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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Themed events like Santa Train are popular.

Walkersville Southern Railroad
Best Time
Themed events like Santa Train are popular.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride vintage trains through scenic Maryland landscapes on fun, family-friendly excursions.
"This was a wonderful, affordable, and memorable outing. We’ll definitely be back!"

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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!

Vintage Train Experience
Ride aboard beautifully maintained vintage trains, including steam engines, for an authentic old-school railway adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Excursions in Advance
Check the Schedule & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Whistle Stop Coffee is right on the grounds! Check hours before you go.
💰 Military Discount Available
Active and veteran military personnel can receive a discount on tickets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Whistle Stop Coffee is right on the grounds! Check hours before you go.
💰 Military Discount Available
Active and veteran military personnel can receive a discount on tickets.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for scenic shots and fun family photos on the train.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is plentiful parking available directly at the station, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
🎫 🚂 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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!
Yes, the open-air cars provide excellent opportunities for unobstructed photography of the scenery and interactions along the route.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
🎁 Special Occasion Celebrations
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Themed Excursions
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. 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.
Experiencing the Ride: Cars and Scenery
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. 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. The ride is conducted at a relaxed pace, allowing ample time to soak in the surroundings and enjoy the journey.
Volunteer Opportunities and Community
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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit