Located in south-central Pennsylvania, the Everett Railroad provides a 1-hour (or longer) scenic train ride through green farmlands and along the banks of the Juniata River. You’ll take it all in aboard open-window coaches pulled by a vintage steam locomotive for an authentic 1940s experience.
Choices
On the Everett Railroad, trains operate on many weekends during the year, from March through December. A variety of excursions and special events are offered including ice cream socials, holiday-themed rides, and adult-themed trips, including Rails and Rosé, Rails and Ales, and the Bootlegger Express. They are 1.5-hour diesel-powered excursions featuring local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Steam locomotive No. 11, a 1920 Alco-Cooke 2-6-0, powers most trains. Excursions run to Brookes Mills, Roaring Spring, or Kladder.
When to go
The fall foliage season from late September through October is a favorite time to ride since the surrounding hills and mountains are prime areas for “leafpeeping.” The Pumpkin Patch and Santa trains have quickly become favorites.
Good to know
The Everett Railroad is also a freight hauler, serving a variety of area industries. Restored by Everett, No. 11 returned to service in 2015 for the first time since the 1970s. It was constructed in 1920 and put to work in 1923 by Rhode Island’s Narragansett Pier Railroad.
Worth doing
From the Hollidaysburg station, which is a combination of architectural styles, you’ll see Chimney Rocks, an interesting geological feature. Now developed into a park, the limestone pillars offer a scenic overlook of the area. The park includes picnic sites and makes for a relaxing place to visit.
Don’t miss
Not far from the railroad hub of Altoona, nearby attractions include the world-famous Horseshoe Curve and the Railroaders Memorial Museum, as well as the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site in Cresson.
Getting there
Located about 10 miles south of Altoona, Hollidaysburg is near Interstate 99. The station is on the south side of the town, where you can take Route 36 (Penn Street) to Pullman Drive.
Location: 244 Pullman Drive, Hollidaysburg, PA
Phone: 814-696-3877
Website: everettrailroad.com
E-mail: excursions@everettrailroad.com
