HARRISBURG GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Vintage Ride Along the Swatara: 1920s Coaches and Canal-Side Stories
A narrated, one-hour round-trip aboard restored 1920s Delaware, Lackawanna & Western coaches along the Swatara Creek; this guide explains boarding, route highlights, and what to expect.
A Vintage Ride Along the Swatara: 1920s Coaches and Canal-Side Stories.
The Milk & Honey Express runs a compact, evocative circuit along the Swatara Creek: passengers board restored 1920s Delaware, Lackawanna & Western coaches at the 1891 Middletown station and travel the historic canal towpath north toward Hummelstown while a live narrator stitches together local railroad and canal history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
1920s Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Coaches
Passengers board vintage, restored 1920s coaches at the 1891 Middletown station, an authentic piece of local rail history converted from its original freight role into a passenger facility with a ticket window, gift shop, and modern restrooms.
Canal Towpath and Creekside Scenery
The train follows the canal towpath alongside the peaceful Swatara Creek, keeping much of the 1827 Union Canal corridor visible from the window as narration explains the corridor’s layered transportation history.
Local Lore, Community Support, and On-Board Amenities
Live narration highlights local artifacts and folklore—like Horse Thief Cave—while light refreshments are sold on board (with proceeds supporting equipment preservation); the station gift shop offers additional browsing before or after the ride.
What the day feels like
What the Hour Feels Like
The experience is compact and narrative-driven: a one-hour loop that traces an 11-mile round-trip along the Swatara Creek, where passengers settle into vintage coach seats, listen to a live narration about the Union Canal and regional railroad history, then return to Middletown with crew available to answer questions.
THE TRAIN
1920s Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Coaches
Passengers board vintage, restored 1920s coaches at the 1891 Middletown station, an authentic piece of local rail history converted from its original freight role into a passenger facility with a ticket window, gift shop, and modern restrooms.
THE ROUTE
Canal Towpath and Creekside Scenery
The train follows the canal towpath alongside the peaceful Swatara Creek, keeping much of the 1827 Union Canal corridor visible from the window as narration explains the corridor’s layered transportation history.
THE STORIES
Local Lore, Community Support, and On-Board Amenities
Live narration highlights local artifacts and folklore—like Horse Thief Cave—while light refreshments are sold on board (with proceeds supporting equipment preservation); the station gift shop offers additional browsing before or after the ride.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and the small, practical limits to plan around.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Active military, veterans, and first responders should bring identification to receive the $2 discount; the station also includes a gift shop and ADA restrooms for passenger use.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are restrooms available?
Yes — restrooms are located in the station gift shop at the Middletown 1891 Station.
Are there snacks on the train?
Light refreshments are available from the on-board snack concession, and all proceeds from the snack bar go to preservation of the historic equipment.
Can I talk with the crew?
Yes — on the return trip crew members are available to talk with passengers and answer questions.
Is there a discount for military or first responders?
Active military, military veterans, and first responders receive $2 off the Adult or Senior fare; show your ID to the Ticket Agent upon arrival.
Is there a gift shop at the station?
Yes — the Middletown 1891 Station contains a gift shop where passengers can browse before or after the ride.