One Of The Oldest Operating Railroads In The U.S. Is A Cozy Winter Steam Train Ride Just A Short Trip From NYC — With Snowy Farmland Views And Old-World Charm

Winter views are absolutely unbeatable this time of year, from Central Park and beyond. The city is glistening with new and old snow, and there’s something about that winter-morning-brightness that makes even the coldest of commutes a little bit magical., For those looking to mix in a little bit of history and old world charm into their wintery months, NYC proves time and time again that it’s proximity to wanderlust-filled scenic adventures is unbeatable.Just across the border in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country lies the Strasburg Rail Road —a living time capsule that offers a masterclass in slow, scenic travel. 🚂 What to know ------------------ Founded in 1832 , the Strasburg Rail Road stands out as a meticulously preserved piece of American history. It holds the title of the oldest continuously operating standard-gauge railroad in the Western Hemisphere. The experience doesn’t involve any replicas . Passengers ride in authentically restored Victorian-era cars, where history feels tangible from the moment you take your seat. In the winter , the experience becomes especially transportive: the cars are warmed by genuine potbelly stoves or steam heat, casting a cozy glow as the frozen landscape slips past the windows. The atmosphere is quiet and mechanical, deeply immersive in a way modern travel rarely is. You hear the whistle echo across the valley, feel the gentle rhythm of the rails, and catch the faint, unmistakable scent of coal smoke in the cold air. 🌳 Where to begin -------------------- Your journey starts at the Strasburg Station , a beautifully maintained depot that feels like a film set from the 1800s. Before boarding, give yourself time to explore the grounds. * Tickets: It’s wise to book in advance, especially for the “First Class” cars which offer plush seating and a more intimate view of the locomotive * The Museum: Directly across the street is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania . If you’re a history buff, it’s worth arriving two hours early just to see their massive collection of vintage engines * Boarding: Listen for the conductor’s “All aboard!” The boarding process is seamless, but the photo ops next to the massive, hissing steam engine are the real priority here 🏔️ What you’ll see along the way ------------------------------------ The 45-minute round trip takes you through the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish Country . In winter, the landscape transforms into a minimalist masterpiece of rolling white hills and stark, beautiful silhouettes. * Working Farmland: You’ll pass over 2,500 acres of pristine, snow-covered farms, many of which are still tilled using traditional horse-and-plow methods * Quiet Beauty: Keep an eye out for horse-drawn buggies traveling the parallel backroads and local wildlife darting through the cornstalks * The “Long Lane” View: This stretch offers a panoramic vista of the valley that, on a clear winter day, feels like looking at a 19th-century oil painting 🚙How to get there from NYC ------------------------------ Getting to Strasburg is a straightforward escape that can be done as a long day trip or a cozy weekend getaway. * By Car: The drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via I-95 S to the NJ Turnpike. It’s a scenic cruise once you hit the Pennsylvania backroads * By Train (Amtrak): For the full rail-enthusiast experience, take the Amtrak Keystone Service from Penn Station to the Lancaster (LNC) Station . From there, it’s a quick 15-minute rideshare or taxi to the Strasburg depot * Pro Tip: If you’re driving, stop by the nearby town of Bird-in-Hand for a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch meal to cap off your winter adventure All aboard for your next winter adventure! To learn more about the Strasburg Rail Road, visit their official website. Source: https://secretnyc.co/strasburg-rail-road-winter-steam-train-ny/