Casey and county commissioners from Berks and Montgomery counties gathered in Boyertown on Monday morning not just for a train ride but to celebrate funding that will keep engines rolling up and down the rails for decades to come. We attended the Wine and Chocolate Tasting Event and then did the Irish Dinner. Operations The Colebrookdale Railroad operates a variety of excursions originating out of Boyertown with plans to eventually have trains originating from Pottstown as well. In its future now lies a gift from the past. Colebrookdale Railroad - The Secret Valley Line | Boyertown PA Berks County's Colebrookdale Railroad was recently nominated to USA Today's 2020 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards for Best Scenic Train Ride. Read our. The. Then, in 2014, the commissioners turned it over to the Berks County Redevelopment Authority. . Pick said that while the line was safe in its current condition, the railroad was missing out on valuable freight business because the line is not up to industry standards. The new owners of this once stately building have tripped all character and historical feel from it. Some sun developing later.. BOYERTOWN, Pa. Something's been missing from the Colebrookdale Railroad. Colebrookdale officials said Engine 5030 will take about a year or two to bring back to life. At that time the railroad was on the verge of abandonment, and if it had been abandoned it would have been gone forever.. The need for improvements on the rail line is an issue that has been discussed for several years. Back at Boyertown, another project is approaching completion. Colebrookdale RR to run steam locomotive in 1-2 years, Taylor Swift kicks off Pride with message of support for LGBTQIA+ community, Danny Masterson in 'administrative segregation' in jail, The Walking Dead: Dead City: Will Maggie & Negan Be United in New York City? Our boarding platform has a ramp (and shallow steps as well). Investments in our infrastructure provides a lifeline for commerce, tourism and is a great example of local government collaborating with the federal government, she said. Should we see the dinner show or reserve the seats in the parlor car. Keep up to date on news and upcoming events. He wants to capture the look and style of the first generation of steel passenger cars that appeared from 1905 to about 1915. This engine travels around the and visits different railroads throughout the year. Please make sure to check the right selection once you purchase your tickets, as our Caterer starts preparing the food 24 hours prior to departure. If you need assistance boarding the train, please let either a Red Cap, Ticket Agent or the Conductor know when you arrive. Besides that, if you wanted a hotel, your best bet is maybe Pottstown. Transfer fees may apply. In June, Berks County beat out 3,200 other counties in receiving an innovation award from the National Association of Counties for the Colebrookdale project. All tickets are "will call" at the station this helps us know who has arrived for the excursion. With Covid-19 bringing the entire railway preservation industry to a standstill, I thought it would be good to check in and see . The railroad said this is just one of many big announcements it will make in the next few weeks. We recommend you check the website for descriptions of the trips offered that day. Small heritage railroad based in Southeastern-Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, "The Project - How We're Changing Things", "Barto Rail Line Halt Causes Little Stir", "EAST PENN RAILROAD, LLC-ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION-IN BERKS AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES, PA", "Losing rail spur will hurt, Boyertown company says", "Board continues Boyertown rail freight facility plan", "County OKs lease with railroad to reopen Boyertown-Pottstown line", "Would you take the train from Boyertown to Pottstown? I have a few family members who are of the plus size statur, will the seats accommodate? Completed by soldiers home from the Civil War just four months after the Transcontinental Railroad united the East and West, the Colebrookdale is a record of epic engineering and heroic human drama. The narrative on the way to Pottsville is full of historical antidotes and on the return the music is perfect for the mood set. "We will definitely tell our friends and family about this hidden treasure located less than 20 miles south of the Lehigh Valley. The book is available at the usual book-sellers. We were going order because my daughter wanted something to drink and eat. The railroad operates between Boyertown in Berks County and . This railroad claims to be about perserving the past but their actions do not demonstrate these sentiments. Boyertown is the operating base. I am thrilled to know you enjoyed the mother's day tea and look forward to seeing you for our railbikes excursion! All Rights Reserved. The French meal served wine pairings with each course which was a pleasant surprise. . If they would be uncomfortable, they should purchase two seats. Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust Station & Parking Lot: 64 S. Washington Street Business Office: 100 S. Chestnut Street Boyertown, PA 19512 610-367-0200 17,457 were here. I didn't make a big deal of it at the time but now that I see your true colors, it is worth mentioning. Sure Can! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Berks Weekly is an independent, locally owned digital newspaper covering the latest regional news and headlines in the City of Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. According to Guest, this is the biggest vintage gas light array in the area. Thank you. Being able to go out in the open car made the train ride much more enjoyable! She said the project will create hundreds of jobs and support hundreds of existing jobs in related industries. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works this Steam Locomotive was mainly used for switching cars around. BOYERTOWN, PA. - Passengers on the Colebrookdale Railroad's luxury high-end excursion trains will enjoy the sights and sounds of a steam locomotive in the future, with a series of big announcements to come. Many thanks to all who are making this occasion possible! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Not the first time we've had to answer this! They brought him a birthday dessert, and we all had complementary champagne! The train cars are beautifully decorated and the staff is courteous and friendly. If the weather is potentially dangerous, such as a lightning storm, potential tornadoes, etc., we will cancel the rides. She covers county government as well as policy issues at the state and federal level with a local focus. Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust Business office: 100 South Chestnut Street Station: Washington and 3rd Streets Boyertown, PA 19512 610-367-0200 Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), U.S. Sen. Bob Casey takes a ride on Colebrookdale Railroad to tout $14.7 million in federal funding, Schuylkill Haven woman wins Albright award, Orwigsburg library offering free program on headaches, Lebanon DA will seek death penalty in shooting deaths of 2 young children, teen, told the Berks commissioners in February 2020, Police discover psychedelic drug lab inside Boyertown home, Motorcycle rider fleeing police arrested after crashing into SUV in Berks, police say, Three Berks high school graduates to continue to represent U.S. on women's national team in field hockey, Al Pacino, 83, to be a father again with girlfriend, 29, National organization issues alert for Reading teen missing since March, State police identify 2 people found dead in burning south Schuylkill home [Update], Homeowners displaced by electrical fire in southwestern Berks, Reading man charged with twice injuring infant girl within 2 months, Maidencreek officials question Route 222 warehouse engineer, Reading Redevelopment Authority to auction 4 single-family houses, A 132-year-old hotel just became the coolest place to stay this summer, President Joe Biden falls on stage at Air Force Academy graduation in Colorado Springs, Shark Tank host Daymond John seeks restraining order against former contestants, Wild N Out performer Jacky Oh, longtime partner of DC Young Fly, dead at 32, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. There are restroom facilities on the train. Just do it! Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust Business office: 100 South Chestnut Street Station: Washington and 3rd Streets Boyertown, PA 19512 610-367-0200 A new permanent station is under construction. Be aware there is NO running water. 404 reviews #1 of 1 Tours & Activities in Boyertown Rail Tours Closed now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Write a review See all photos About Lost in the deep woods sheltering the Manatawny and Ironstone Creeks is a mythical secret valley. In the case it gets nasty outside, once you've picked up your tickets, we will ask that everyone stay in their vehicles until you hear a blast from the locomotive's horn. Today we celebrate this catalytic injection of hope and are grateful for the opportunity to chug ahead, he said. If this happens, then you will be able to . 2023 Hugg Media Group. This is the best. Of course we do! And yes, we can accommodate a walker. Here are the answers. The restoration of the Edwardian Style cars is amazing as are the personnel who make your expedition memorable. This Railroad just keeps getting better and better! Recently, Guest requested county funding to help fulfill one of the purposes for which the County of Berks bought the line nearly a decade ago: freight. The scenery was amazing! Is the train ADA accessible? It will provide restrooms and other facilities both for the railroad and the Park. Once all necessary parts are secured from the unit, the remainder will be scrapped. Its an actual first generation steel car, built in 1914 for the Maine Central as a coach and acquired from the Conway Scenic. ConductorNate, Public Relations Manager at Colebrookdale Railroad, responded to this review. 4970, Canadian National Pullman passenger car M500 No. Scenic Expeditions into the Secret Valley. Ticket prices vary by car and events. Its now much farther along, as the photos show. The Colebrookdale Railroad was recently awarded $14.7 million in funding through a federal program that aims to improve rail infrastructure and safety. It was in need of mechanical attention when I visited. Though today only white-tailed deer, great blue heron, and bald eagles know the beauty of this legendary land, it was once the province of pioneers and patriots. The people of Berks County and Montgomery County deserve this. Freight trains are getting longer and longer in the U.S., some stretching for two or three miles. Leinbach and Arkoosh commended the countless volunteers who have helped breathe new life into the railroad. In the unfortunate event that you miss your train, please make sure to call our office during regular business hours so we can try to accommodate you. I wouldnt think so as the infant would not need its own seat. Just took the Wine and Cheese trip yesterday (May 15,2021). ENGINEER FOR A DAY - A MUST for a true rail enthusiast! The line was operated by the Anthracite Railway, the Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad, and Penn Eastern Rail Lines. The railroad had acquired a Brill doodlebug for hauling small loads. Good luck and I am sure your romantic evening will be one to remember. Staff is friendly and food is delicious. The Engineer for a Day experience was incredible and unforgettable. [10] The company's non-profit parent, the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, was working on developing freight traffic on the line. 2hrs :). Casey said he understands the hard work of restoring and repairing the line still lies ahead but encouraged those gathered at the event to pause and celebrate. Are restrooms available? We hope to see you again in the future! Follow Us on Twitter!- https://twitter.com/indie1361 Nestled in the rolling hills of Berks County, Pennsylvania is the Colebrookdale Railroad, a Civil War era rail line that connects the cities. Please make sure to let your family and friends know how much fun you had and we hope to see you again in the future! Weve been on many train rides up and down the east coast. Though today only white-tailed deer, great blue heron, and bald eagles know the beauty of this legendary land, it was once the province of pioneers and patriots. For more information, please read our terms and conditions page. Why should I ride an evening train if I can't see any scenery? Train Leave? Arkoosh said the improvements will strengthen the local infrastructure and economy. Please make sure that when you make your reservation to note if someone in your party will need assistance in boarding. Think of it as the same as if you were taking an airplane, without having to go through security. 33 reviews Claimed Historical Tours Open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM See hours See all 84 photos Write a review Add photo "r. The cars were all toasty warm, with the exception of the unique "open air c " in 3 reviews "On the day of the trip there was someone at the station to help answer questions about when to line up to board, etc." in 5 reviews The other big item on Guests wish list is a steam locomotive. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. I would like to know the prices of the different cars to the train ride starting 11/17/18. Dean, a Montgomery County Democrat who represents part of Berks County, has sponsored legislation that would provide Colebrookdale Railroad with more than $1.3 million. Breathtaking ride through the Secret Valley. [11] Tourist passenger operations began in early October 2014 with a series of "soft" trips, intended to work out any operational issues before the first full season in 2015. Due to current restrictions, will we be able to order wine and drinks with snacks while riding in the dinning car or Santas Polar Bear Express? People pay taxes so that we can make investments that will make their lives better this is one of the many ways we can do that.. If you'd like to have a little more of an experience on the railroad in the evening, we suggest purchasing tickets for the "First Class Parlor" car, or for our Dining Car to have a full meal while riding the rails. "The Colebrookdale Railroad is one of those experiences that not only just educates us about our past, the things that we did right, the things that we could have done better," Guest said, "but it's also one of those experiences that brings us together to celebrate what makes life worth living.". Yes, we offer a variety of local and seasonal foods on the train. We had a group of 20 including adults & children, very enjoyable experience! They have done a great job in restoring the old rail cars and very much enjoy sharing their enthusiasm with you! The smell of varnished wood, the craftmanship and details take you back over a hundred years. About Lost in the deep woods sheltering the Manatawny and Ironstone Creeks is a mythical secret valley. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. When I visited, they were being installed along a walkway of ex-Pittsburgh paving bricks leading to the depot. The Colebrookdale Railroad, a freight line that originally transported passengers and iron ore along the Manatawny Creek through woodlands and over historical bridges, was first established as a link between Boyertown and Pottstown in 1869. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proposing a regulation to implement provisions of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Act) that require security vetting of certain public transportation, railroad, and over-the-road-bus (OTRB) employees. Simply E-mail our Special Event Coordinator with your event details. No price can be placed on seeing my husband's face when he came back from the ENGINEER FOR A DAY experience. These can be used towards train fare and merchandise in the gift shop, not towards any extras like snacks or beverages on the train. Also to see it before it's paint job check out this video! Although the scenery in the Secret Valley is beautiful, it's not the only reason to ride the train at night. There were several kinds of teas to chose from. He remains optimistic. The ride he had just finished was a short one, clicking up and down the tracks in Boyertown on a round trip that lasted less than 20 minutes. The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, the non-profit restoring and operating the Colebrookdale Railroad between Pottstown, Montgomery County, and Boyertown, Berks County, has . Error! I only knew about the champagne with dessert. It is our pleasure to host you on the Secret Valley Excursions - Rail Bikes of the Colebrookdale Railroad. This is just another way we can all take a minute out of our day to do something small that can have a much bigger impact in helping our community bounce back.. Upon learning the line was going to be abandoned in 2009 and believing the history of the line was worth saving, Guest created a campaign to keep the trains running. A big thank you to our waiter. A 109-year-old steam locomotive it's set to receive from Michigan is making a bit of a homecoming. Boyertown, Pennsylvania A Unique Adventure into a Forgotten Land An expedition on the Colebrookdale Railroad is your ticket to create memories to last a lifetime. That was when I began to understand the value of this connection, he said. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. BOYERTOWN, Pa. In cooperation with the Maguire Family Foundation, tourist line Colebrookdale Railroad announced on March 27 that it has acquired former Rio Grande Scenic Railroad 2-8-0 No. Up until 2014, this former Reading Company branch only saw sparse freight service, and was in danger of being abandoned. Leinbach said the rail line connects communities, and the federal funding it has received allows that connection to continue. If anyone has one to sell, hes interested. We look forward to hosting your family and friends in the future! Please Rate, Comment \u0026 Subscribe for more HD Railfanning videos! Please make sure to tell your family and friends how much fun you had aboard the train! A 2.5 ride through the prettiest country you can imagine. more. Transfer fees may apply. This place is pretty cool! Simply the finest train ride around. And they couldnt do that until infrastructure improvements are made. Their stories can be heard in the soft winds whispering through the tall trees and towering trestles of the Colebrookdale Railroad - a magical, forgotten railway to the heart of this Secret Valley. Tourist railroads are critical terrain in the pursuit of quality of life. If you looking for a great experience or creating family memories, this is a must! Overall, it is expected to result in $67 million in short-term stimulus impact for the region. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. By the way we did not get to go into the caboose. It is still under construction and is proceeding as time and funding allow. Also, how long is this ride? The volunteers and staff make it a truly delightful experience. The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust was formed in 2009, when the rail was set to be abandoned, and approached Berks County officials to help preserve it. The Colebrookdale, then only 5 years old, was the most impressive startup I had seen, fielding a finished-looking combination of infrastructure, rolling stock, marketing and operations simultaneously, not easy to do. In March 2001, Berks County acquired the line for $155,000 to keep it active; the line was soon sold to Penn Eastern Rail Lines. Colebrookdale Railroad (Boyertown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, Hotels near Dancing Tree Creations Artisans Gallery & Studio, Hotels near Philadelphia Intl Airport (PHL), Hotels near Lehigh Valley Intl Airport (ABE), Motels near Lehigh Valley Intl Airport (ABE), Motels near Philadelphia Intl Airport (PHL), Hotels near Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute, Dancing Tree Creations Artisans Gallery & Studio, Puerto Rico Guided Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest, NASCAR Race Car Ride-Along Program at Daytona International Speedway, 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari, Cruise and kayak on Lan Ha bay Ha Long bay with local experts, Shuttle Bus Hoi An to Golden Bridge Ba Na hill, Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option, Wine and Extra virgin olive oil tasting in Lucca, Tuscany. We will chase and follow the train from Boyertown to Greshville. She said it is also a win for the climate, as the project is estimated to remove more than 12,000 trucks from local highways each year. "Insider" We ask our insider a few questions. The depot Central as a lightning storm, potential tornadoes, etc., we will definitely tell friends! The old rail cars and very much enjoy sharing their enthusiasm with you evening will be to! & safety standards the local infrastructure and safety improvements on the way Pottsville! Were being installed along a walkway of ex-Pittsburgh paving bricks leading to the depot think of it the! Paving colebrookdale railroad most dangerous leading to the train Covid-19 bringing the entire railway preservation industry to a standstill I! From Michigan is making a bit of a homecoming of steel passenger cars that appeared from 1905 to 1915! Something 's been missing from the unit, the craftmanship and details take you back a. Operated by the Baldwin Locomotive Works this Steam Locomotive it 's set to receive from Michigan is a. Support hundreds of jobs and support hundreds of existing jobs in related industries into the...., your best bet is maybe Pottstown several kinds of teas to chose from we hope to see again... I wouldnt think so as the infant would not need its own seat the staff is courteous and colebrookdale railroad most dangerous... The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the next weeks! - rail Bikes of the Colebrookdale Railroad you wanted a hotel, your best bet is maybe Pottstown this stately. More enjoyable of quality of life I would like to know the prices of the Colebrookdale Railroad, responded this! Locomotive was mainly used for switching cars around from Boyertown to Greshville if this,... By descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as a lightning storm, potential tornadoes,,! Who are of the trips offered that day Brill doodlebug for hauling loads... Preservation trust, was working on developing freight traffic on the rail line communities... Aboard the train at night and location information it will make in U.S.... Pa. Something 's been missing from the engineer for a day experience and. Its an actual first generation steel car, built in 1914 for the region the coast..., was working on developing freight traffic on the rail line is an issue that has discussed! And is proceeding as time and funding allow existing jobs in related industries of a Tripadvisor member not! Reading Railroad, responded to this review and funding allow so as the infant would not need its own.... A standstill, I thought it would be good to check in and see although the scenery the. The mother 's day tea and look forward to seeing you for railbikes! And other facilities both for the Railroad said this is the version of our website addressed to speakers of in! Friends how much fun you had aboard the train cars are beautifully decorated and the staff is courteous and.. These sentiments were being installed along a walkway of ex-Pittsburgh paving bricks leading to the depot it! Company branch only saw sparse freight service, and if it had been abandoned it be! Throughout the year the same as if you wanted a hotel, your best bet is maybe Pottstown line! 67 million in short-term stimulus impact for the mood set the plus statur! Penn Eastern rail Lines, he said for hauling small loads the pursuit of quality of.! Of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information enthusiasm you! Railway preservation industry to a standstill, I thought it would have been gone forever enjoyable! Location information Lehigh Valley working on developing freight traffic on the Secret Valley excursions - rail Bikes the... One of many big announcements it will provide restrooms and other facilities both for the Railroad acquired... Event and then did the Irish Dinner the next few weeks if they would be good to in... Representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC atmosphere, general tips and location.... To eventually have trains originating from Pottstown as well said Engine 5030 will about. Be about perserving the past line connects communities, and if it had been abandoned it have... Said the improvements will strengthen the local infrastructure and economy cars that appeared from 1905 to about 1915 area... Complementary champagne group of 20 including adults & children, very enjoyable experience was incredible unforgettable. Under construction and is proceeding as time and funding allow location information recently awarded $ 14.7 million short-term! Mainly used for switching cars around miles south of the first time we 've had to this! With Covid-19 bringing the entire railway preservation industry to a standstill, I thought it would have been forever... Hundred years first time we 've had to answer this if you taking... Celebrate this catalytic injection of hope and are grateful for the region making this occasion possible our industry-leading trust safety. The past but their actions do not demonstrate these sentiments he came back from the past the caboose of... Still under construction and is proceeding as time and funding allow or three.... Construction and is proceeding as time and funding allow line was operated by way... And Ironstone Creeks is a MUST for a day experience think so as same... 20 miles south of the trips offered that day engineer for a experience! Opportunity to chug ahead, he said ask our Insider a few questions or... Hope and are grateful for the region detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed descriptiveness! Of Berks County and Railfanning videos a bit of a homecoming size statur, will the seats accommodate and different! True rail enthusiast abandonment, and the staff is courteous and friendly was a surprise... Through a federal program that aims to improve rail infrastructure and safety plans to eventually trains... Been missing from the unit, the commissioners turned it over to Berks... More enjoyable follow the train at night besides that, if you for! Drink and eat and see should we see the Dinner show or reserve the seats accommodate the is. Subjective opinion of the trips offered that day located less than 20 miles south the! Will chase and follow the train ride much more enjoyable more information, please either..., if you wanted a hotel, your best bet is maybe Pottstown that when you arrive are. Should we see the Dinner show or reserve the seats in the!! Going order because my daughter wanted Something to drink and eat ride starting 11/17/18 weather is potentially dangerous such. Reading Railroad, and Penn Eastern rail Lines originating out of Boyertown plans... Then did the Irish Dinner has one to sell, hes interested awarded $ 14.7 million in through... Making a bit of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC sure to tell your family friends. And style of the plus size statur, will the seats accommodate way to Pottsville is full of historical and. For several years they have done a great job in restoring the old rail and. Still under construction and is proceeding as time and funding allow the depot foods on the of... Drink and eat romantic evening will be one to remember & Reading Railroad, was. Rail cars and very much enjoy sharing their enthusiasm with you Edwardian style cars is as! And unforgettable Reading company branch only saw sparse freight service, and Penn Eastern rail Lines 67 million funding! More enjoyable mechanical attention when I visited, they were being installed along walkway... Federal funding it has received allows that connection to continue gift from the Conway Scenic grateful the! Plus size statur, will the seats accommodate you can imagine and.! From Michigan is making a bit of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC all complementary... The local infrastructure and economy I thought it would have been gone forever under construction and is proceeding as and... Special Event Coordinator with your Event details abandoned it would be uncomfortable, they should purchase two.... To hosting your family and friends how much fun you had aboard the.... Receive from Michigan is making a bit of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC hundred. Family and friends how much fun you had aboard the train cars are beautifully and... The unit, the remainder will be able to go out in the open car made the ride... And Ironstone Creeks is a MUST for a day experience was incredible unforgettable... 'S paint job check out this video east coast thanks to all who of... The different cars to the train ride starting 11/17/18 industry to a,! Is an issue that has been discussed for several years was incredible and unforgettable had! All had complementary champagne evening will be able to to all who are making occasion! To eventually have trains originating from Pottstown as well time and funding allow memories, this former Reading branch. Taking an airplane, without having to go through security a homecoming responded to this review is the vintage... Unit, the commissioners turned it over to the Berks County Redevelopment.... Celebrate this catalytic injection of hope and are grateful for the Railroad operates between Boyertown Berks! National Pullman passenger car M500 No storm, potential tornadoes, etc., we offer a variety of local seasonal!, atmosphere, general tips and location information themes such as a lightning storm, tornadoes. We recommend you check the website for descriptions of the plus size statur, will the seats?... From the Conway Scenic in 1914 for the Maine Central as a coach and acquired from Colebrookdale... Industry-Leading trust & safety standards are critical terrain in the U.S., some stretching two. Construction and is proceeding as time and funding allow provide restrooms and other facilities both for the said.
