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Murder Mystery Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: April 30, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Murder mystery train rides offer a unique blend of interactive theater and railway nostalgia. Passengers become part of an unfolding mystery, often set in a specific historical period. Local theater groups frequently perform these acts, and dinner is usually served during the ride. Each train has its own charm, and no two experiences are exactly the same.

Napa Valley Wine Train

What to Expect:  The Napa Valley Wine Train offers themed murder mystery experiences in their Pullman car completed in 1915.  These plays are often inspired by different eras, such as the glamorous 1920s. While enjoying gourmet meals and fine wines, passengers can participate by solving puzzles and mingling with costumed characters.

- Timings: Runs several times throughout the year, primarily in the fall and winter months.

- Tickets: Pricing varies; reservations often needed months in advance.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The WMSR is a heritage railway offering round-trip excursions through the picturesque Allegheny Mountains between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland. Featuring vintage steam and diesel locomotives, it provides passengers with a nostalgic journey through scenic landscapes, including rolling hills and forests.

The railroad operates special themed events throughout the year, such as holiday and dining train experiences, appealing to a wide range of visitors. Departing from the historic Cumberland station, the rides often include a layover in Frostburg, allowing passengers to explore the town's attractions. The railroad is a vital piece of Maryland's tourism, celebrating the region's rich railroading history.

Murder Mystery Dinner Train

The railroad states the murder mystery train is only for patrons 21 years or older and offers elegant dinner options.

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley/West Virginia Central

The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad is a heritage railway located in West Virginia, offering scenic train rides through the picturesque landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains. Established to preserve the region's rich railroading history, it operates a variety of excursions, including steam- and diesel-powered trains.

Key attractions include the historic Durbin Rocket and the Cass Scenic Railroad, renowned for its Shay locomotives and the breathtaking journey to Bald Knob. Catering to tourists and train enthusiasts alike, the railroad provides an immersive experience of early 20th-century travel, highlighting the cultural and natural heritage of West Virginia.

Elkins Murder Mystery Wine Train

This 4.5 hour trip features appetizers and wine tasting with food provided by the Railyard Restaurant in Elkins and wine tastings from Lambert’s Winery of Weston.  This unique experience is only offered during a few select dates each year!  The railroad states only those 21 years or older may ride this particular train.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a historic railway that offers a unique journey through the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. Established in 1972, it provides scenic excursions along tracks that trace the path of the Cuyahoga River.

Passengers can enjoy picturesque views of lush forests, rolling hills, and native wildlife. The railroad offers themed events and experiences, such as murder mystery dinners and family-friendly programs, enhancing the traveler experience. It serves as both a recreational activity and a means to explore the national park, making it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Murder Mystery Experience

The railroad hosts a special murder mystery train ride lasting about 2 hours and which includes a curated charcuterie box with an assortment of cheeses, meats, and crackers.

Strasburg Railroad

The Strasburg Railroad, located in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest continuously operating railroads in the United States, established in 1832. Primarily a heritage railroad, it offers scenic train rides through the Amish countryside of Lancaster County, attracting tourists interested in historical and cultural exploration.

The railway maintains a collection of vintage steam locomotives and passenger cars, providing an authentic experience of early 20th-century rail travel. Beyond tourism, the Strasburg Railroad also serves freight purposes, showcasing its operational versatility. Its dedication to preservation and education makes it a significant cultural landmark, engaging visitors with interactive exhibits and special events.

Murder Mystery Trains

Throughout the operating season the railroad hosts special murder mystery trains lasting about 45 minutes 

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

The My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers a unique dining experience aboard a vintage train that traverses scenic landscapes in Bardstown, Kentucky. Guests enjoy a gourmet meal while traveling a 37-mile round trip through the picturesque countryside.

The train features beautifully restored 1940s dining cars, adding a touch of nostalgia and elegance to the experience. The journey lasts approximately two and a half hours, allowing passengers to indulge in both the culinary offerings and the charming views. Whether for a special occasion or casual outing, the dinner train provides a memorable blend of history, cuisine, and Southern hospitality.

Bardstown Murder Mystery Train

Available throughout the spring and summer or select dats, this 2 1/2 hour experience is available for everyone 5 years or older that includes an elegant dinner as well as a fascinating play.  

Conclusion and Tips for Enthusiasts

Booking Tips: Many murder mystery train rides sell out quickly, especially those with dining options. It’s wise to book several months in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons.

What to Bring: It can be useful to bring a notebook to jot down clues, dress appropriately for the weather (especially on open-air cars), and some guests enjoy dressing in theme with the era of the mystery.

Expect the Unexpected: Part of the charm of a murder mystery train is its unpredictability. Stay open to engaging with actors and fellow passengers to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Murder mystery train rides offer a getaway into a world of intrigue paired with the timeless romance of train travel. Whether you’re a local looking for a unique night out or a traveler seeking new adventures, these experiences across the United States promise unforgettable memories and thrilling tales. Enjoy the ride, and may you successfully solve the mystery!