. A Day in Strasburg, PA

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A Day in Strasburg, PA

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A train-lover’s paradise. A little boy’s dream land. A photographer’s ideal landscape.

Even more popular than our day spent at Hershey Park, our traditional trip to Strasburg, Pennsylvania, has become one of the highlights of our nearly annual PA vacation.

Unlike previous visits to the area, this time we dedicated an entire day to Strasburg, and every minute we spent there was enjoyed and appreciated.

Typically this equation {3 HOT Mamas (it was in the mid 90s and threatening thunderstorms) + 6 active and curious kids} would have equaled torture. But the sights and sounds and adventures of the Strasburg Railroad, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and the Choo Choo Barn not only held everyone’s attention, but they had the kids complaining when it was time to leave.

Here’s a little peek at what we were able to do on our stay in Strasburg:

Here is just a glimpse of what we love about Strasburg:

The Strasburg Rail Road was chartered in 1832 as a line to haul freight and passengers from Strasburg, Lancaster County to the main line in Philadelphia. Today, the Strasburg Rail Road is one of Pennsylvania’s leading family attractions and is home to museum quality, working, turn-of-the century steam locomotives, freight cars, dining cars, private cars and one of the largest fleets of historic wooden passenger cars in the world. Strasburg Rail Road also holds the unique distinction as being America’s oldest short line railroad.

The 45-minute train ride departs daily from Strasburg station. Passengers can choose to ride Coach, First-Class, Open Air or the Dining Car. The kids love switching orientation of their seat backs on the return trip. They also love sticking their heads out the open windows while the countryside breezes by. I just enjoy taking lots of pictures of the scenery.

Just across the street from the railroad is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the world. The kids ran from one restored train to another, and then spent no less than 45 minutes taking turns shoveling black foam “coal.” That was the highlight of their day….until they entered the Education Center, which is filled with hands-on trains of every shape and size. It was nearly torture to get the kids to leave!

Down the street a short distance, we visited the Choo Choo Barn. Open since 1961, this 1,700 square foot train exhibit features over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains. Our favorite feature was the a-frame house that catches on fire and is rescued by the heroics of the nearby fire department.

I can’t wait til our next visit.

Disclosure: I was given family 4-pack tickets to ride the train and visit the Choo Choo Barn. My mom cracked up when I went up to the front desk at the Museum and asked for tickets held in my name. The kind man behind the counter said, “Oh, I’ve heard of you! You’re the blogger, right?” He then gave our entire party (a big group!) tickets for the museum. I’m really not that famous. The additional tickets and lunch that we needed were purchased by us. Gladly. And we will do it again in a heart beat. The free tickets in no way influenced the fun that my family had.


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About Lolli

Lolli has written 3740 post in this blog.

I became a mom in 1996, and in 2005 I had my fifth. Yes, 5 kids. In 2007, this blog was born (my 6th baby that will never grow up) and I've been sharing recipes, photography tricks, parenting tips, and everything in between. (Formerly Better in Bulk)

Comments

  2. You captured our town so beautifully.

    Just came upon your blog and thought it really neat as this is my town. You may enjoy a little glimpse into our everyday life here….
    stoltzfus in strasburg. blogspot.com

    Hope you come back again, this town has so much to offer.

  3. Hi! What day of the week did you happen to go? Just wondering how crazy/busy it is on a Saturday. I would like to take the kids there on a “non-Thomas” day. We’ve been there a few times, but only for Thomas. I would love to go & experience everything else!

  5. You’re famous in my book, Sweet Lady! ;)
    LOVE the coal shoveling! (What kind of household chore might replicate that range of motion… ;) Might be a fun “remember the trains?” moment! )

    Have a great weekend…did I ask already if you will be at BlogHer? Please say you will! :)
    .-= Cheryl´s last blog ..Way Back When-esday- Juicy July =-.

  7. My parents live in Lebanon, PA so everytime we go visit we visit Strasburg, Hershey, the Amish country, and all the other highlights around. I have loved seeing your pictures and reading your adventures from your trip. Brings back many memories and makes me want to start packing!

  9. My boys would have certainly love visiting such a place.. unfortunately we don’t have trains like that here in Singapore.

  14. My computer is running really slow so I only looked through the first dozen pics or so..you took so GREAT photos of your vacation!

    Have you ever done the caverns while in the Hershey area? Small and not too terrible for walking for wee ones. Wait, no no…the one part is steep…but it is a fun way to spend a few hours!

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