As one of America’s longest-operating tourist railroads, the Wilmington & Western Railroad is the only one of its kind in Delaware. Traversing the scenic Red Clay Valley, the line offers several excursion destinations and operates a variety of historic motive power out of Wilmington.
Choices
On the Wilmington & Western Railroad, passengers have the choice of riding to the Mount Cuba picnic grove for a relaxing 90-minute ride or opting for the longer 2.5-hour trip to Hockessin, which is operated on select dates. Trains consist of open-window passenger coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive or an original 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad “doodlebug” railcar. On select dates, when available, coal-fired 0-6-0 steam locomotive No. 58 pulls the trains.
When to go
The railroad operates most weekends from April through December with weekday departures added during the summer months. Christmas and Easter trains are family favorites, while late October and early November see vibrant fall foliage. Check their website for more information as well as other fun-filled events throughout the year.
Good to know
Several restored cabooses and a parlor car are available for private charter and events such as birthday parties. You can even rent out an entire train for larger events, like weddings!
Worth doing
A number of historic sites and homes are located in close proximity to the railroad including the Winterthur Estate, Hagley Museum, and Longwood Gardens.
Don’t miss
The restored Greenbank Mill and Philips Farm are located next door to the railroad.
Getting there
Greenbank Station is about 4 miles southwest of downtown Wilmington on Route 41, close to I-95. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor trains provide service to downtown Wilmington.
Location: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE
Phone: 302-998-1930
Website: wwrr.com
E-mail: Form on website
