How long is the train ride?

Each train ride is about 35 minutes; expect 60–90 minutes to enjoy the train plus critter show and activities.

Are tickets refundable?

All sales are final; refunds will be issued by the railroad only if a train ride is canceled, and weather cancellations are announced by email or phone.

No—pets are not allowed on the train. Contact the site in advance about service animals or accessibility needs.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

Yes—a wheelchair lift is available upon request; call 717-902-9791 to arrange assistance before arrival.

When are the critter shows scheduled?

Critter Connection showtimes run between 11:00 AM and about 1:30 PM on event day—check your ticket or the schedule on arrival.

Where do I park and check in?

Enter at Brittany’s Hope, 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, and follow signage to parking; check in at the Ironstone train platform.

Steam Train & Critter Encounters at Stone Gables Estate

On a bright September weekend at Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, the air hums with the hiss of steam and the soft bleats of longhorns. The End of Summer Train Ride with Special Guests Critter Connection is a family-focused 60-minute outing that pairs a vintage steam locomotive experience with an interactive petting zoo and live critter show. The train follows the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad line through the heart of the 280-acre estate, pulling a replica 1868 steam engine and period coaches—the 1848 Pioneer Coach, a mid-1860s Combine Coach, and an 1860s Day Coach—so kids and adults alike get a tactile sense of 19th-century rail travel. Before or after a roughly 35-minute ride, head to the meadow for Critter Connection’s hands-on show, where handlers introduce bunnies, tortoises, geckos, bearded dragons, snakes, and other small ambassadors. The petting zoo highlights resident favorites such as mini donkeys Leroy and Banjo, guinea pigs, and Stetson, Sedona, and Maverick—the estate’s longhorns—offering rare up-close moments with animals not usually found in suburban parks. Family fall yard games and themed photo ops create easy, relaxed moments for groups and multigenerational visitors. Stone Gables Estate is more than an event site; it’s a working horse ranch and a cluster of regional attractions including the Star Barn Village, Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, St. Michael’s Vineyard, and the National Christmas Center. The property’s nonprofit mission funnels 100% of net profits to Brittany’s Hope, an initiative that supports abandoned children worldwide—so a ticket here doubles as a small act of charity. Practical details make the visit smooth: enter at Brittany’s Hope, 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown; arrive 15–20 minutes early and check in at the Ironstone train platform. Mobile restroom facilities and on-site food vendors keep things convenient, and a wheelchair lift is available by request. Note that food, drinks, smoking, and pets are not allowed on the train. Why book this trip? It’s an accessible mix of tactile history and live-animal engagement—perfect for families, schools, and small groups who want a short, memorable outdoor program without a long hike or complicated logistics. The combination of an authentic steam coach ride, live critter presentations, and pastoral scenery makes this an especially good pick for photographers, animal lovers, and anyone looking to mark the transition into fall with simple, hands-on fun. The event runs September 12, 2026—buy a ticket and expect 60–90 minutes of sweet, seasonal charm. Bring layered clothing for variable September weather, a small hand sanitizer, and a camera with a mid-range lens for candid portraits; kids enjoy wearing comfortable shoes for short walks between attractions, and teachers or group leaders will appreciate the clear check-in procedures and short total duration for easy scheduling and prompt departures.

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.