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Hoppin' on Board: PA's Easter Train Adventures

Published: March 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Pennsylvania, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history, offers a unique and charming way to celebrate Easter with themed train rides. These excursions provide not just a journey through scenic tracks but an immersive experience filled with Easter festivities, including visits from the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, and more. Here's a comprehensive guide to Easter-themed train rides in Pennsylvania that the whole family can enjoy.

Colebrookdale Railroad:  A relatively new tourist railroad, the Colebrookdale Railroad, also known as the Secret Valley Line, began service in 2014 and operates 8.6 miles between Boyertown and Pottstown.  

One of their specials is the Easter Bunny Train where kids receives gifts and ride along with Peter Cottontail.

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway:  The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is based in Jim Thorpe, operating trains on freight-hauling Reading & Northern from the restored former Lehigh Valley railroad station.  

Each spring their Easter Bunny Special departs from Jim Thorpe where kids ride along with the Easter Bunny and receive a small treat.

Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad:  The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad is a freight railroad that also offers passenger excursions over 11 miles of its system for a nostalgic trip along the Swatara Creek and features themed rides that appeal to families looking for Easter fun.

The Easter Bunny Express runs during select dates where kids get to ride along with the Easter Bunny and receive a small treat.  The trip lasts for approximately 1 hour.

New Hope Railroad:  The New Hope Railroad - formerly the New Hope & Ivyland - is a very popular short line/excursion carrier located in east-central Pennsylvania. 

During the spring they host the Easter Bunny Express where guests board a meticulously restored vintage train car for a scenic ride through the picturesque landscapes of Bucks County.  The kids can meet the Easter Bunny for photo opportunities and receive treats.

Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad:  Located in the Oil Creek Valley and based in Titusville, the railroad operates on about 14 miles of track normally using a traditional diesel locomotive for power.  One of their special excursions is the Peter Cottontail Express during the Easter holiday, the first excursion of the season.

The trip lasts for around 3 hours where the kids can meet Peter Cottontail and receive a small gift.  Children can also enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt.

Strasburg Railroad:  The Strasburg Railroad, located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish community in Lancaster, is the country’s oldest railroad still in operation dating back to 1832.  

The railroad handles both freight and passengers but is also an operating history book featuring historic steam locomotives with restored, period passenger cars (dating to the 1800s) earning it the distinction as the second most popular excursion railroad in the country.

One of their spring specials is the Easter Bunny Train where kids can meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy other events.  For 2025 the railroad is offering Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Candy Drops.

Activities

Train Ride: Enjoy a 45-minute round-trip ride through the beautiful Amish farmlands.  Guests can enjoy several different accommodation options including Premium Cars, the Dining Car, coach car, and club car table seats.

Meet the Easter Bunny: The highlight for many children, passengers get to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny.

Easter Egg Hunt: After the train ride, children can participate in an exciting Easter egg hunt.

Crafts and Activities: Onboard and at the station, enjoy various Easter-themed crafts and activities.

Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad:  The Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad is based in Kempton, in eastern Pennsylvania, operating a unique blend of steam and diesel locomotives.    Each spring the Easter Bunny Express takes kids on a short train ride and receive treats from the Easter Bunny.

West Chester Railroad:  The West Chester Railroad is based in southeastern Pennsylvania and likely due to its close proximity to Philadelphia the excursion train is quite popular.  During the spring they offer a family-friendly experience with its Easter Bunny Express, combining the charm of a vintage train ride with the spirit of the holiday.

The train travels from West Chester to the Glen Mills village.  The kids get to meet the Easter Bunny, receive treats, and enjoy live music.  The trip lasts around 90 minutes.

Easter-themed train rides in Pennsylvania offer a delightful blend of nostalgia, scenic beauty, and holiday cheer, making them a perfect family outing during the Easter season. With a range of activities from Easter Bunny appearances to picturesque train journeys, there’s something to cater to all ages.

Be sure to check the specific dates and booking requirements for each railroad, as these experiences are popular and can fill up quickly. Prepare for a memorable Easter celebration filled with joy, laughter, and the timeless allure of a classic train ride.