Black River & Western Railroad
📍 East Amwell Township, NY
Historic railroad running 6-mile scenic journeys between Flemington and Ringoes through rural Hunterdon County. Seasonal themed rides include the North Pole Express, Easter Bunny Express, and Pumpkin Train with farm visits. Operated by volunteers.
I ride the BRWRR frequently, and the volunteers have done a lot of nice upgrades to the station area and holiday set up! There's more room to explore and take photos with all the Christmas decorations. Today we did our annually North Pole Express ride. The decorations were beautiful and festive, the volunteers helpful, jolly, and engaging! The elves read the night before Christmas and had us singing on the train ride! Santa and Mrs Claus made the rounds during the train ride with candy canes! The kids loved the hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies at Ringoes!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children ages 2–8 who want a festive, story-driven train experience in a rural setting. The North Pole Express is the standout seasonal event — young children who believe in Santa find it genuinely enchanting. Volunteer staff receive consistent praise for creating a warm, unhurried atmosphere.
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💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →453 Google reviews
Becca Dougherty Mazzolla
3 months ago
“I ride the BRWRR frequently, and the volunteers have done a lot of nice upgrades to the station area and holiday set up! There's more room to explore and take photos with all the Christmas decorations. Today we did our annually North Pole Express ride. The decorations were beautiful and festive, the volunteers helpful, jolly, and engaging! The elves read the night before Christmas and had us singing on the train ride! Santa and Mrs Claus made the rounds during the train ride with candy canes! The kids loved the hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies at Ringoes!”
Michelle Glunt
4 months ago
“This was an amazing experience! We rented the caboose, I have to say everyone was amazing, all the way to the hot chocolate server. Thank you for the great experience, we will be coming back in the future, also loved how they read ‘Twas The Before Christmas ❤️”
Raysa Cremona
4 months ago
“Went for Santa express and bad the best experience ever!! Me and my friends had such a great time but the best is the entire staff was super friendly and so nice!!! They make the experience even better! Must visit during the holidays!”
Michael Harper
5 months ago
“My family and I had the best time. The employees were incredibly kind. This little adventure was extremely affordable too. We will definitely be returning.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Black River and Western Railroad has run scenic 6-mile journeys through Hunterdon County for decades, operated by a dedicated volunteer crew. Seasonal rides are the draw: the North Pole Express delivers Santa visits, hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. The Easter Bunny Express and Pumpkin Train with farm visits fill out the calendar. Caboose rental is available for groups wanting more space. Free parking at both Flemington and Ringoes stations.
