Lovely setup before boarding for the event. Who doesn't love a train ride and a great meal?
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Walkersville Southern Railroad

4.6
·531 reviews·Walkersville, United States

Ride vintage trains through scenic Maryland landscapes on fun, family-friendly excursions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, Fall & Winter

Themed events like Santa Train are popular.

CrowdHigh
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Lovely setup before boarding for the event. Who doesn't love a train ride and a great meal?

Walkersville Southern Railroad

Best Time

Weekends, Fall & Winter

Themed events like Santa Train are popular.

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride vintage trains through scenic Maryland landscapes on fun, family-friendly excursions.

4.6
(531 reviews)

"This was a wonderful, affordable, and memorable outing. We’ll definitely be back!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Themed Rides Early

Santa and Halloween trains are huge hits! Book tickets online ASAP to avoid disappointment.

🌬️ Open-Air Car Fun

Highly recommended for kids! Enjoy the breeze, wave at people, and spot wildlife.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Themed Excursions

Themed Excursions

Experience magical rides like the Santa Train or 'Not-So-Spooky' Halloween trips. Perfect for families and creating lasting memories.

TikTokInstagram
Scenic Open-Air Ride

Scenic Open-Air Ride

Enjoy fresh air and picturesque views of mountains, rivers, and wildlife from an open-air car. Wave at cars at crossings!

Reddit
Vintage Train Experience

Vintage Train Experience

Ride aboard beautifully maintained vintage trains, including steam engines, for an authentic old-school railway adventure.

TikTokReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Excursions in Advance

Themed rides like the Santa Train and Halloween excursions sell out fast! Check the schedule and book your tickets online well in advance, especially for popular events. Some private car rentals are also available for special occasions. TikTokInstagram

Check the Schedule & Amenities

Excursion times and routes vary. While there's a small museum and snacks for sale, traditional restrooms are limited to portable units. Some cars, like the dining or lounge cars, offer more amenities. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekends, Fall & Winter
Why
Themed events like Santa Train are popular.
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for a more relaxed ride.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Throwback to when I was still an Active Fireman with Walkersville Southern Railroad. In this clip, I am giving radio calls to my Engineer, Kelly, while serving as the eyes and ears for both the Engineer and the Locomotive and blowing the Air Horn on the Caboose for Monocacy Boulevard, the busiest crossing on the entire line, for the Northbound return trip back to Walkersville from the South end of...
lukep734
25 likes • 872 views

🎯 Book Themed Rides Early

Santa and Halloween trains are huge hits! Book tickets online ASAP to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

🌬️ Open-Air Car Fun

Highly recommended for kids! Enjoy the breeze, wave at people, and spot wildlife. Reddit

Walkersville Southern Railroad once again hosting Steam with Jeddo Coal 0-4-0T 85.
dynamo.productions.trains
516 likes • 4.8K views
this little gem in walkersville, md!!!! @whistle.stop.coffee has limited hours so check before you go! we finally made it out and it was so cute and delicious!!!!! & it is right on the walkersville southern railroad!!! the @walkersvillesouthernrr has unique train excursions at different times of the year that I hope to experience one day!!! come for the coffee, stay for the train rides!!!! chec...
natsbop
26 likes • 1.1K views

☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby

Whistle Stop Coffee is right on the grounds! Check hours before you go. Instagram

💰 Military Discount Available

Active and veteran military personnel can receive a discount on tickets. Reddit

Walkersville Southern Railroad 🚂 Walkersville, MD Have you been to @walkersvillesouthernrr for one of their themed events? They're so fun! Today we went to the Not-so-spooky costume ride and the kids loved getting treats during the ride and a little pumpkin at the end. Last year, we went on the Santa train ride where everyone got a visit from Santa and Mrs.Claus and a little treat. They have ...
thekarlssonfam
78 likes • 2.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Themed Rides Early

Santa and Halloween trains are huge hits! Book tickets online ASAP to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

🌬️ Open-Air Car Fun

Highly recommended for kids! Enjoy the breeze, wave at people, and spot wildlife. Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby

Whistle Stop Coffee is right on the grounds! Check hours before you go. Instagram

💰 Military Discount Available

Active and veteran military personnel can receive a discount on tickets. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera for scenic shots and fun family photos on the train. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(531 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Walkersville Southern Railroad for its friendly and interactive staff, who make the experience special, especially for children. The scenic rides on well-maintained vintage trains are a highlight, offering a relaxing and memorable outing. While some note the limited rural scenery on certain routes and the basic restroom facilities, the overall affordability and charm make it a highly recommended family-friendly attraction. InstagramReddit

"Our visit to the Walkersville Southern Railroad was fantastic! The staff were super friendly, interactive, and welcoming—they clearly love what they do. They made the kids feel extra special and added such a fun, personal touch to the day.

Buying tickets at the station was quick and easy, and they even offer a military discount. Parking is plentiful right by the station. While there aren’t traditional bathrooms, there are portable restrooms conveniently across the street.

The station and train cars are very clean and well-kept. We rode in the open-air car, which I highly recommend for little ones. The kids loved waving at cars at crossings, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the fresh air. The ride is a relaxing pace with beautiful views of mountains, rivers, and ponds. Along the way, we saw deer, turtles, and birds, and crossed two bridges—such a fun adventure!

The conductor also walked through the cars, chatting with families and making sure everyone was having a great time. The ride lasted about 1 hour and 15 minutes, which was the perfect length for kids.

Overall, this was a wonderful, affordable, and memorable outing. We’ll definitely be back!"

Elaine Anderson

"Was here for opening day to surprise my husband with a cab ride for his birthday. The staff were very nice and the train engineer Joshua was awesome! He definitely made my husband’s birthday the best one yet! We also did the train ride excursion and we had a lot of fun. Im so glad I booked with them. Will definitely come back and hopefully be able to volunteer one day ❤️"

Ziah James

"Three of my friends and I took the Walkersville Southern Railroad Train for an excursion on October 11th, 2025. What a good time! Kerri was our Conductor. What a treat he was. Very entertaining and informative. From approaching the station, getting our tickets, boarding the train and enjoy the ride was everything we imagined. We were in the Club Car with a table. We brought refreshments to enjoy during the trip. Very well run. Chris the Engineer was great. Highly recommend it!"

WR DuVall

What People Like

Friendly, interactive staff
Well-maintained vintage trains
Affordable family fun

What People Dislike

Limited rural scenery on some routes
Basic restroom facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Walkersville Southern Railroad is located in Walkersville, Maryland. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available right by the station. Many visitors make it a day trip from nearby cities like Baltimore or Washington D.C. Reddit

Yes, there is plentiful parking available directly at the station, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to Walkersville are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the easiest access to the Walkersville Southern Railroad. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets online through their official website, which is highly recommended, especially for popular themed events. Tickets can also be bought at the station. InstagramReddit

Ticket prices vary depending on the excursion. A standard 1-hour 10-minute ride is around $15 per person. Themed events and private car rentals will have different pricing. Reddit

Yes, the Walkersville Southern Railroad offers a military discount for active and veteran personnel. It's always a good idea to check their website for any other potential promotions. Reddit

Operating hours and excursion schedules vary significantly by season and event. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule before planning your visit. Instagram

Yes, the Walkersville Southern Railroad offers private lounge cars for rent for special occasions, which can accommodate up to 20 passengers and include unique amenities. Book these well in advance! Instagram

🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience

A standard excursion ride typically lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is often considered the perfect length for families with children. Reddit

The railroad operates vintage trains, including steam engines, offering an authentic old-school railway experience. They also have various types of passenger cars, from open-air to enclosed club cars. TikTokReddit

Traditional restrooms are not available on all cars. Portable restrooms are located across the street from the station. However, some special cars like the dining or lounge cars may have onboard facilities. Reddit

The scenic route offers views of mountains, rivers, ponds, and wildlife like deer and turtles. You'll also cross bridges and wave at people at crossings. Some sections may pass through backyards. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The railroad is very family-friendly, with interactive staff, themed rides, and the open-air cars are a hit with children who love waving and spotting things. TikTokInstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The ticket office sells a few snacks at reasonable prices. For more substantial meals, consider bringing your own picnic to enjoy, especially if you book a ride that stops at a park. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the trip, particularly if you are in a car with tables, like the Club Car. Reddit

Yes, they have a dining car available on some excursions, which offers nice seating and a bathroom. This is a great option for a more comfortable and catered experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The train itself, especially steam engines, makes for great photos. The scenic views along the route, including bridges and natural landscapes, are also picturesque. Don't forget to capture the fun family moments! Instagram+1

Yes, the open-air cars provide excellent opportunities for unobstructed photography of the scenery and interactions along the route. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography. For commercial use, inquire with the railroad directly. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Walkersville Southern Railroad is a fantastic destination for families. The themed excursions, like the Santa Train and Halloween rides, are particularly popular and offer engaging activities for children. TikTokInstagram Opting for an open-air car is a great way for kids to experience the ride, wave at people, and spot wildlife along the scenic route. Reddit The staff are known for being interactive and making children feel special, adding a personal touch to the experience. The 1-hour 15-minute ride duration is also ideal for keeping young attention spans engaged. Reddit

🚂 Train Enthusiasts

For those who love trains, the Walkersville Southern Railroad offers a chance to ride behind vintage steam engines and explore different types of historic passenger cars. TikTokReddit The opportunity to potentially experience a cab ride for a special occasion, as one reviewer did for a birthday, adds an extra layer of excitement. Reddit The railroad's commitment to preservation and the passion of its volunteers and engineers, like Joshua and Chris mentioned in reviews, are palpable and appreciated by enthusiasts. Reddit

🎁 Special Occasion Celebrations

Looking for a unique way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary? The Walkersville Southern Railroad offers private lounge car rentals, which can be a memorable experience for groups of up to 20 people. Instagram These private cars often come with special amenities like bathroom access, a Christmas tree, and even private visits with Santa during holiday events. Instagram For a truly special treat, consider arranging a cab ride for a birthday person, as one reviewer did to make their husband's birthday unforgettable. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Themed Excursions

The Walkersville Southern Railroad truly shines with its array of themed excursions, transforming a simple train ride into an immersive experience. Popular events like the Santa Train and the 'Not-So-Spooky' Halloween ride are highlights for families, offering unique activities such as meeting Santa, receiving gifts, or enjoying festive treats. TikTokInstagram These special rides are designed to create magical memories for children and adults alike, making them a must-book for holiday seasons. It's advisable to book tickets for these popular events months in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. Instagram

Beyond the major holidays, the railroad also hosts other special events throughout the year, sometimes featuring historical reenactments or specific train types, like steam engines. TikTokInstagram These excursions often involve actors and interactive elements, adding an extra layer of entertainment. Checking their official schedule regularly is key to discovering these unique opportunities and planning your visit around them for an unforgettable adventure. Instagram

Experiencing the Ride: Cars and Scenery

The Walkersville Southern Railroad offers a variety of vintage train cars, each providing a different experience. For those seeking fresh air and unobstructed views, the open-air cars are highly recommended, especially for families with children who love waving at passersby and spotting wildlife. Reddit These cars are typically located near the engine, offering a more immersive, albeit potentially noisier, experience. Reddit

For a more comfortable and enclosed journey, options like the Club Car or Dining Car are available. The Club Car provides seating with tables, perfect for enjoying refreshments, while the Dining Car offers a more refined setting with onboard amenities, including a bathroom. Reddit The scenic route itself winds through picturesque landscapes, featuring mountains, rivers, and ponds. While some sections offer beautiful rural views and cornfields, others may pass through residential areas. Reddit The ride is conducted at a relaxed pace, allowing ample time to soak in the surroundings and enjoy the journey. Reddit

Volunteer Opportunities and Community

The Walkersville Southern Railroad is not just a tourist attraction; it's a community-driven operation powered by passionate volunteers. Many visitors express a desire to get more involved, with some even hoping to volunteer one day. Reddit This dedication is evident in the well-maintained condition of the trains and the friendly, interactive nature of the staff. Reddit

Volunteering can be a rewarding way to contribute to preserving railway history and become part of a dedicated team. If you have a passion for trains and a willingness to help, exploring volunteer opportunities could offer a unique and fulfilling way to engage with the Walkersville Southern Railroad. It's a chance to learn about train operations firsthand and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Reddit

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