Spring on the Wilmington & Western (April-June)
Brews on Board
(Diesel Powered)
Calling all adults (21+)! On a leisurely 2-hour ride, enjoy two 12-ounce pours of your beers of choice and a selection of snacks. Additional pours will be available for $5 cash each or take advantage of the Pour Package when purchasing your trip. Relax, sit back and sip along the tracks. Rides will take place April 19th, July 13th, August 2nd, and September 13th. Brewery partners to be announced soon.
New for 2024! A Look Behind the Scenes Day
(Doodlebug Powered)
Spend time with the volunteers of the Wilmington & Western Railroad for a behind-the-scenes adventure. Explore the rarely seen areas usually only accessible to volunteers. Book now for April 20th.
Yorklyn Limited
(Steam, Diesel and Doodlebug depending on date)
Enjoy a leisurely trip through the Red Clay Valley with a picnic in tow, or just sit back and relax to simply admire the natural surroundings. Rides will take place on varying dates from April 13th – September 7th.
Hockessin Flyer
(Steam or Diesel Powered depending on date)
Kick back and relax on board the train as you ride through the entire length of the railroad to the town of Hockessin and back! Rides will take place on varying dates from April 13th - September 7th.
New for 2024! Wonderland Express
(Diesel Powered)
Join in the fun on the rails while Alice, the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts take over the train. Be sure to dress in your best tea party outfits! Book now for May 5th.
Brandywine Springs Historic Express
(Doodlebug Powered)
A unique ride with a history-focused theme gives passengers the opportunity to take a guided tour through Brandywine Springs Park, Delaware's abandoned amusement park that once featured a fun house, pony rides and an early wooden roller coaster. Hop onboard to discover one of the most historic locations along the Wilmington & Western tracks. Rides will take place May 11th and September 14th
Mother’s Day Special
(Diesel Powered)
Bring moms, aunts, grandmas, and friends out on the rails this May to enjoy a ride aboard a historic train throughout the Red Clay Valley in celebration of Mother's Day. Pack a picnic, grab some snacks and enjoy spending time with the women in your life. Mothers ride for half-fare! Book now for May 12th.
Summer on the Wilmington & Western (June-September)
Wine & Cheese Express
(Diesel Powered)
Calling all adults (21+)! Savor the flavor of a selection of wine and cheese pairings as you ride through the Red Clay Valley. Enjoy wines from Harvest Ridge Winery and cheeses from Chesapeake Gold Farms. All passengers will receive a souvenir wine glass to remember their experience! Book now for June 1st.
School’s Out Special
(Diesel Powered)
Schoolteachers, admins & school staff can let their hair down on the rails in celebration of the end of school! Ride the Wilmington & Western’s diesel-powered train on a 1 ½ ride through the Red Clay Valley to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove. Choose whether to hop off for a quick layover or stay onboard to get a look at the cities of Ashland and Yorklyn. All teachers, admins, & staff ride FREE on June 8th!
Father’s Day Special
(Diesel Powered)
Bring dads, uncles, grandpas, and friends out on the rails this June to enjoy a ride aboard a historic train through the Red Clay Valley in celebration of Father’s Day. Pack a picnic, grab some snacks and enjoy spending time with the men in your life. Fathers ride for half-fare! Book now for June 16th.
New for 2024! Ritas on the Rails
(Doodlebug Powered)
Hop on board to head to Hockessin’s Ritas for a FREE large water ice, custard or gelato! Book now for June 30th.
Fireworks Express
(Steam-Powered)
Looking for a seamless Fourth of July firework adventure? Hop on board the steam-powered train to enjoy the annual Hockessin firework show. Your chance to sit back and relax (without fighting over parking in Hockessin!) The ride will take you to a viewing area for the firework show, so pack a cooler, blankets and some folding chairs. This will be a 4-hour trip. Book now for July 4th.
New for 2024! Ice Cream Express
(Diesel Powered)
Cool off with Delaware’s famous Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream during a train ride to the town of Hockessin! Book now for July 27th.
Princess Express
(Diesel Powered)
Join five popular characters onboard as they pose for pictures and interact throughout the ride. It’s a fun and royal afternoon for your favorite princesses and princes. Book now for July 28th.
Back to School Special
(Diesel Powered)
On August 24th, take the kids out on the rails for one last summer adventure before school begins again. Ride the Wilmington & Western’s diesel-powered train on a 1 ½ hour ride through the Red Clay Valley to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove. Choose whether to hop off for a quick layover or stay onboard to get a look at the cities of Ashland and Yorklyn. One child rides FREE with each full-priced adult/senior ticket.
Grandparents Day Special
(Diesel Powered)
Grab those GiGis, PopPops, MomMoms, Grandpas, and Abuelas! A special day onboard the Wilmington & Western is calling. Send the grandparents out for the day with the grandkids to create some incredible memories. Enjoy this 1 ½ hour ride through the Red Clay Valley with a stop at the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove. Feel free to pack lunch! Book now for September 8th.
Fall on the Wilmington & Western (October-November)
Autumn Leaf Special
(Steam or Diesel Powered depending on date)
Treat yourself to a classic train ride through fall foliage beauty of Greater Wilmington. Whether you choose the 1 ½ hour trip through the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove or the 2 ½ hour trip through Hockessin, take leaf peeping to the next level with the Autumn Leaf Special. Book now for rides beginning October 5th. Rides will take place Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays through November 3rd.
Halloween Express
(Steam Powered)
This fall, hop onboard the Wilmington & Western while the friendly Railroad Witch visits. Come in costume for a discounted ticket! Book now for October 27th.
Hayride Express
(Diesel Powered)
Enjoy an evening ride through the Red Clay Valley on an original railroad flatcar filled with hay! Rides will take place on Fridays in October.
Salute to Veterans
(Steam Powered)
Wilmington & Western honors veterans on a November ride through Greater Wilmington. The railroad is thanking them for their service by having all veterans ride FREE. The event will begin with a ceremony at Greenbank Station with the ride to follow. Book now for November 9th.
Ice Princess Express
(Diesel Powered)
Just before the winter chill arrives, hop on the train with the Ice Queen, Ice Princess and Ice Harvester! Sing songs as your favorite characters meet and greet all passengers (big and small) on board. Rides take place November 16th and 17th.
Winter on the Wilmington & Western (November - December)
Santa Claus Express
(Steam or Diesel Powered depending on date)
Grab the family and a camera! It’s time to meet the big guy onboard the rails. The Jolly Elf will be riding through Greater Wilmington on the Wilmington & Western ready to greet everyone with a special treat. Rides take place on varying dates from November 29th – December 23rd.
Holiday Lights Express
(Diesel Powered)
A peaceful ride to end the year! Hop on the Wilmington & Western train covered in thousands of lights to take in the sights along the rail. This is a very popular event so be sure to book your date early. Rides take place on varying dates from December 6th – 30th.
