Check out the Strasburg Rail Road for a relaxing ride through the countryside.

By Molly Stieber
Lancaster New Era
August 13, 2008

The Strasburg Rail Road is a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of Lancaster County’s Amish country, while learning a great deal about the county’s history.

Founded in 1832, the Strasburg Rail Road is America’s oldest short-line railroad.In 1958, it became an established tourist attraction and remains one of the most popular in Lancaster County.

While you ride the train in the car of your choice, the conductor recites historic facts as you pass through the Amish countryside en route to Paradise.

The 45-minute train ride is relaxing and breathtakingly beautiful.

If the weather cooperates, purchase boxed lunches and have a picnic at the grove located at the end of the ride, before heading back to the station.

At the station, you can board the Cagney, a miniature steam train, or operate a hand-powered Pump Car.

After riding the train, go across the street to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and view more than 100 locomotives and rail cars.

“It is very important for teens to come out and see the railroad. There’s a lot of history in the railroad, and teens need to understand its historical value,” says Crystal Griffitts, a Strasburg Rail Road employee and the sole woman working in the car-restoration shop.

“We do everything by hand (in the restoration shop). We use hand saws and never use spray paint.”

Though the average tourists are older adults and families with young kids, Griffitts says it is important to come and experience all the things the railroad has to offer.

So teens, the Strasburg Rail Road is definitely an attraction worth seeing.

Take your girlfriend there on a date, your little sister that you have to baby-sit or even a parent for some extra bonding time.

Whomever you choose, the Strasburg Rail Road is sure to keep you entertained.

The details
The Strasburg Rail Road is located on Route 741 East, Strasburg; phone: 687-7522.

ON THE WEB: Learn about the railroad, ticket prices, special events, fun extra things to do and much more at www.StrasburgRailRoad.com.

COST: The cost for each 45-minute train ride varies, depending on which car you choose to ride. The First Class Parlor train is $19 for adults (ages 12 and up); $13 for children ages 3 to 11; and $7 for children under 3. The Coach Car is $12 for adults; $6 for children; and free for under age 3. The Open Air Car is $14 for adults; $8 for children; and $2 under age 3.

Also, anyone can take advantage of the abundance of passes offered, including the All Day Pass. This pass is good for unlimited rides aboard the Coach Car, Pump Car, Cranky Car and Cagney Train, plus access to the Switch Tower and freight-equipment display. The All Day Pass is $20 for adults; $15 for children; and free for under age 3.

HOURS: The Strasburg Rail Road trains run daily. The ticket office opens at 10 a.m., and the first train runs at 11 a.m. The trains run every half-hour until 2 p.m., then on the hour at 3, 4, 5 and 7 p.m.

What’s good about it
The scenery and authenticity of the Strasburg Rail Road are truly remarkable. Many Lancastrians have lived in this county for most of their lives and have never seen why it has such a fantastic agricultural reputation.

The train ride to Paradise and back shows the pure, beautiful, undisturbed Amish country.

If it is a sunny summer day, my advice would be to take the Open Air Car. The fresh air makes this car well worth the $2 extra. The ride will really make a person appreciate rural areas and just how precious nature is.

Though many out-of-town tourists are shocked at the sight of cows roaming on the grass, many locals simply relax and enjoy the surroundings that make Lancaster County so special.

What’s not so good
For some, the cost may seem a little on the expensive side.

However, my only great critique and caution is the whistle. If you are sitting in the front of the train, the whistle is so loud and distracting, you may need to cover your ears. Don’t think that sitting in the back of the train will help you with this problem, though. Halfway through the train ride, the conductor’s car detaches from the front of the train and reattaches to the back car. So now the back of the train has become the front of the train. My advice would be to try and find the car that you want to ride in, and sit somewhere in the middle. This way, passengers will be able to hear the facts being recited over the intercom and not distracted by the constant whistling of the train.

Bottom line
The Strasburg Rail Road is a staple in the history of Lancaster County. No matter who you go with, the railroad is a perfect place to spend the day.

I guarantee that after one ride through beautiful Amish country, you will be ready to grab your picketing sign and go to the next protest of the construction of a new strip mall.