Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad
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Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad

4.8
·249 reviews·Kempton, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad

Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(249 reviews)

"Incredible value and a truly enjoyable experience for the whole family, including the dog!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Train Rides

Scenic Train Rides

Kempton, PA

Enjoy a charming 40-minute round trip through scenic landscapes, pulled by a diesel engine.

Themed Excursions

Themed Excursions

Kempton, PA

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

Model Train Display

Model Train Display

Station

Explore an on-site model train display, a treat for enthusiasts of all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Train Enthusiasts

Plan your visit around special events for a unique experience, as regular rides are shorter. Check their schedule for themed excursions like Harvest Moon or Beer & Barbeque, which offer more than just a train ride. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Value and Variety at WK&S

The Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad offers incredible value, with all-day ride tickets for adults at a low price. Beyond the train rides, enjoy a model train display, souvenir shop, and refreshments. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for pet owners.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Special Event Days
Why
Unique themed experiences
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn Mornings
Why
Harvest Moon ride magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the train. Reddit

📅 Check Special Events

Themed rides offer unique music, food, and atmosphere. Reddit

☕ Refreshments Available

Enjoy snacks, coffee, and ice cream at the station. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ All-Day Ride Ticket

Adults can ride all day for just $12! Great value for train lovers. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the train. Reddit

📅 Check Special Events

Themed rides offer unique music, food, and atmosphere. Reddit

☕ Refreshments Available

Enjoy snacks, coffee, and ice cream at the station. Reddit

🎶 Live Music on Board

Some special events feature live music in the baggage or outdoor cars. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(249 reviews)

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

Great value for money
Friendly and welcoming staff
Unique special events

What People Dislike

Lack of historical narration

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You can use GPS navigation to 'Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad, Kempton, PA'. The station is clearly marked upon arrival in Kempton. Reddit

Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad station for visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience

The standard train ride is about 40 minutes out and back. Special event rides might have different durations or include stops. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the train, which is a big plus for pet owners! Reddit

The train rides are typically pulled by a diesel engine. This provides a reliable and consistent experience for visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍔 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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). Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other passengers and staff. Professional photography or drone usage might require prior permission. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad is a fantastic outing for families. The all-day ride ticket offers great value, allowing kids to enjoy multiple trips if they wish. The 40-minute ride duration is perfect for shorter attention spans, and the availability of snacks and ice cream at the station is always a hit. Plus, the model train display provides extra entertainment for young enthusiasts. Don't forget that well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, so the whole family, including furry members, can join the fun! Reddit

🚂 Train Enthusiasts & Hobbyists

For serious train buffs, WK&S offers a chance to experience a working heritage railroad. While they use diesel engines, the vintage rolling stock and the operation itself provide a glimpse into rail history. Inquiring about how they manage their operations, as suggested by some Reddit users, could be insightful. Reddit Special events often cater to enthusiasts with unique themes and atmospheres. The on-site model train display is also a significant draw for hobbyists. Reddit

🐶 Pet Owners

A major perk for pet owners is that the Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad is dog-friendly. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to ride along, making it a perfect destination for a family outing that includes your canine companion. This policy is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect by visitors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Diesel-Powered Heritage

While many heritage railroads are known for their steam locomotives, the Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad primarily utilizes diesel engines for its rides. This choice offers a different, yet equally authentic, heritage rail experience. Diesel engines are often more reliable for regular operations and can be more accessible for smaller operations to maintain. Visitors can still appreciate the classic rolling stock and the unique sounds and feel of a working railroad.

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. Reddit

Experiencing Special Events at WK&S

The Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad truly shines during its special event days. These themed excursions transform a simple train ride into a full-fledged experience, often featuring live music, unique food and drink offerings, and a festive atmosphere. Events like the 'Harvest Moon Train Ride' offer a perfect way to embrace the autumn season, complete with seasonal treats and a cozy ambiance. Reddit

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. Reddit

Value and Community Spirit

One of the most frequently praised aspects of the Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad is its incredible value. With adult tickets costing as little as $12 for an all-day ride, it's an exceptionally affordable way to enjoy a heritage railway experience. This commitment to affordability makes the railroad accessible to a wide range of visitors, fostering a strong sense of community engagement. Reddit

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. Reddit

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