175 Years and Still Making an Impact
Media Release
Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg, Pa. – March 1, 2007 – 175 years ago, the town of Strasburg flourished as a key location between Lancaster and Philadelphia. Progress brought new roads and a rail line – all with a direct connection to the bigger city. But as transportation advancements came, so did fear that Strasburg would lose its commercial edge. It was from this concern, and later, a few creative entrepreneurs, that one of Lancaster County’s most prized possessions – Strasburg Rail Road - came to be.

Born in 1832, Strasburg Rail Road evolved into a bustling tourist attraction nearly 50 years ago. Through the years, it has even been the site of Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential visit, Hollywood movies, and a destination for millions who travel to Pennsylvania Dutch Country’s Amish land. Today, Strasburg Rail Road owns the claim of being America’s oldest short-line railroad.

With each passing year, Strasburg Rail Road’s reputation has grown. And now, hundreds of thousands of families, railfans and group-tour travelers head to Strasburg each year, just to ride aboard the mighty steam train. And, for the first time, the railroad’s Web site welcomed nearly 1-million visitors in 2006.

While Strasburg Rail Road has long owned the rights as a great family attraction, the railroad’s newest excursion has redefined relaxing on the rails. Couples looking to soak up the scenery and savor a quiet moment can now ride in style aboard he Wine & Cheese Train. Traveling in first-class accommodations, riders are served complimentary wine, cheese, crackers and fruit.

Strasburg Rail Road is also the only place you can enjoy Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine while traveling past more than 20 working farms. Need more? Let the sound of music and thrill of live performance entertain you. The Traditional Dinner & Live Entertainment Train serves a home-cooked meal while you wind through the countryside on a music-filled train. Looking to be a part of the entertainment? Try the Murder Mystery Dinner. The Strasburg Rail Road Dining Car and Act 1 Productions are teaming up to bring you the story of “The Goober Family and the Silver Mine.” Audience members are encouraged to help solve the mystery while enjoying gourmet food.

Feeling full? Not a problem. The station is full of things to do and see. Provide the power for the miniature pump car or watch the little ones “steer” the pint-sized cranky cars around the track. Plus, don’t miss the cutest train to chug the tracks. Strasburg Rail Road is among just a few places where an authentic miniature steam train is still in operation. Built for an amusement park around 1920, the Cagney is the perfect ending, or beginning, to your totally train day.

If you’d like to learn more about the history of the railroad, take a self-guided tour of the luxurious President’s Car. This mansion on wheels once served tycoons and dignitaries. Take the Mechanical Shop Tour where you get a behind-the-scenes guided tour through the mechanical shop where trains from across the nation are actually built and refurbished, including Thomas the Tank Engine™. Another favorite is the switch tower tour, which offers a bird’s eye view of our magnificent countryside and approaching trains. Built in 1855, this is a classic example of Pennsylvania Railroad signal tower design.

Special Events Details:
Wine & Cheese Train
April through November
Travel in first-class accommodations onboard the Parlor Car as you are served complimentary wine, cheese and crackers. Beer, mixed drinks, premium wine, non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages are also available for purchase.

Easter Bunny Train
April 6, 7 & 8
Celebrate Easter weekend with Peter Cottontail, at Strasburg Rail Road, singing songs and playing games. Enjoy a relaxing ride through Pennsylvania Dutch County as you travel aboard a vintage steam train.

Day Out with Thomas™
June 16 – 24, September 15 - 23, November 30, December 1 & 2
Join Thomas the Tank Engine™, a full-sized operating steam locomotive, as he greets friends of all ages. Ride a train pulled by Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hatt™. You’ll find lots of other exciting activities and a complete selection of Thomas & Friends™ merchandise in our gift shop. Order tickets by visiting www.StrasburgRailRoad.com, or by calling 1-866-468-7630.

Trains & Troops Weekend
November 3 - 4
Pay tribute to our soldiers at Strasburg Rail Road. Ride a special train with re-enactors from all eras of our military in conjunction with the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s Veterans Day celebration.

Santa’s Paradise Express
December 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Strasburg Rail Road. Travel down the tracks with Jolly Old Saint Nick aboard passenger cars warmed by potbelly stoves. Take a picture with Santa, sing Christmas carols as musicians stroll from car to car.

To learn more about the history of Strasburg Rail Road, please visit StrasburgRailRoad.com.