From being environmentally friendly to more cost-effective, traveling by train offers numerous advantages. It also is a comfortable and reliable mode of transportation for going long distances without the hassle of driving or flying, and it gives you the chance to sit back and relax while taking in some of the most beautiful natural scenery that you might not get to see otherwise. These scenic railroads in the Northeast offer some of the area’s most stunning views and access to popular sites along with special amenities such as meal service, live music, wine tasting, and more.
Embark on a scenic adventure with Cape Cod Central Railroad, which offers themed rides and narrated excursions. Its routes are not for regular public transit. The Cape Train is located at the Hyannis and Buzzards Bay train stations along the New England coast in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The train will take you past places that are only accessible by rail, including dunes, marshes, and cranberry bogs.
Rides range from two to three hours and include sites such as the Barnstable Great Marsh Sanctuary, the famous Cape Cod Canal, and a ride through Sandwich, the oldest village on the Cape. Dining train experiences include a “Jazz Sunday Brunch Train” with live music, a gourmet wine tasting train experience with Cape Cod Winery, and the “Rails & Ales Beer Tasting Train.” Special discounts are offered to groups of 25 or more.
“We offer narrated excursion trains where guests can enjoy a daytime ride with tales of the history of the canal and how cranberries are harvested,” says Kaylene Jablecki, vice president and chief operating officer of Cape Rail. “Additionally, they can enjoy a relaxing weekday lunch or Sunday brunch with a freshly prepared three-course meal, or a sunset dinner train with a delicious five-course meal. We love groups, and we welcome aboard thousands of tour group visitors per season.”
Credit: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland, Maine, offers rides on its historic train cars that span 3 miles round trip and take around 40 minutes. They start at the Ocean Gateway development area and stop at a scenic overlook on the Portland peninsula’s northern edge. The train goes to the end of the line to the overlook, where guests can get off and enjoy the view for 10 minutes. During that time, they also have the opportunity to ask the train crew any questions about the railroad, its history, and the surrounding scenery.
Trains leave on the hour, every hour, and discounts are available for groups of 15 or more with advance reservation; almost any size group can be accommodated. The museum houses a collection of historic equipment from Maine’s narrow-gauge railways.
“This historic train brings guests on a scenic waterfront route, with views of Casco Bay and its islands, lighthouse, forts, marinas, and even a beach,” says Matt Levy, general manager of Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. “Guests ride on a mix of lovingly preserved historic and new-build narrow-gauge train cars. Onboard narration points out scenery and local history. With our friendly train crew, plenty of scenery to enjoy, and a fascinating story, there’s adventure packed into this train ride.”
Patriot Rail offers several excursions that take you across different landscapes, charming towns, and historic sites in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. The Granite State Railway goes on scenic rides through New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Lakes Regions during the spring, summer, and fall along the western shores of Lake Winnisquam, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the Pemigewasset River.
The Gettysburg Railway is the newest experience from Patriot Rail, featuring renovated 1950s-era passenger railcars and narrated history. It departs from the historic 1884 train depot near Gettysburg College’s southeast entrance and showcases the beautiful countryside in Adams County, Pennsylvania, including views of the iconic battlefield and Eternal Light Peace Memorial. Preordered box lunches on the various excursions can be arranged in advance for groups.
“Across all of Patriot Rail’s excursion railways, we’re seeing incredible momentum with our group tours,” says Robert Turnauckas, president of Patriot Rail’s excursion division. “We’re expanding our group travel offerings with customized itineraries and exclusive packages—including lunch-and-ride options—to help tour operators streamline their visits. These enhancements allow us to offer both a meal and an attraction simultaneously, while supporting our partners in creating more efficient, high-value, and memorable experiences for their guests.”
By Kamala Kirk
Main Image: Patriot Rail on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire; Credit: Patriot Rail
