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Trains & Railways

Strasburg Rail Road

📍 Ronks, NY

4.7(6,184 Google reviews)💰$👶2+

45-minute steam train rides through Lancaster County's Amish countryside, with coach, first class, open-air, and dining car options. Station includes shops, playground, and mini train ride. Toddler-friendly. Ages 2+.

Authentic steam experienceAmish countrysideKnowledgeable staffSeasonal eventsFree parkingToddler friendly
★★★★★Featured review by Hakan Akel

Strasburg Rail Road is a wonderful experience for families, students, and anyone who loves history and trains! The ride through the beautiful Amish countryside feels like stepping back in time — peaceful fields, horses, and old barns all along the way. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, making the whole experience both fun and educational. The vintage steam locomotive is kept in amazing condition, and you can feel the power and nostalgia with every whistle. The station area is also lovely, with gift shops, small museums, and food options nearby. Perfect for kids and groups — it’s not just a train ride, it’s a journey through history. Highly recommend visiting, especially in the fall when the scenery is at its best!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Families with train-loving kids of any age get a genuine steam railroad experience that most theme park attractions can't replicate. The 45-minute ride suits toddler attention spans, and the station's playground and mini train keep energy high before boarding.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book specialty themed rides (Santa Train, murder mystery) well in advance as they sell out fast
Sign waivers and print tickets online to speed up station entry
🎟️Arrive early to explore the station area, shops, and playground before your departure
🚗Free parking is plentiful — no need to rush for a spot

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7

6,184 Google reviews

Beautiful scenery and countryside45%
Friendly and knowledgeable staff30%
Seasonal events and themed rides15%
Great station facilities10%
H

Hakan Akel

5 months ago

Strasburg Rail Road is a wonderful experience for families, students, and anyone who loves history and trains! The ride through the beautiful Amish countryside feels like stepping back in time — peaceful fields, horses, and old barns all along the way. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, making the whole experience both fun and educational. The vintage steam locomotive is kept in amazing condition, and you can feel the power and nostalgia with every whistle. The station area is also lovely, with gift shops, small museums, and food options nearby. Perfect for kids and groups — it’s not just a train ride, it’s a journey through history. Highly recommend visiting, especially in the fall when the scenery is at its best!

M

Marisa Romas

6 months ago

Gorgeous platform setup! Gift shop was actually very affordable. I usually get sticker shock but was pleasantly surprised here! We had tickets for the first class parlor and it was very comfortable. Our server was wonderful. The scenery was great - farmland, farm animals, a small park, and other small attractions that the train goes through. 45 minutes is perfect duration especially with a child. We’re from honesdale — known for having the first locomotive train so we’ve been on several rides by us. But this one was so much nicer in every single way. Would recommend to anyone visiting Lancaster!

C

Chris Spisak

3 months ago

Surprised the kids with going on a Santa Train ride that they offered. It was such a great experience and value for what we got. The station itself was great with free parking, performers doing songs and acting, food, mini train ride and playground as well as shops. The train ride was a few miles but a a slow pace and could enjoy the countryside while Santa, carollers and a few others came through for entertainment. We had a great time and plan to visit in the summer as well.

D

DX 14 Studios

3 months ago

One of the best tourist railroads out there. I have been to the railroad multiple times over a number of years and at different times of the year. If you want to see some interesting places and ride behind a steam locomotive, look no further. Staff are friendly, helpful, and professional. Ticket prices are reasonable and the views never get old. Parking is free and plentiful. Make sure to get there a half hour early it will make things easier.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Strasburg Rail Road runs authentic steam locomotives through Amish farmland with multiple car classes including parlor and open-air options. The station hosts seasonal themed events — Santa trains, Easter rides, murder mystery experiences — with performers, food vendors, and a kids' playground on-site. Free parking and manageable wait times make it easy with young children.

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