursions online.
Book with Northern Central Railway