By the time the weekend arrives, many of us may not be up for a long drive and it may be too hot for a long walk.
What if we told you scenic Delaware views and a fun weekend outing could be had without any of the leg work?
The Wilmington & Western Railroad in Prices Corner operates steam- and diesel-powered tourist trains on 10 miles of track in the Red Clay Valley between Greenbank and Hockessin from spring through Dec. 30.
Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on a family reunion, the perfect birthday location for your train-loving kiddo or a boozy tour through the area, the Wilmington & Western Railroad is a must-do adventure you never knew you needed.
What is the Wilmington & Western Railroad?
In 1867, the Wilmington & Western Railroad was chartered to move goods from the mills along Red Clay Creek to the Port of Wilmington. In 1872, it officially expanded to passenger and freight service.
Although the railroad isn’t the necessity for trade and product transportation it once was, trains chugging along the Wilmington & Western Railroad have swapped goods for passengers and can be found hosting Delawareans and tourists for a day of fun.
Where does the Wilmington & Western Railroad go?
The Wilmington & Western Railroad carries passengers through multiple scenic areas.
After leaving Greenbank Station, the train crosses Red Clay Creek and a local farm before passing through Brandywine Springs Park, the site of a former amusement park that’s rich with local history.
From there, the train enters Faulkland and travels through the backyards of homes in local developments. Residents are known to come out and wave hello to the tracks!
Wooddale is the third change in landscape passengers will experience, passing through Wooddale Rock Cut (a tunnel without a roof), the Wooddale Covered Bridge and the Wooddale Quarry, a 175-foot quarry wall.
The remainder of the train’s journey will bring passengers to Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove, where you can de-train and have a picnic or stretch your legs; Ashland, across the Ashland truss bridge, the only iron bridge on the railroad; into Yorklyn, through hills and the now-abandoned National Vulcanized Fibre Company (NVF) property; and up Hockessin Hill to Hockessin, where passengers can de-train and check out local restaurants and shops.
When is the Wilmington & Western Railroad open?
Trains on the railroad are either pulled by Wilmington & Western’s1929 Pennsylvania Railroad “Doodlebug” railcar, a historic diesel locomotive or an antique steam locomotive on most weekends and some weekdays.
Each mode of power is indicated via color-coding on the train schedule; Steam-powered is highlighted black, diesel-powered is highlighted green and doodlebug-powered is highlighted red.
Depending on which train ride you choose, you could be in for a journey anywhere from one to 2½ hours.
Wilmington & Western Railroad fare
Fare for a ride along the Wilmington & Western Railroad is based train type.
Pricing is as follows (children younger than 2 are always admitted for free):
- A Yorklyn Limited steam-powered, doodlebug-powered or diesel-powered departure is $18 for adults, $17 for seniors ages 60 and up and $16 for children ages 2 to 12.
- A Hockessin Flyer steam-powered or diesel-powered departures is $21 for adults, $20 for seniors ages 60 and up and $19 for children ages 2 to 12.
- A Doodlebug Days doodlebug-powered departure is $17 for adults, $16 for seniors ages 60 and up and $15 for children ages 2 to 12.
Some train types need reservations and/or have required seating, so be sure to check when purchasing your tickets.
Wilmington & Western Railroad events
Aside from the routine rides available, the Wilmington & Western Railroad offers a variety of themed rides to celebrate the season or local happenings, including afternoon picnics during warmer months and festive rides with Santa in the winter.
The railroad also offers some cabooses and parlor cars to be rented for private parties on board.
In case any of these offerings pique your interest, here’s a look at some upcoming Wilmington & Western Railroad fun:
Brews on Board on Aug. 4, is a two-hour evening trip through the valley that grants you two 12-ounce pours of your choice and a selection of snacks from local craft breweries. Each rider gets a complementary pint glass and additional pours are available aboard the train for $5 each.
This trip aboard one of the railroad’s historic first-generation diesel locomotives is for guest ages 21 and up. Tickets are $80 for a two-person table and $160 for a four-person table.
School and day camp trains are a 45-minute ride during the morning where guests can take a short leisurely ride before enjoying lunch at Greenbank Station’s picnic tables afterward.
The event is powered by a historic first-generation diesel locomotive and features upcoming dates of July 25, and Aug. 1, 8, 15 and 22.
Tickets for adults and seniors cost $10 and tickets for children ages 2 to 12 cost $8.
On Aug. 13, the Princess Express will feature five royal characters joining passengers for a 1½ royal ride through the Red Clay Valley to Ashland.
Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother, Aurora and Rapunzel will meet riders at the platform for a live-music sing-along and dance sequence. If you want to fit the dress code, wearing your best prince and princess attire is encouraged!
The event is in partnership with Sew Classy Royal Events and will be powered by either a historic first-generation diesel locomotive or an antique steam locomotive.
Adult tickets are $25, senior tickets for individuals ages 60 and up are $24 and children ages 2 to 12 are $23.
On Aug. 26 and 27, the Back to School Special is an end-of-summer excursion that’s sure to put a smile on your kiddo’s face before school starts back up.
The 1½-hour trip on a historic first-generation diesel locomotive takes guests through the Red Clay Valley to Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove, where riders can take a 30-minute break to enjoy lunch on Red Clay Creek before traveling through Ashland and Yorklyn.
One child rides free with each full-priced adult/senior ticket. You must select a children’s ticket at checkout to receive the free offer. Adult tickets are $18, senior tickets are $17 and tickets for children ages 2 to 12 are $16.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad also will be collect school supplies during the two-day event to be donated to a local elementary school. Needed items include:
- Backpacks.
- Wipes/tissues.
- Ear buds/earphones.
- Scissors.
- No. 2 pencils, colored pencils, pencil boxes/cases and erasers.
- Crayons, markers, dry erase markers and whiteboard erasers.
Greenbank Station: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington;www.wwrr.com/
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.
