A railroad excursion brings the excitement of adventure. Add the enticement of fall foliage and some autumnal themes, and you have the ingredients for a great day out with family or friends.
That’s the recipe that has made Delaware River Railroad Excursions a longtime favorite fall attraction. Their flagship River Train excursion travels along the Delaware River from the the Warren County town of Phillipsburg to Riegelsville, Pennsylvania. The 1-1/2-hour round trip aboard a restored steam train features “a GPS-enabled narration that teaches people about the history of the area as we go past different sites,” says Chris Cotty, vice president and general manager. Tickets for the train are $11 for children and $18 for adults.
Another fall favorite, the Great Pumpkin Train, adds pumpkin picking to the River Train. Tickets are $12 for children and $18 for adults. Riders seeking more adventure can opt for a $5 add-on activity to any trip, including exploring the 13-acre Dogs vs. Cats Corn Maze or mining for gems at the Ol’ Susquehanna Mine.
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“We teach them how to pan for gemstones and about 48 different minerals they can collect, along with rubies and garnet that they can take home,” says Cotty. “Children and adults alike have real fun here.” The Snyder Farm in Phillipsburg hosts both add-ons.
Also offered is the popular Winery Train, which takes riders to Phillipsburg’s scenic Villa Milagro Vineyards for a tour of the vineyard and a wine tasting. Tickets are $40.
All train activities run through the end of October. Due to Covid-19, trains are operating at 25 percent capacity. Tickets can be purchased at 877trainride.com.