PO Box 155
Stewartstown, PA 17363
(717) 993-2936
The railroad evokes romantic memories of an earlier day, when life was simpler and there were frontiers to explore. Those lonely tracks fade into the vanishing point and, what lies beyond?
The Stewartstown Railroad consists of a seven-mile stretch of tracks ending at New Freedom, where, in 1885 it made an important connection with the main line of the Northern Central Railway (now Conrail). Stewartstown's first locomotive, Hopewell, hauled both passenger and freight trains, providing a means for farmers to get their crops to market in York and Baltimore, and to receive incoming agricultural equipment.
In 1939, steam engines were replaced by gasoline-powered locomotives, and these are what passengers today will find at Stewartstown Railroad. #9, Mighty Mo, a favorite of children today, is a 35-ton Plymouth locomotive. #10, a 44-ton General Electric diesel and #11, a 101-ton EMD diesel, also do service today.
As well as a fascinating excursion, visitors will enjoy a number of exhibits that recall the railroad as it was fifty to a hundred years ago. A 1915 Depot features the original waiting room and ticket office; the Freight House exhibits historical memorabilia; and an 1870 Iron Truss Bridge is a marvel to see. There is also a 1906 Engine House, and all of the above structures have been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.
Climb aboard one of the authentic 1940's coaches and let Mighty Mo take you for a ride. There are regular weekend-day trips scheduled between May and November, and a variety of special event-rides, including Haunted Train Rides around Halloween and Santa Specials in December.
Groups are also welcome, and the train is available for charter, too. School Groups can arrange to have an educational lecture delivered on board the train.
Hours: Operates on various Saturdays and
Sundays between May and November, with Special Trips at other
times. Call for current schedule.
Admission: Call for current fees..
Group Reservations: 4 weeks. Individuals and families may also purchase tickets in advance to assure a seat. A week is probably sufficient.
Lunch: Bagged lunch may be eaten on train. Groups may arrange catering.
Handicapped: Limited.
Directions: Rt. 30 West to Coatesville. Turn left onto Rt. 82 South (S. Church Rd.) and right onto Rt. 372 West (Valley Rd.). Follow 372 across Susquehanna to Rt. 74. Turn left onto 74 South, go about 3 miles and turn right onto Rt. 851 West. Follow 851 into Stewartstown (be alert for turns this road takes). Station is at corner of W. Pennsylvania and Hill (851) Sts.
Time: 90 - 120 minutes southwest of Philadelphia.
Nearby: Ladew Topiary Gardens , Carroll County Farm Museum , Agricultural & Industrial Museum , York Fire Museum , York Historical Society .