
Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad
A charming heritage railroad offering scenic diesel-powered rides, special themed events, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming heritage railroad offering scenic diesel-powered rides, special themed events, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
"Incredible value and a truly enjoyable experience for the whole family, including the dog!"

🎟️ All-Day Ride Ticket
Adults can ride all day for just $12! Great value for train lovers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the train.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Train Rides
Kempton, PA
Enjoy a charming 40-minute round trip through scenic landscapes, pulled by a diesel engine.

Themed Excursions
Kempton, PA
Experience special events like Harvest Moon rides or Beer, Barbeque, and Sundae events for a festive atmosphere.

Model Train Display
Station
Explore an on-site model train display, a treat for enthusiasts of all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Train Enthusiasts
Value and Variety at WK&S
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
If I bought a train, could I drive it on the standard US rail system like Union Pacific does, or would I need to lay my own rails to use it?
🎟️ All-Day Ride Ticket
Adults can ride all day for just $12! Great value for train lovers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the train.
📅 Check Special Events
Themed rides offer unique music, food, and atmosphere.
☕ Refreshments Available
Enjoy snacks, coffee, and ice cream at the station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ All-Day Ride Ticket
Adults can ride all day for just $12! Great value for train lovers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the train.
📅 Check Special Events
Themed rides offer unique music, food, and atmosphere.
☕ Refreshments Available
Enjoy snacks, coffee, and ice cream at the station.
🎶 Live Music on Board
Some special events feature live music in the baggage or outdoor cars.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad for its exceptional value, friendly staff, and charming atmosphere. The affordable all-day ride tickets and special themed events are major highlights, offering a delightful experience for families and train enthusiasts alike. Some wish for more historical narration during rides to enhance the educational aspect.
"Went on the harvest moon train ride. Beautiful weather and a lovely train ride before returning to the station where snacks, coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider were served. Music was proved while we enjoyed our snacks. Truly a great experience to get you into autumn frame of mind."
Diane Popnick
"This " under the radar" operation definitely deserves more attention. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the facilities are kept up, the refreshment stand has good food at reasonable rates, and their is a model train display on site.
Train rides are about 40 minutes out and back while being pulled by a diesel engine.
The best part is the price. On a normal operating day, adults are just $12, and you can ride the train all day with that ticket.
Also, well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome."
wiggly812
"I love it. Quiet and enjoyable albeit a bit short train ride. Enjoy some food, ice cream, snacks while you wait for boarding. There's a souvenir shop and clean bathroom. My only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is, they should had a broadcast system on train describing the past about the trains/tracks/neighborhood history. That would complete the event better."
Calvin Chow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad is located in Kempton, Pennsylvania. It's best accessed by car. Parking is available at the station.
Public transportation options to Kempton are limited. Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle. It's advisable to check local bus routes if you are relying on public transit, though it may not be direct.
You can use GPS navigation to 'Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad, Kempton, PA'. The station is clearly marked upon arrival in Kempton.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad station for visitors.
Yes, it's feasible as a day trip from Philadelphia (approx. 1.5-2 hours drive) and a longer day trip from NYC (approx. 3-3.5 hours drive). Plan for travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are very affordable! On a normal operating day, adults are just $12 for an all-day ride ticket. Children's pricing may vary, so check their official schedule.
While advance purchase might be available for special events, for regular operating days, tickets are typically purchased at the station on the day of your visit. It's always best to check their website for the most current ticketing information.
Operating hours vary depending on the day and whether it's a special event. Regular operating days usually have specific departure times for the train rides. Always consult the official WK&S schedule online before your visit.
Information on group or senior discounts is not widely publicized, but it's worth contacting the railroad directly to inquire about potential group rates if you are planning a visit with a larger party.
For popular special events like the Harvest Moon ride or themed parties, booking in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out. Check the WK&S website for specific event ticketing details.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The standard train ride is about 40 minutes out and back. Special event rides might have different durations or include stops.
Besides the train ride, you can explore the model train display, visit the souvenir shop, and enjoy refreshments at the stand. Special events often include music and other activities.
Accessibility information can vary. While the station area is generally accessible, boarding the train might require assistance. It's recommended to contact the railroad directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Yes, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the train, which is a big plus for pet owners!
The train rides are typically pulled by a diesel engine. This provides a reliable and consistent experience for visitors.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Yes, there's a refreshment stand at the station offering good food, snacks, ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate, and apple cider at reasonable rates.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks, especially for a shorter ride. However, supporting the refreshment stand is encouraged.
Kempton is a small community, so dining options directly adjacent to the railroad are limited. You'll find more choices in nearby towns like Hamburg or Tamaqua if you plan to dine before or after your visit.
The refreshment stand typically offers items like barbeque sandwiches, chips, ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate, and apple cider. Special events might feature unique food offerings.
Alcoholic beverages are generally not available on regular operating days. However, special events like the 'Beer. Barbeque, Sundae, and Johnny Cash' event have featured beer tasting.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture great shots of the train at the station, along the tracks during the ride (from designated areas or the open car), and with the scenic countryside as a backdrop. The vintage engines themselves are also photogenic.
Absolutely! You can take photos from inside the train cars. For more open views, consider riding in an open-air car if available, or standing near the open doors (with caution).
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other passengers and staff. Professional photography or drone usage might require prior permission.
Morning or late afternoon light often provides the best photographic conditions, offering softer light and interesting shadows. Golden hour before sunset can be particularly beautiful.
Special events often create unique photo opportunities, such as themed decorations, musicians, or specific train setups. Keep an eye out for these moments during your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & Hobbyists
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Diesel-Powered Heritage
This approach allows the WK&S to offer consistent and frequent service, making it an accessible destination for families and casual visitors. The focus remains on the joy of a scenic train journey and the historical context of rail travel in the region. It's a testament to how different types of heritage railways can thrive and offer memorable experiences.
Experiencing Special Events at WK&S
Other popular events have included 'Beer. Barbeque, Sundae, and Johnny Cash' nights, which combine local brews, delicious food, and musical entertainment with the scenic train journey. These events are a fantastic way to engage with the community and enjoy a unique outing. For those seeking a more immersive experience beyond a standard ride, booking tickets for these special events is highly recommended, as they are often very popular and can sell out.
Value and Community Spirit
The friendly and welcoming staff are consistently mentioned in reviews, highlighting the passionate volunteers who keep this operation running. Beyond the train rides, the presence of a model train display, a souvenir shop, and a well-maintained refreshment stand with good food at reasonable prices further enhance the visitor experience. It’s this combination of affordability, friendly service, and a variety of attractions that makes WK&S a beloved local gem.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit